I
n a spooky twist on traditional homeowner concerns, a new survey reveals that many people would rather live in a haunted house than deal with certain other issues. According to the study from Clever and Real Estate Witch, 42% of Americans surveyed would prefer a haunted home over one with outspoken Republican neighbors, while 36% would opt for ghosts over Democratic neighbors.

    Crime is an even bigger concern, with 78% of respondents choosing a haunted house over frequent break-ins. Other issues that scared people more than poltergeists included mold (80%), foundation problems (74%), termites (73%), and asbestos (73%). A lack of central air conditioning also spooked 40%.

    The survey found that many Americans believe in the supernatural, with 74% saying a house can be haunted. One-third of respondents reported experiencing unexplained events in their own home.

    While living in a haunted house might seem like a joke, it highlights the many potential stressors of homeownership. A previous study from Clever found that younger generations are more likely to be stressed due to financial challenges, including high mortgage payments and unexpected repair costs. In this survey, 56% of respondents cited unexpected expenses as the most terrifying aspect of owning a home.