8 Bay Area neighborhoods that make trick-or-treating a scream

"In our age of smartphones and anxious parents, it's easy to feel nostalgic for the low-tech Halloweens of yore when kids put on their colorful costumes, went out when it was just a little bit dark and rang neighbors' doorbells to scream, Treat or treat! Fortunately, the Bay Area still has dozens of neighborhoods where the streets are safe, the candy is plentiful and the Halloween decorations are immersive and deliciously over-the-top. Here are eight of our favorite neighborhoods to trick or treat this year."

"The island of Alameda, with its grand old houses and small-town enthusiasm for public holidays, is a fine place to hunt for treats, and perhaps a few tricks. The Gold Coast neighborhood is prime territory for Halloween activity. Last year, residents reported having good luck treatin' and sight-seein' on Grand and Paru streets just south of Encinal Avenue. And while the famed Christmas Tree Lane on the 3200 block of Thompson Avenue shines especially bright in December,"

The Bay Area contains many neighborhoods where streets are safe, candy is plentiful, and Halloween decorations are immersive and over-the-top. Alameda's Gold Coast features grand old houses and enthusiastic residents, with popular trick-or-treating on Grand and Paru streets and festive displays on Thompson Avenue. Willow Glen in San Jose offers decorated homes along Cherry, Cottle, Lester, Glen Una and Lupton avenues and a Trick or Treat Along Lincoln Avenue with set time slots for toddlers and school-age children. A nonprofit called Books for Treats participates in Willow Glen's event, providing books as part of the holiday offerings.

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