Survey Results
Key Findings
Hawaii has among the most beautiful cemeteries
Three of the top five cemeteries are on the islands – Holualoa Japanese, Kalaupapa, and Oahu.
It’s not hard to see why: dramatic cliffs, volcanic rock, and ocean views create a setting you won’t find anywhere else in the U.S.
New York is also highly represented
Rochester’s Mount Hope came in first overall, and Brooklyn’s Green-Wood and Albany Rural also placed high.
The Northeast’s 19th-century “rural cemetery” movement still leaves an impression – landscaped grounds that feel more like gardens than graveyards
California cemeteries offer contrasts
Oakland’s Mountain View is an Olmsted design with sweeping views of the Bay, while Santa Cruz’s Evergreen is a hillside pioneer plot restored by locals.
Both are memorable for different reasons, showing how varied the state’s cemetery culture really is.
People appreciate Southern cemeteries’ atmospheres
For example, Charleston’s Magnolia Cemetery, shaded by oaks and magnolias, feels worlds away from the busy city. Also, in New Orleans, the above-ground tombs add a Gothic edge.
Familiar names pop up everywhere
“Oakwood,” “Evergreen,” “Magnolia.” These repeat across states, tying remembrance to nature. The names alone suggest how much Americans lean on trees and greenery to soften the idea of loss.
Cemeteries in small towns are also popular
Unsurprisingly, often the most moving sites are the quietest corners in smaller towns.
Final Thoughts
Our list makes one thing clear: cemeteries aren’t just about mourning. They can also be about beauty, memory, and a way for communities to honor those from the past.
Methodology
This study is based on an online panel survey of 3,007 respondents, conducted to determine which hidden gem cemetery in America is considered the most beautiful. The survey sample was designed to reflect a balanced mix across age, gender, and geography.
To ensure statistical reliability, internal data sources were used to establish national population benchmarks, and a two-step process was applied: stratified sampling followed by post-stratification weighting. This ensured the results accurately represent the broader U.S. population. The survey was conducted in September 2025.
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Anthony Martin is a nationally licensed insurance expert with over 15 years of experience and has personally served over 10,000 clients with their life insurance needs. He frequently authors entrepreneurial and life insurance content for Forbes, Inc.com, Newsweek, Kiplinger, and Entreprenuer.com. Anthony has been consulted as an expert life insurance source for dozens of high-profile websites such as Forbes, Bankrate, Reuters, Fox Business, CNBC, Investopedia, Insurance.com, Yahoo Finance, and many more.
