Depending on who you are, walking or driving through the most expensive zip codes in the United States is either an exciting sight-seeing prospect or an activity you’d like to avoid at all costs. No matter which camp you fall into, it can be interesting food for thought to see which locales top the list. To that end, we tapped Zillow to uncover the priciest real estate markets across the country. The results are based on data from December 2023 analyzed with the Zillow Home Value Index, which the company uses to determine the typical home value in a given geography, now and over time. Curious which cities found their ways onto the list? Below, dive into the most expensive zip codes in the United States.
A version of this article originally appeared in Architectural Digest.
10. Woody Creek, Colorado — Zip Code: 81656
The typical home value in Woody Creak, Colorado, is $4,336,373, making it the 10th most expensive zip code in the country. In the 2020 census, the population of the costly enclave near Aspen was just 290. The area is a favorite for celebrities and has reportedly been home for people such as Don Henley of the Eagles, John Oates, and Don Johnson.
9. Brunswick, Georgia — Zip Code: 31561
Homes along in the Atlantic Coast in the Golden Isles of Georgia don’t come cheap: The typical home value in the area is $4,365,388 according to Zillow data. The pricey area code encompasses properties on Little St. Simons Island, Sea Island, and St. Simons Island.
8. Water Mill, New York — Zip Code: 11976
One might guess that New York City would top the list of most expensive zip codes in the country, but only two cities in the Empire State broke the top ten, the first of which is located out east in Water Mill, New York. Part of the town of Southhampton, the standard home value is $4,372,420. The community dates back to the 1640s and is now known for its beaches, farms, and mansions. Many celebrities have lived in the town including Jennifer Lopez and Richard Gere.
7. Newport Beach, California — Zip Code: 92657
Fans of The O.C. may find it unsurprising that Newport Beach, the home of the fictional well-off Cohen family, is among the priciest places to live in the United States. The coastal city, where the typical home value is $4,378,430, is known for its beaches, surf culture, and upscale shopping areas.
6. Los Altos, California — Zip Code: 94022
With a typical home value of $4,495,775, Los Altos is the sixth most expensive zip code in the United States. Located in Santa Clara County within the San Francisco Bay Area, it’s a primarily residential community, where seven small retail districts serve the town.
5. Montecito, California — Zip Code: 93108
Montecito is known as a celebrity enclave, so it’s not all too surprising that the town would be among the priciest places to live. Home to stars like Gwenyth Paltrow and Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, the area is defined by Spanish style architecture—homes with terra-cotta clay tile roofs and soft arches cut out of white stucco walls. Here, the typical home value is $4,503,435.
4. Sagaponack, New York — Zip Code: 11962
Like Water Mill, Sagaponack is also within the town of Southhampton. Though they’re just a few miles apart, the latter is quite a bit more expensive. Encompassing just 4.56 square miles, homes here are typically valued around $5,168,916. According to The Wall Street Journal, there are about 350 full-time residents in the community and more than 1,000 part-timers.
3. Beverly Hills, California — Zip Code: 90210
Though 90210 is perhaps the most recognizable zip code in the country, it is only the third most expensive. The typical home value in Beverly Hills is $5,243,140, according to Zillow data. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Garden Park, and the Beverly Hills Hotel are among its most notable attractions, while iconic architect, like the Sheats-Goldstein Residence is there too.
2. Miami Beach, Florida — Zip Code: 33109
The second priciest real estate market is located at the southeastern tip of the country in Miami Beach, Florida. The zip code largely encompasses Fisher Island, a private enclave only accessible by ferry. Celebrities like Oprah, Mel Brooks, and Boris Becker have reportedly owned homes here, where the typical home value is $5,675,294.
1. Atherton, California — Zip Code: 94027
Located within San Mateo County in the Bay Area, Atherton is currently the most expensive zip code in the country, but the area is controversial. The town’s zoning laws allow only one single-family home per acre and no sidewalks, which many housing advocates say the locale uses to exclude and metaphorically gate the community.