The Ultimate Resting Place: Where Americans Would Choose to Have Their Ashes Spread

Final wishes often include traditional options like burial in a cemetery or spreading ashes in a private garden, but these choices can be limited by full cemeteries and legal restrictions. Imagine if there were no such restrictions—where would you choose as your ultimate resting place? We surveyed 3,000 people to uncover their ideal places to scatter ashes for those who prefer cremation rather than burial.

Updated 10-02-24

1 minute read

Updated 10-02-24 Updated on October 02, 2024

1 minute read

Key Takeaways

Natural Beauty: Many Americans prefer resting places in natural settings, such as Joshua Tree National Park in California and Lake Erie in Ohio, highlighting the importance of serene and picturesque environments.
Sports Arenas: Sports fans show a strong desire to be connected to their favorite teams and venues even in death, with locations like Fenway Park in Massachusetts and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indiana being popular choices.
Urban and Historical Landmarks: Significant urban and historical landmarks, such as the Alamo in Texas and Jackson Square in Louisiana, are preferred by many, indicating a desire to be part of the cultural and historical legacy.
State-Specific Preferences: The survey reveals unique state-specific preferences, such as the Gateway Arch in Missouri, reflecting local pride and identity.

Findings By State

The results were captivating, showcasing the top choices for each state, as illustrated below.

Implications Of The Study

Cultural Significance: The choices reflect deep cultural and emotional ties to specific locations, whether it’s a natural landmark, sports venue, or historical site, showcasing the diverse ways in which Americans connect with their environment and heritage.
Personal Identity: The survey underscores how final resting place preferences are a continuation of personal identity and values, whether rooted in nature, sports fandom, or historical reverence.
Community and Belonging: Preferences for communal and public spaces indicate a desire for individuals to remain part of the communities and places they cherished during their lives.
Policy and Legal Considerations: The findings highlight potential areas for policymakers to consider regarding regulations around spreading ashes, given the intense emotional and cultural significance of certain locations.
Environmental Impact: The preference for natural landmarks raises questions about the environmental impact and sustainability of spreading ashes in these areas, pointing to a need for balanced approaches that respect both personal wishes and ecological preservation.
Economic Influence: Popular choices for urban landmarks and sports arenas suggest potential economic influences, as these sites may consider offering memorial services or designated areas for spreading ashes to honor fans and visitors.

These key findings and implications provide a deeper understanding of the personal, cultural, and societal factors influencing Americans’ final resting place preferences.

Methodology

An online panel survey of 3,000 adults was conducted based on age, gender, and geography. Internal data sources are used to obtain population data sets. We used a two-step process to ensure representativeness through stratified sampling and post-stratification weighting.

Respondents are carefully chosen from a geographically representative online panel of double-opt-in members. This selection is further tailored to meet the precise criteria required for each unique survey. Throughout the survey, we design questions to carefully screen and authenticate respondents, guaranteeing the survey’s alignment with the ideal participants.

We employ an array of data quality methods to ensure the integrity of our data collection. Alongside conventional measures like digital fingerprinting, bot checks, geo-verification, and speeding detection, each response undergoes a thorough review by a dedicated team member to ensure quality and contextual accuracy. Our commitment extends to open-ended responses, subjecting them to scrutiny for gibberish answers and plagiarism detection.