The Devil's Lair: 7 Shocking Secrets Of The Hocus Pocus House In Whittier, CA

Jan 10, 2026 • minute read

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Forget everything you thought you knew about the spooky New England setting of Hocus Pocus. While the iconic Halloween film is synonymous with Salem, Massachusetts, many of its most memorable scenes—including the infamous encounter with "The Devil"—were actually filmed over 3,000 miles away in sunny Southern California. This deep dive, updated for late 2024, reveals the true identity and fascinating history of the Whittier, California, residence that served as the backdrop for the Sanderson Sisters' hilarious and chaotic trick-or-treating adventure.

The house known to fans as "The Devil's House" is a historic architectural gem, and its latest news is a massive update for movie buffs and real estate enthusiasts alike. As of late 2024, this legendary residence has a new owner, cementing its status as one of the most famous, and priciest, pieces of cinematic real estate in the Los Angeles area.

The True Identity and Recent History of the 'Devil's House'

The house is officially located at 6536 Friends Avenue, Whittier, CA 90601. This charming, tree-lined neighborhood in Whittier, a city southeast of Los Angeles, stood in for the streets of Salem for many of the film's exterior shots.

Official Address: 6536 Friends Avenue, Whittier, CA
Movie Role: The "Devil's House" (where the Sanderson Sisters mistake the homeowner, played by Garry Marshall, for the actual Devil).
Architectural Style: Magnificent Victorian Queen Anne.
Year Built: 1901.
Latest News: The property was recently sold in late 2024.

The Shocking 2024 Sale of a Cinematic Landmark

In a major piece of news for the Historic Whittier Homes community, the famous Victorian Queen Anne residence officially changed hands in the fall of 2024.

The historic home, which has stood for over 120 years, was listed for sale and quickly became a hot topic among fans of the 1993 Disney classic. The final sale details confirm its status as a highly desirable piece of real estate, blending cinematic history with classic California charm.

The house sold on November 5, 2024, for a price of $1,169,000. This sale price reflects both its historic value and its unique pop culture pedigree, proving that the magic of the Sanderson Sisters still holds significant financial sway three decades after the film's release.

Why Whittier, CA, Stood in for Salem, Massachusetts

For budget and logistical reasons, the production of Hocus Pocus utilized a mix of authentic Salem locations and more accessible spots in Southern California. The historic, well-preserved architecture of Whittier, along with its residential streets, perfectly matched the desired New England aesthetic.

The Whittier neighborhood on Friends Avenue was the primary location for the chaotic Halloween night trick-or-treating scenes. When Winifred, Mary, and Sarah Sanderson take to the skies on their broom, vacuum, and mop, the street they fly over and the houses they pass are all part of this charming Southern California community.

The house at 6536 Friends Avenue, with its distinctive Victorian features, was chosen for the unforgettable scene where the witches crash-land, believing the homeowner, a man dressed as Satan (played by director Garry Marshall), is their master, the Devil. His wife, played by Penny Marshall, also makes a memorable cameo.

More Hidden Whittier Filming Locations

The "Devil's House" is not the only piece of Whittier that made it into the movie. The city is a treasure trove of unexpected cinematic history, serving as a versatile backdrop for Hollywood.

The School Interiors: The interior shots of Jacob Bailey High School, where Max Dennison attends class and first meets Allison, were actually filmed at East Whittier Middle School.
The Streets: The surrounding streets of the Friends Avenue neighborhood were used extensively for the wide shots of children trick-or-treating.
Other Films: The 6536 Friends Avenue residence has a long history in Hollywood, having been featured in at least seven different movies, including the 1996 comedy Sgt. Bilko starring Steve Martin.

The Most Common Mistake: Max and Dani Dennison’s House

A frequent point of confusion for fans is mixing up the "Devil's House" with the main Dennison family residence. It is important to clarify that Max and Dani Dennison's house is located elsewhere.

The iconic beachfront home where Max, Dani, and Allison seek refuge from the Sanderson Sisters is genuinely located in New England, specifically in Salem, MA. The address for the Dennison house is 4 Ocean Avenue, a beautiful coastal property that offers a stark contrast to the historic Victorian style of the Whittier home.

The Whittier house, therefore, represents the film’s clever use of Los Angeles filming locations to supplement the authentic Salem atmosphere. It is a testament to the versatility of Southern California architecture that it could so convincingly masquerade as a New England town during the Halloween season.

For fans planning a pilgrimage, the Whittier location offers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes magic of Hocus Pocus, showcasing the specific spot where Winifred, Mary, and Sarah had one of their most memorable, non-magical encounters. The recent sale of this historic property in late 2024 ensures that the home's legacy as a cinematic landmark will continue for its new owners and the generations of fans who visit Friends Avenue every Halloween.

The Devil's Lair: 7 Shocking Secrets of the Hocus Pocus House in Whittier, CA

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