I make costumes with my kids every year. Nearby houses get so few visitors that they try to give us their entire candy stash. Kids just want to be out in their costumes, though. After a mile or so there's a livelier neighborhood. Also, the local elementary has an event, the firehouse/police/library have an event together, as do many churches. They are good places to see and be seen, but they make Halloween feel too efficient. Stepping to the next parked car or classroom is a far cry from running to the next neighbor's house with your friends in the dark.