As the leaves turn and pumpkins appear on porches, Halloween is the perfect time for neighbors to come together in fun, festive ways. At Taylor Management Company, we love seeing how this season brings out the creativity, camaraderie, and community spirit that make our neighborhoods feel like home.

Here are a few tips and reminders to help ensure a safe, inclusive, and spook-tacular Halloween for all:

1. Decorate with Spirit – and Safety in Mind

Encourage residents to join in the fun by decorating homes, doors, and community spaces. Just be sure decorations don’t block walkways or exits, and use flameless candles or LED lights for jack-o'-lanterns to avoid fire hazards. It is important to communicate with the residents what is allowed in your community, especially when it comes to open flames.

Dependent on the layout of your community, remind drivers to slow down and stay alert for children crossing streets or walking between parked cars. Consider placing temporary cones or signs near high-traffic areas to increase awareness

2. Trick-or-Treat Guidelines

Set clear community trick-or-treat hours and communicate them via email blasts, community boards, or signage. This helps parents plan and ensures everyone knows when to expect little ghouls and goblins knocking.

4. Foster Community Fun

This is a great time to plan a community-wide event like:

• A Halloween parade for kids and pets
• A costume contest
• A pumpkin decorating station
• Or even a "trunk-or-treat" in a shared parking lot

These events not only bring neighbors together but strengthen the sense of connection that makes a community thrive.

5. Be Inclusive and Respectful

Not every resident celebrates Halloween, and some children may have allergies or special needs — so it’s important to create an inclusive environment for everyone. Consider offering non-food treats such as stickers, glow sticks, or small toys as a fun and safe alternative to candy. To help neighbors navigate the evening with ease, consider using visual signals:

• A teal pumpkin on your doorstep indicates that you’re offering allergy-friendly, non-food treats.
• A purple pumpkin can signify that a household is not participating in trick-or-treating this year.

These simple gestures help ensure that Halloween is safe, respectful, and enjoyable for the whole community.

At Taylor, we believe great community living starts with thoughtful engagement — and Halloween is a perfect time to show what that looks like. Whether you're hosting a haunted hallway or just handing out candy with a smile, your involvement helps create the kind of neighborhood we’re proud to support.