Spooky Spots: Here’s the Chilling Chance To Buy Your Very Own Ghost Town—or Live Near One

by Kellie Speed

Here’s a scary-good deal: Instead of building a new home, you could buy your very own ghost town (or live near one) at a price that isn’t even remotely scary.

Most of these towns were thriving at one time and filled with people. Over the years, they were abandoned. Now emptied out, they’re eerily quiet—and they can be all yours!

Whether you are a fan of the paranormal or just looking to live in a town all by yourself, on the spookiest day of the year, here’s a look at five frighteningly fantastic opportunities to own a piece of creepy history.

Cerro Gordo Road, CA

Price: $99,000
Ghost town nearby: This 62-acre lot sits near the abandoned mining town of the Cerro Gordo Ghost Town.

Offered as a “retreat” for someone looking to live off-grid, the deserted property is accessible by four-wheel drive. The nearest neighbors are miles away, so there’s plenty of privacy.

The old mining town is tucked away in the Inyo Mountains and near the canyons of Death Valley National Park. The land is permitted for mineral production and processing.

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11724 N Ghost Town Trl, Elfrida, AZ

Price: $425,000
Plenty of potential: This 49-acre property boasts three patented mining claims.

Located in the Turquoise District, the property offers a unique work-from-home opportunity. It is already set up for mine tours as well as short-term vacation rentals for those looking for glamping adventures.

A communal building, including a washroom structure, is included with the sale, along with four furnished luxury canvas tents and a camper.

The property has a solar system, a 5,500-gallon rainwater catchment, and a propane tank.

The listing notes that the sale “can include the Courtland Ghost Town business assets.”

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7101 E White Pacheco St, Willcox, AZ

Price: $519,000
Ghost town location: This 3-acre property was originally a cattle ranch. It now operates as Dos Cabezas Retreat Bed & Breakfast.

Located in Southern Arizona just east of Tucson, the lot sits in the ghost town of Dos Cabezas, just 14 miles southeast of Willcox.

The listing features three adobe structures built in the 1870s along with a greenhouse, workshop, and other outbuildings.

The recently renovated main house offers 1,670 square feet of living space, including two bedrooms. Each of the two guest suites has a private bedroom and bathroom.

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295 Pirate Ship Lot 295, Terlingua, TX

Price: $1,300,000
Passing Wind: Located in the ghost town of Terlingua, this 3.4-acre parcel has a colorful past.

Owned by a Navy and Vietnam War veteran, the property features a piece of a submarine, a replica of a sailing ship, and a “small Statue of Liberty that lights up at night,” according to the listing. The replica sub was designed to pay homage to the USS Thresher, which sank in 1963 off the coast of Cape Cod.

The owner also built a propane-powered volcano and Tiki bar to give the place a South Seas feel, the listing notes. While “a lot of these props have fallen into disrepair,” the seller is hoping the next owner will give the place some TLC.

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1135 Blair St, Silverton, CO

Price: $1,580,000
Old Town Square: Located in the Western mining town of Silverton, this property encompasses an entire square and boardwalk. The tourist attraction first came on the market last year for $1.6 million. The price has been trimmed.

The investment property includes “two operating commercial business buildings, three commercial rental spaces, one additional building … and two public restrooms,” according to the listing.

The original 1875 San Juan County Courthouse is said to have been moved here from Howardsville. Three artisan shops were relocated from the mining ghost town of Eureka.

A two-bedroom residential unit is located above the gift shop. There’s even a spot to pan for gold.