Ever scrolled through Zillow just to feel something? You land on a house that looks like a Bond villain’s lair, check the price, and realize you can’t even afford the driveway. We’ve all been there. Most people think "rich" just means Beverly Hills because of the 90210 brand. Honestly, though? That’s not even the top of the heap anymore.
Money in the U.S. is moving. It’s shifting from the loud, flashy neighborhoods to the "quiet wealth" enclaves where the hedges are ten feet high and the residents don't want you to know they exist. If you’re looking for the richest zip codes in America, you have to look past the Hollywood sign.
The King of the Hill: Atherton (94027)
If you live in 94027, you’ve basically "won" the American game. Located in Atherton, California, this tiny slice of the San Francisco Peninsula has held the title of the most expensive zip code for years.
As of late 2025 and heading into 2026, the median home price here is hovering around $10.6 million.
Think about that. The middle price. To live here, you aren't just a millionaire; you’re likely a tech founder, a VC titan, or someone who bought NVIDIA stock when it was the price of a sandwich. Atherton is unique because it’s strictly residential. No "downtown" with cute boutiques. No sprawling commercial centers. Just massive estates behind wrought-iron gates.
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The Florida Flip: Fisher Island (33109)
While Atherton takes the prize for home values, 33109 in Florida is where the actual income density goes off the charts. Fisher Island is a private paradise accessible only by ferry or helicopter.
According to 2025 property data, the median home price there recently spiked to $9.5 million, up from roughly $5.7 million just a year prior. It’s arguably the most exclusive community in the world. The average income here is nearly **$350,000**, which is about twelve times the Florida average.
People like Oprah have lived here. It’s a place where you don't walk to the store; you take a golf cart to the private beach club. The entry fee for the club alone is more than most people’s entire net worth.
The Hamptons vs. Everyone Else
New York still holds a massive chunk of the wealth, specifically in the Hamptons. Sagaponack (11962) and Water Mill (11976) are constantly duking it out for the third and fourth spots.
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- Sagaponack (11962): This village is legendary. It’s got a median home price that usually floats between $5 million and $8 million depending on the month.
- Water Mill (11976): This area saw a massive 31% jump in prices recently. It’s becoming the go-to for the ultra-wealthy who find Sagaponack a bit too "established."
Surprisingly, despite the fame, 90210 (Beverly Hills) often ranks lower on the list—around #7 or #8—because it actually has more economic diversity than people realize. It has apartments and "normal" mansions. Atherton and Fisher Island don't do "normal."
Why These Zip Codes Are Changing in 2026
We are seeing a weird trend this year. In some of these elite zips, homes are actually sitting on the market longer. In Atherton, the median days on market reached about 45 days in December 2025. That’s a lifetime compared to the bidding wars of 2021.
Why? Because even the ultra-rich are getting picky. There’s a massive focus now on resiliency.
Buyers in the Hamptons are now looking at "Flood Factors" and "Wind Factors." If a $15 million estate is at risk of sea-level rise, the value is starting to take a hit. Meanwhile, inland "wealth magnets" like Medina, Washington (98039)—home to Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates—are seeing double-digit appreciation because they offer more stability and proximity to the big tech hubs of Seattle.
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The Top 5 Most Expensive Enclaves (2025-2026 Snapshot)
- 33109 (Fisher Island, FL): The income king. Median listing price around $11.9 million recently.
- 94027 (Atherton, CA): The Silicon Valley fortress. Median sale price $10.6 million.
- 11932 (Bridgehampton, NY): The Hamptons’ heavy hitter. Median listing price $8.4 million.
- 90077 (Bel Air, CA): Los Angeles' true peak. Larger floor plans than 90210.
- 93108 (Montecito, CA): Where the royals and Oprah hang out. Median price near $7 million.
Beyond Just Home Prices: Where the High Earners Live
There’s a difference between "expensive real estate" and "highest income." If you look at where the most people earn over $150,000, the list changes.
Short Hills, New Jersey (07078) and Scarsdale, New York (10583) are the "commuter" kings. These aren't necessarily full of billionaires, but they are packed with high-level MDs, law firm partners, and Wall Street executives. Scarsdale’s average household income is north of $600,000. These are the neighborhoods that fund the elite private schools and the $100-a-plate bistros.
What This Means for You (The Actionable Part)
Look, most of us aren't buying a $10 million home today. But tracking the richest zip codes in America gives you a "cheat code" for broader market trends.
- Watch the "Shadow" Zip Codes: When Atherton or Beverly Hills gets too expensive, the wealth bleeds into neighboring zips. Look at places like 01915 (Beverly, MA) or 63021 (Ballwin, MO). These were labeled "Hottest Zip Codes" because people who are priced out of the top tier are moving there, driving up equity for early investors.
- Climate Matters: If you’re investing in real estate, check the "Wind Factor" and "Flood Factor" like the rich are doing. A beautiful coastal home is a liability if you can’t insure it in five years.
- Follow the Infrastructure: The wealthiest areas are currently those with "quiet" amenities—high-speed fiber, private security, and proximity to non-commercial airports.
If you want to track where the next "wealthy" hub is forming, look for where the tech companies are opening satellite offices. Places like West University Place, Texas or Paradise Valley, Arizona are the new frontiers.
The movement of money in 2026 is less about being "seen" and more about being "safe." Whether it's the ferry to Fisher Island or the gates of Atherton, the ultra-wealthy are paying for distance.