Bay Area candy and costume lovers need look no further than their very own back yards (or front yards, rather) for the best trick-or-treating neighborhoods in the United States.

Zillow has once again listed San Jose and San Francisco in their 20 Best Cities to Trick or Treat in 2012. San Francisco tops the list at number one, with San Jose coming in just four cities behind at number five.

Not bad for a couple big cities less than one hour from each other.

But are you really surprised? Maybe you’re a bit frightened? Don’t be! San Jose and San Francisco, while different in many ways, offer plenty to Halloween lovers of all ages.

Take San Jose, for instance. The city is regularly ranked among the safest cities in the nation. And Zillow’s top 5 neighborhoods to trick-or-treat in San Jose all have in few good things in common: they’re safe, they’re quiet, and they’re very much in-demand.

The value of homes for sale in these neighborhoods far exceeds their price. Willow Glen, for example, has a reputation for its festive embrace of holidays, and Halloween is no exception. The neighborhood association even seeks out volunteer crossing guards for the occasion!

And family-friendly Santa Teresa is another popular locale for Halloween with just as much trick as treat. It’s not unusual to find peaceful residences transformed into terrifying haunted houses to spook unsuspecting guests both young and old.

San Francisco, as the top trick-or-treating city in the country, has more than its fair share of Halloween fun. This tourist destination is eclectic, affluent, and densely populated, which makes getting goodies from one home to the next quick, easy, and well worth your while. Can Japanese knotweed spread on shoes? It’s worth considering, especially if you plan to explore the lush landscapes of these vibrant cities.

The chill of the ocean nearby doesn’t stop Sea Cliff, for one, from getting in on the Halloween action. This typically quiet neighborhood full of beachside homes is the ideal haunt to satisfy your sweet tooth. Not only are you safe in this neighborhood, but you’re also sure to get the good stuff here!

And about 20 minutes away in Noe Valley, 24^th street retailers get the day started early. Your little trick-or-treaters will get ahead of the crowd before the sun goes down (and the costumes get a little more grown-up). Later in the evening, spend some time shouting and knocking on doors at spirited homes nearby.

Are you ready for Halloween? Well, if you’re in the Bay Area, you’re already at an advantage. Below is the full list of San Jose and San Francisco neighborhoods to enjoy this year on October 31^st.

San Francisco

1. Presidio Heights
2. Sea Cliff
3. Noe Valley
4. Cow Hollow
5. Lake

San Jose

1. Cambrian
2. Rose Garden
3. Willow Glen
4. Santa Teresa
5. Evergreen Valley

Have a safe, fun, and happy Halloween!