The most exclusive neighborhoods are located in America’s most expensive zip codes.
Homebuyers looking to hobnob with the rich and powerful can more easily find them, thanks to PropertyShark, which produces an annual study of the priciest U.S. zip codes by examining closed home sales.
PropertyShark compiled its 2021 study by calculating each neighborhood’s median home sale prices to more accurately reflect market conditions there, as opposed to homeowners’ listing prices. This year, many urban housing markets—all of which surpassed the record-breaking $4 million threshold—are muscling their way into the top 10, proving their resiliance in the face of economic and health hazards created by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Here, in ascending order, are PropertyShark's most expensive U.S. zip codes of 2021.
10. Medina, Kings County, Wash. (98039)
There are plenty of millionaires living in this highly-desirable Seattle suburb, wheree the median home sale price in Medina during 2021 was $4 million.
9. Los Altos, Santa Clara County, Calif. (94022)
Located in the San Francisco Bay area, millionaires are competing for these luxury domeciles by the boatload. The median home sale price in Los Altos during 2021 was $4,052,000.
8. Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, Calif. (90402)
Proximity to sand, sun and surf come at a hefty price in Santa Monica, a city within Los Angeles. The median home sale price in Santa Monica during 2021 was $4,058,000.
7. Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County, Calif. (93108)
Known for its small-town beach vibe, breathtaking sunsets, outdoor activities, win tastings, and world-class dining, Santa Barbara offers homebuyers a lot for the price they’ll pay to live there. The median home sale price in Santa Barbara during 2021 was $4,103,000.
6. Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, Calif. (90210)
Home to many Hollywood stars and celebrities, Beverly Hills is a millionaire’s shopping paradise as well. The median home sale price in Beverly Hills during 2021 was $4,125,000.
5. Miami Beach, Miami Dade County, Fla. (33109)
When demand exceeds supply, homebuyers looking to live in one of America’s most desirable Florida zip codes always pay more. The median home sale price in Miami Beach during 2021 was $4,475,000.
4. Ross, Marin County, Calif. (94957)
With highly rated school districts and a thriving social scene, this San Francisco suburb appeals to a broad cross-section of homebuyers, from families to retirees. The median home sale price in Ross during 2021 was $4,583,000.
3. Sagaponack, Suffolk County, N.Y. (11962)
Nestled on the east end of Long Island, this Hamptons beach town may be small, but many of its elite homeowners are celebrities, CEOs, musicians and writers. The median home sale price in Sagaponack during 2021 was $5 million.
2. Boston, Suffolk County, Mass. (02199)
With universities, hospitals and captains of industry all vying for a Boston residential address, there are more homebuyers looking to live in the city than there is an available supply of luxury homes to go around. The median home sale price in Boston during 2021 was $5.5 million.
1. Atherton, San Mateo County, Calif. (94027)
Silicon Valley CEOs love this San Francisco suburb, but if they want to live there, they will have to dip into their investment portfolio to afford it. The median home sale price in Atherton during 2021 was $7,475,000.
The full report can be viewed here.