Halloween isn't just for kids. Adults love it too — it's the rare night we can wear costumes, embrace spooky vibes and actually meet our neighbors.

Why it matters: Only about a quarter of U.S. adults say they know "all or most" of their neighbors, a 2025 Pew Research Center survey found.

• 62% know some neighbors. But another 12% say they don't know a single one.

The big picture: Knowing your neighbors is better for your mental health, longevity and happiness levels, studies show.

• And the casual relationships we have with people nearby — the folks we wave to or chat with at the mailbox — are what keep communities strong and connected.

Reality check: A little more neighborliness can't solve everything straining American society right now.

• But it certainly couldn't hurt to at least be on a first-name basis with a few people on your block or in your building.
• You never know when you might need some help and communities can rally together in times of need.

Yes, but: You don't have to wait for Halloween to meet your neighbors.

• Hold a stoop session, say hi to folks while walking your dog or go to a neighborhood yard sale.

The bottom line: Making a few neighborhood friends is sweeter than any Snickers.

The dogs of Axios SF love showing out for Halloween, or at least tolerating the costumes for their human besties.

• At left is Claire and her dog Dusty, looking ambivalent about being dressed up as a bowl of pasta. Claire reports that Dusty "politely kept it on for as long as it took to take the picture, then looked so mortified that I immediately took it off."
• To the right is Nadia's dog Mimi, dressed up as Dolly Parton and looking similarly uncertain.

Got a dope pet costume pic? Hit reply, share it and we might run it in a future newsletter!

California's collective verdict on candy corn? Not a fan.

The state is among those nationwide with the least interest in candy corn, purchasing 32.9% fewer orders containing the divisive candy compared to the national average, per Instacart data shared with Axios.

• That's based on the difference in the share of Instacart orders containing candy corn in each state versus the national average last October.

Forget the argument over whether candy corn is any good — here at Axios SF, we firmly believe it isn't.

• Another question remains: If for some crazy reason you eat the stuff, which end do you start with?

Check out these local tattoo spots for flash specials this Halloween, and finally get that little ghost on your wrist you've always wanted:

🥀 Rose Gold: This Halloween tattoo and piercing event includes flash sheets with tattoos for $131 or $313, 13% off jewelry, Halloween-inspired jewelry selections by BVLA, exclusive merchandise and more. First come, first served.

• 11am-6pm at 1157 Masonic Ave.

✍️ Idle Hand: Arrive dressed up to enter the costume contest and win prizes, plus get a cool spooky tattoo from one of the city's best artists. Walk-ins welcome, or opt reserve your spot here.

• 11am-6pm at 575 Haight Street.

🦢 Two Cranes: Tattoos cost between $100 to $150 per flash, with ideal placement on arms and legs. The shop will also be handing out stickers, goodie bags, candy and more. First come, first served.

• 11am - until late at 825 Sacramento St.

We leave you with an assortment of jack-o'-lanterns that Nadia carved with her friends this week.

• Can you guess which one is hers? Hint: it's close to the face she makes when her editor has a lot of edits on one of her stories.