Atherton Reigns as the Crown Jewel of Real Estate

For Another Year, Atherton Reigns as the Crown Jewel of Real Estate

Atherton Holds the Crown in America’s Luxury Real Estate Market. 99 Belbrook Way Atherton, California, 94027 United States; @sothebysrealty.com

Where Price Tags Soar: The 10 Most Expensive Zip Codes in 2024, according to Property Shark.

If the high-end real estate market has a crown jewel, Atherton, California, wears it for yet another year. With a jaw-dropping median home price of $7.9 million, Atherton’s 94027 zip code once again reigns supreme as the most expensive in the United States. Despite a slight cooling in prices—a 5% dip year-over-year—this Peninsula enclave continues to hold onto its spot at the top of the real estate luxury league.

These are the most expensive zip codes in the U.S. for 2024, where seven-figure price tags are the norm, not the exception:

Atherton, CA (94027): $7,900,000

For the eighth year running, Atherton’s median home sale price remains the highest in the nation. The exclusive town saw a $400,000 price drop, which may have slightly dented its record but didn’t shake its top spot.

Sagaponack, NY (11962): $5,950,000

Nestled in the Hamptons, Sagaponack remains the East Coast’s most elite destination with a median home price of just under $6 million.

Water Mill, NY (11976): $5,885,000

Another Hamptons favorite, Water Mill has become a haven for luxury buyers, securing the #3 spot in the rankings.

Miami Beach, FL (33109): $5,750,000

Fisher Island in Miami Beach continues to woo ultra-wealthy buyers with its stunning properties and oceanfront allure.

Santa Barbara, CA (93108): $5,052,000

California’s “American Riviera” has consistently drawn affluent homeowners looking for Mediterranean beauty on the West Coast.

Newport Beach, CA (92661): $4,763,000

Southern California’s Newport Beach claims an impressive three spots in the top 10, with this zip code as its highest entry.

Newport Beach, CA (92657): $4,720,000

Following closely, Newport Coast’s picturesque estates and panoramic views put it firmly in seventh place.

Newport Beach, CA (92662): $4,650,000

Balboa Island’s unique blend of community charm and beachfront luxury keeps it among the nation’s most expensive markets.

Rancho Santa Fe, CA (92067): $4,550,000

Known for sprawling estates and equestrian properties, Rancho Santa Fe’s countryside appeal makes it one of Southern California’s most desirable spots.

Santa Monica, CA (90402): $4,410,000

This iconic LA coastal city rounds out the top 10, blending luxury with the laid-back California lifestyle.

The California Connection

California’s dominance on this list is undeniable, with seven of the top 10 zips located in the Golden State. The Bay Area itself commands a strong presence, holding 39 of the top 100 most expensive zip codes in the U.S., while Los Angeles and Santa Clara counties are also rich in high-value areas. Even as parts of California’s luxury real estate market have softened, it remains the pinnacle for luxury buyers across the nation.

Real Estate Beyond the Trends

California may have its foothold, but luxury zip codes like Sagaponack, Water Mill, and Miami Beach serve as East Coast and Southern counterparts, appealing to buyers seeking seasonal escapes or year-round sun. This list illustrates an interesting dynamic where exclusivity, natural beauty, and limited housing stock drive prices higher than ever.

Even as the market faces broader economic pressures, these zip codes underscore the resilience of luxury real estate. For the ultra-wealthy, these locations remain desirable “assets” in a league of their own, proving that while the luxury market may ebb and flow, these areas are a world apart—both in lifestyle and price tag.