Top 10 Most Expensive ZIP Codes to Reside In

Curious about where the wealthiest individuals live in the U.S.? While New York City and Los Angeles are often mentioned, which neighborhoods stand out as the most exclusive? Looking at ZIP codes, like '90210,' reveals the established areas of luxury as well as the rising communities that attract the nation's elites. There are numerous contenders, but we’ve focused on the top 10 based on median home prices.

10: 93108 -- Santa Barbara, California

How many other cities can claim a soap opera inspired by their name? Consistently ranking among the top, with a median home price slightly exceeding $3 million, Santa Barbara is known as "America's Riviera" [source: Forbes].

Situated on a unique stretch of south-facing land along California's coastline, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, part of the 1.9-million-acre Los Padres National Forest [source: Santa Barbara]. The city enjoys a Mediterranean-like climate, surrounded by vineyards and ranches. A major attraction is the Santa Barbara Yacht Club, a favorite among Southern California’s elite.

9: 10012 -- New York, N.Y.

Three of the 10 most expensive ZIP codes are found in the heart of New York City: Manhattan. The 10012 ZIP code includes two of the world’s most fashionable neighborhoods -- Greenwich Village and SoHo -- with a median home price of $3.2 million [source: Forbes].

Spanning part of Greenwich Village, 10012 is home to New York University. SoHo, short for 'South of Houston Street,' was once an industrial area, now known for its vibrant arts scene. In the '60s and '70s, artists began occupying the area's large, abandoned factories [source: Barr]. Famous for its historic cast-iron buildings, SoHo has transformed into a high-end shopping destination. Similar to Greenwich Village, gentrification and its artsy reputation have caused home prices to soar. Who wouldn't want to live in one of the trendiest parts of The Capital of the World?

8: 94920 -- Belvedere, Calif.

Located just north of San Francisco and across the Golden Gate Bridge, Belvedere, California, is a small, picturesque town. Measuring less than one square mile, it houses roughly 2,000 residents [source: City of Belvedere]. The limited space has driven up demand, with the median home price hitting $3.2 million, offering stunning views of San Francisco Bay, Angel Island, and the city itself [source: Forbes].

Belvedere’s development is restricted to residential properties, with no commercial areas. For shopping, locals head to nearby Tiburon, located off the peninsula [source: City of Belvedere]. Like Santa Barbara, Belvedere is a sailing destination. It hosts the San Francisco Yacht Club, the oldest of its kind on the Pacific Coast, which has been operational since 1869 [source: San Francisco Yacht Club

7: 10065 -- New York, N.Y.

Located in Manhattan's Upper East Side, 10065 was created as a new ZIP code by the U.S. Postal Service in 2007, along with 10075. Both emerged from the prestigious 10021 ZIP code, which had long been regarded as New York's most elite neighborhood [source: Roberts]. Some residents initially feared the change would diminish the prestige of 10021, but perhaps 10065 is now seen in a different light as it ranks even higher than its predecessor.

This southern section of the Upper East Side spans from Fifth Avenue along Central Park in the west, where the priciest homes are located, to the East River and Lenox Hill, often called "The Other East Side" [source: Cohen]. Lenox Hill hosts Rockefeller University, one of the world's foremost research institutions, home to 23 Nobel Prize-winning faculty members since 1912 [source: Rockefeller University]. A median-priced home here will set you back $3.6 million [source: Forbes].

6: 90210 -- Beverly Hills, Calif.

Rodeo Drive. Sunset Boulevard. These iconic locations in Beverly Hills make 90210 one of the most famous ZIP codes in the world, a place that consistently ranks among the priciest areas in the United States. Bounded by Mulholland Drive to the north and Santa Monica and Wilshire boulevards to the south, 90210’s cultural significance skyrocketed with the success of Aaron Spelling's '90s teen drama, "Beverly Hills, 90210."

The name '90210' alone secures its spot among the top-tier locations, with a median home price of $3.6 million [source: Forbes]. Rodeo Drive's three blocks of boutiques attract fashion icons from around the globe [source: Rodeo Drive]. Located near Hollywood, Beverly Hills remains a hub for celebrities, film producers, and executives, ensuring its place as Southern California’s ultimate home for stars as long as the movie industry thrives.

5: 10014 -- New York, N.Y.

We’ve already discussed two of Manhattan’s priciest ZIP codes, but the top contender is 10014. This luxurious area encompasses the Far West Village, part of Greenwich Village located along the Hudson River [source: NYC.gov]. The median home price here is a whopping $3.7 million [source: Forbes].

Greenwich Village rose to fame in the 1950s as the heart of the Beat Generation, and later as a home for countercultural musicians in the '60s. Much like SoHo’s revitalization, Greenwich Village's original architecture was fiercely defended against redevelopment, thanks to activists like Jane Jacobs [source: The Far West Village]. Today, this historically maritime area remains a sought-after residential neighborhood in the middle of one of the busiest cities in the world—though it comes at a steep price.

4: 07620 -- Alpine, N.J.

Located about 15 miles (24 kilometers) northwest of Midtown Manhattan, Alpine, N.J. is a haven for those seeking tranquility away from the city's constant motion. With a median home price of $3.8 million, the area continues to attract wealthy individuals looking for a wooded escape from New York City [source: Forbes]. The town has a population of just over 2,000, governed by a mayor and six council members, but not much else. Like many small, rural areas across the U.S., its fire department relies on volunteers [source: City of Alpine]. The borough doesn't even have a downtown.

Despite its quiet, rural nature, Alpine has become the go-to place for the rich and famous looking for a serene retreat. Recent residents include top musicians like Sean Combs, Britney Spears, the Jonas Brothers, and Jay-Z. And if that seems odd, just wait—comedians Eddie Murphy and Joe Piscopo have been calling Alpine home since the '80s.

3: 90274 -- Rolling Hills, Calif.

Rolling Hills, Calif., stands out as a luxurious bedroom community with a unique twist—it's the only gated, private city on this list. With a median home price nearing $3.9 million, the city is perched atop the Palos Verdes Peninsula, just a short drive southwest of downtown Los Angeles [source: Forbes].

Rolling Hills is an equestrian paradise with approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers) of named horse trails, even though the city itself spans just 3 square miles (around 8 square kilometers). With a small staff of only four full-time employees, the city lacks public infrastructure [source: Rolling Hills]. The affluent residents share two key features: spacious homes and a passion for horses. As is common with many of the areas on this list, Rolling Hills is entirely residential—there's no industry or manufacturing, and residents do all their shopping beyond the gated city.

2: 94027 -- Atherton, Calif.

One of the priciest ZIP codes that isn't near New York or Los Angeles, 94027 stands on its own as a desirable spot for the wealthy. Atherton, Calif., is situated in the heart of Silicon Valley.

While no major tech companies are based in Atherton, the town boasts several notable figures from the industry. The most prominent is likely Eric Schmidt, executive chairman and former CEO of Google. Other big names include former eBay CEO and California gubernatorial hopeful Meg Whitman, as well as financial titan Charles R. Schwab.

Despite its impressive list of high-profile residents and a median home price of $4 million, Atherton remains a peaceful, heavily wooded community (originally named Fair Oaks) [source: Forbes, City of Atherton]. The town even established a tree committee in 1989 to help preserve its iconic, verdant heritage.

1: 91008 -- Bradbury, Calif.

Our final destination is the priciest spot to live in the U.S. Just outside Los Angeles, in the incorporated town of Bradbury, Calif., lies ZIP code 91008. But don't tell the postman.

As per the United States Postal Service, ZIP code 91008 is officially part of Duarte. However, the homes priced at $4.2 million and beyond are mainly in Bradbury [source: Forbes]. In reality, ZIP code 91010 covers most of Duarte. Bradbury, a small town of 1.9 square miles (5 square kilometers), sits in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, bordering the vast Angeles National Forest. With a population of around 1,000, the majority of Bradbury is zoned for agriculture, and many of the luxurious homes are located within two gated communities [source: City of Bradbury].

If you suddenly find yourself with a fortune, simply head east and slightly north out of downtown L.A. You’ll be home in roughly 20 minutes.