I have to admit—I’m not really a Halloween costume guy. I enjoy other people’s creative costumes, but I don’t have much imagination when it comes to my own. Nor do I put the time into the thought and execution of a great outfit. But I sure see plenty of clever ideas on Instagram. The creativity people pour into their costumes never fails to amaze me. For those who are more spirited (pun intended), there are plenty of local chances to show off your look this Halloween season.
El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts its annual Halloween costume contest on October 31 at 5 p.m., with categories for everyone—including a category for dogs that promises to be a howling good time. Historic Folsom’s FestiFall has a kids’ costume contest on October 26 at 4:30 p.m.
Expect to see tiny superheroes, pint-sized princesses, and the cutest entrants ever. Mraz Brewing Company in El Dorado Hills—the same spot where I hold my annual holiday event in November—recently wrapped up its own costume contest, complete with plenty of local flavor (and hops).
If you’re more like me—someone who admires costumes from afar but isn’t ready to commit to face paint or a full-body outfit—there’s another way to celebrate: the Scarecrow Contest at the El Dorado Hills Community Services District on Wednesday, October 29 at 4 p.m. It’s Halloween fun with less glitter cleanup and no need to squeeze into a spandex superhero suit.
When I was a kid, Halloween was a bit more… improvised. Most costumes were homemade—often pulled together from whatever was lying around the house. Old bedsheets became ghost costumes, a bandana and eye patch made you a pirate, and if you were feeling especially inspired, a little dirt on your face could transform you into a hobo (a popular choice back when that term wasn’t considered inappropriate). Batman, witches, and favorite sports players rounded out the usual lineup. Simple, but effective.
Today’s costumes are in a whole different league. Between movie blockbusters, TikTok trends, and streaming-series fandoms, the costume options are endless. Expect to see duos like Elphaba and Glinda from Wicked, characters from K-Pop Demon Hunters, plenty of Supermen (he’s back, again), and even pop-star tributes like Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo. Oh—and don’t forget Lilo and Stitch, which seem to resurface every few years, proving that good nostalgia never dies.
Halloween costumes actually have a surprisingly long and curious history. The tradition of dressing up dates back to ancient Celtic festivals like Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”), when people wore disguises to ward off wandering spirits as the seasons changed. Fast-forward a thousand years or so, and the practice evolved into “guising” and “souling” in Europe—children dressing up and performing in exchange for treats or coins. By the early 20th century, Americans had turned the idea into the Halloween costume culture we know today—complete with mass-produced masks, superheroes, and a growing sense of theatrical fun.
And fun it is—though not exactly cheap. Americans are expected to spend an estimated $4.3 billion this year on Halloween costumes alone. That’s a lot of fake blood and polyester capes. Between pet costumes, couple themes, and the endless scroll of Pinterest inspiration, it’s easy to see how it adds up.
Whether you’re a master of makeup or more of a “grab a pumpkin shirt and call it good” type (I’m in the latter camp), Halloween gives everyone a chance to play a different character for a day. I think that’s part of the magic—an excuse to step into someone else’s shoes, even if just for a few hours.
But for now, I’m putting on my Realtor costume and providing the insight into the El Dorado Hills and Folsom real estate markets that’s a staple of this column. Comparing the first three quarters of 2025 to the same period in 2024 reveals some valuable information—and a few surprises.
In Folsom, the market has shown steady demand, though buyers are becoming more selective. Sellers who price strategically and prepare their homes well continue to see strong activity, especially in neighborhoods with low inventory. Average sold prices are hovering just under the $800,000 mark, reflecting a modest year-over-year dip, but homes are still selling faster than in many neighboring areas. Inventory remains limited, which keeps things competitive even as affordability challenges persist.
Meanwhile, El Dorado Hills continues to perform like a market that knows its worth. Prices have held relatively firm as the average price of a home sold this year is over $1.13m. There’s steady demand for these wonderful homes in great neighborhoods, highly rated schools, and lifestyle amenities. While the upper end of the market has slowed slightly, midrange homes are still moving briskly when priced right.
Both communities have experienced an increase in number of homes sold and continue to reflect a blend of cautious optimism and long-term appeal. Even as interest rates and broader economic factors influence buyer behavior, Folsom and El Dorado Hills remain among the most desirable places to call home in the region.
I love where I live. I’m excited to continue to help more families in 2025 with their real estate needs. With proper planning and a good Realtor (Luckily, I know a really good one….), you can smoothly get to your next stage in life. For more tips on how to successfully navigate the real estate purchase or sale, or suggestions on Folsom topics, please contact me at Coldwell Banker Realty, 916.812.4341, pquan@cbnorcal.com, www.PatQuan.com. CA DRE #01918240
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