America's richest people don't always call big cities like LA or New York home. Instead, many live in small, ultra-wealthy communities across the US. These areas boast some of the country's most expensive ZIP codes, yet remain relatively unknown. With populations ranging from 100 to 10,000 residents, they offer an exclusive small-town feel that drives up property values. Affluent families are drawn to these communities for various reasons, including private beaches, airport access, top schools, and proximity to larger cities or popular tourist destinations.
About this list
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Incline Village, NVPlaces TravelZIP Code: 8945189451
Population: 9,440: 9,440
Median Property Value: $1.04 million$1.04 million
Median Household Income: $131,914$131,914
Median Age: 49.249.2
Famous Homeowners: Michael Milken, Warren Buffett, Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Trent Dilfer, Mike Love of the Beach Boys, Stu Cook of Creedence Clearwater Revival, Melissa Joan Hart, Jeremy Renner, professional golfer Annika Sorenstam, David Coverdale of Whitesnake, Oracle CEO Larry Ellison Michael Milken, Warren Buffett, Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Trent Dilfer, Mike Love of the Beach Boys, Stu Cook of Creedence Clearwater Revival, Melissa Joan Hart, Jeremy Renner, professional golfer Annika Sorenstam, David Coverdale of Whitesnake, Oracle CEO Larry Ellison
The Vibe: Named after the Great Incline Tramway, Incline Village sits on the northeastern corner of Lake Tahoe. The town began in 1882. It offers spectacular views and outdoor activities for nature lovers and adventurers. Families enjoy living in this small community, staying unbothered by many visitors to other parts of Lake Tahoe yearly.
Mountain biking, hiking, snow skiing, and water skiing are popular pastimes. Many people end their days at the Lone Eagle Grill, a lakefront fine dining spot.
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Atherton, CAPlaces TravelZIP Code: 9402794027
Population: 7,181: 7,181
Median Property Value: $2 million$2 million
Median Household Income: $250,001
Median Age: 47.9 47.9
Famous Homeowners: Stephen “Steph” Curry of the Golden State Warriors, former Google chief executive Eric Schmidt, former deputy British prime minister Nick Clegg, Fox News commenter Steve Hilton
The Vibe: Atherton, CA, has been ranked the most expensive place to live in America for years. This neighborhood covers only 5.6 square miles in Silicon Valley. It holds some of the wealthiest neighbors in the US; however, they rarely see each other. Massive homes feature wrought-iron fences, tall hedges, and brick walls. These features keep the lifestyles of the rich and famous private.
Despite housing some of America's most successful CEOs and public figures, the community prefers to hide its wealth. Most live quietly, preferring Teslas to fancy sports cars and a quaint suburban feel in lieu of a more flamboyant aesthetic.
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Sagaponack, NYPlaces TravelZIP Code: 11962
Population: 322 (permanent)322 (permanent)
Median Property Value: $2 million$2 million
Median Household Income: $86,875 $86,875
Median Age: 63.863.8
Famous Homeowners: Drew Barrymore, Jimmy Fallon, billionaire investor Ira RennertDrew Barrymore, Jimmy Fallon, billionaire investor Ira Rennert
The Vibe: The village of Sagaponack offers a community only accessible to the most elite. While the Hamptons always attract the wealthy, Sagaponack requires residents to earn $853,738 annually to live comfortably. With a fixed population of 322, even those who could afford to move will struggle to become residents.
Most homes have a swimming pool and a tennis court; sale prices average $4.3 million. Sagaponack stays charming despite being a top Northeast vacation spot for wealthy celebrities and business owners. The city keeps one of the last in-use one-school classrooms in the country. Residents visit the local botanical garden, vineyard, winery, or sunbathe at Gibson Beach, which they call “a slice of St. Tropez.”
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Medina, WAPlaces TravelZIP Code: 9803998039
Population: 2,928 2,928
Median Property Value:$2 million
Median Household Income:$208,500
Median Age:46.7
Famous Homeowners:Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos
The Vibe: Medina, a small suburban city near Seattle, offers a low crime rate and excellent public schools. It remains the perfect place for families who can afford it.
Residents of Medina, WA, enjoy Lake Washington and Seattle amenities while escaping crowds and crime in this luxury neighborhood. Large homes line the streets, featuring many trees and perfect landscaping. Medina also offers multiple parks and beaches.
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Back Bay, Boston, MAPlaces TravelZIP Code:02199
Population:157,917
Median Property Value:$868,100
Median Household Income:$99,018
Median Age:34.2
Famous Homeowners:Dr. Dre (who bought the home from Tom Brady), David Ortiz, Scarlett Johansson, John Cena
The Vibe: Only the wealthiest New Englanders can afford homes in this Boston area. Conceptualized in the mid-1800s, streets feature historic Victorian brownstones. The neighborhood offers top shopping and dining in Boston, with luxury boutiques and upscale restaurants. Back Bay hosts the second-tallest building in the city, Prudential Tower, offering city skyline views.
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Fisher Island, FLPlaces TravelZIP Code:33109
Population: 484
Median Property Value:$2 million
Median Household Income:$250,001
Median Age:67.6
Famous Homeowners:Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey, Boris and Barbara Becker, Karolina Kurkova, Carolina Wozniacki, Bharat Desai, Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft, Mike Fratello
The Vibe: Before Fisher Island became a celebrity home spot, it was part of Miami Beach island. Around the turn of the 20th century, the US government cleared part of the island for a shipping channel. They then dredged sand to create a slightly larger, separate island.
First, the island was privately owned. This let America's wealthiest families buy and sell the land freely. The island could not handle its current number of households until the 1980s.
Fisher Island, FL has no roads or bridges. Residents and visitors use ferries or private yachts. Only homeowners, their guests, hotel guests, and workers visit. Most families travel from home to home using golf carts.
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Sea Island, GAPlaces TravelZIP Code: 3156131561
Population: 103 103
Median Property Value: $2,406,000: $2,406,000
Median Household Income: $87,250: $87,250
Median Age: 69.269.2
Famous Homeowners: Pro golfers Jonathan Byrd, Harris English, Joey Garber, Garrick Higgo, Will Gordon, Ben Griffin, Brian Harman, Zach Johnson, Patton Kizzire, Davis Love III, Keith Mitchell, Andrew Novak, J.T. Poston, Grayson Sigg, Davis Thompson, and Michael Thompson Pro golfers Jonathan Byrd, Harris English, Joey Garber, Garrick Higgo, Will Gordon, Ben Griffin, Brian Harman, Zach Johnson, Patton Kizzire, Davis Love III, Keith Mitchell, Andrew Novak, J.T. Poston, Grayson Sigg, Davis Thompson, and Michael Thompson
The Vibe: The Sea Island, GA, offers luxurious coastal living on a quiet, private island. Established in 1928, the resort aimed to give wealthy families a place to make memories across generations. Since its start, communityhas won 80 Forbes Five-Star Awards and offers space for sunbathing, golfing, water sports, shopping, and dining.
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McLean, VAPlaces TravelZIP Code: 2210122101
Population: 49,310 49,310
Median Property Value: $1.1 million$1.1 million
Median Household Income: $242,610$242,610
Median Age: 46.446.4
Famous Homeowners: Former Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, Gore Vidal, Newt Gingrich Former Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, Gore Vidal, Newt GingrichNewt Gingrich
The Vibe: McLean, VA, sits near the nation's capital. Wealthy politicians have lived there for nearly four centuries. Salona was Union General William Smith's headquarters during the Civil War.
Families in McLean enjoy DC area museums, historical sites, entertainment, and dining while living in a smaller, family-friendly area. Residents do not leave for good times. McLean hosts Tyson's Corner Center shopping, the Alden Theater, many restaurants, craft breweries, parks, and trails.
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Wilson, WYPlaces TravelZIP Code: 8301483014
Population: 1,407
Median Property Value: $873,400$873,400
Median Household Income: $117,670$117,670
Median Age: 47.447.4
Famous Homeowners: Liz Cheney, Amy Wyss (daughter of Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss)
The Vibe: Wilson, WY, keeps its small-town, western charm unlike the busy Jacskon. A river separates the areas, letting the ritzy spot keep its relaxed feel despite its prime location. Houses sell for a median of $2 million. Residents who buy homes here choose the cowboy, outdoorsy feel of Teton County with rustic homes.
The community holds "Sunday church" every Sunday night. Families and friends gather to dance to a band that has played for them every weekend for over 47 years. Hungry Jack’s General Store stocks all grocery staples for Wilson residents and rents DVDs.
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Winnetka, ILPlaces TravelZIP Code: 60093
Population: 12,658
Median Property Value: $1.12 million
Median Household Income: $250,001
Median Age: 42.6
Famous Homeowners: Former Chicago Bears football player Jay Cutler and ex-wife Kristin Cavallari (former renters), Phoenix Suns co-ownerJustin Ishbia
The Vibe: Winnetka, just outside Chicago, might be a recognizable neighborhood in America, though most cannot afford it. In 1990, one home in the quiet town appeared in a successful theatrical family hit, Home Alone.
The upscale neighborhood still attracts visitors over 30 years later. Local homeowners find this endearing, except when tourists park illegally on the street taking selfies with the most iconic house on the block. Other community spots featured in the film include Chestnut Court, where Kevin visited Santa; The Grand Food Center, where he bought groceries; and the pharmacy near Hubbard Woods Park, where he got his toothbrush.
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Paradise Valley, AZPlaces TravelZIP Code: 85253
Population: 12,666
Median Property Value: $1.78 million
Median Household Income: $203,659
Median Age: 54.4
Famous Homeowners: Michael Phelps, Alice Cooper, former vice president Dan Quayle, author Clive Cussler (Muhammad Ali called the town home before his passing)
The Vibe:Buying land in Paradise Valley costs from a couple of million to $50 million. This small community near Phoenix and Scottsdale is a hotspot for the ultra-wealthy who like desert cities but do not want to live there. Homes are secluded; many have private pools for summer cooling. The area is a golfer's paradise, featuring a world-class course and a Ritz Carlton spa for relaxation after a nine or 18-hole round. Paradise Valley homeowners also access the exclusive Paradise Valley Silverleaf Club.
With stunning views, top-rated public and private schools, and a Ritz Carlton spa, residents might think they never leave their mega mansions. No grocery stores or gas stations exist within the 16-mile city limits; the land is reserved only for homes. If Paradise Valley homeowners want more than entertainment nearby, they can leave via a private aviation company at the Scottsdale Airport.
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West University Place City, TXPlaces TravelZIP Code: 77005
Population: 15,033
Median Property Value: $781,300
Median Household Income: $205,136
Median Age: 41.7
Famous Homeowners: Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien, ESPN basketball analyst Jeff Van Gundy, former Houston Astros baseball player Craig Biggio
The Vibe:Despite being downtown Houston, West University Place offers small-town, southern charm you do not expect in the 610 loop.24/7 Wall StreetWest University Place City, TX ranked the small town number one place to live in America. It offers highly-rated public schools and quiet neighborhoods where kids play safely. The town hosts the world's largest Little League organizations, boasting over 1,000 members. Young baseball players aiming for the big leagues gain an edge with MLB Hall of Famer Craig Biggio.Craig BiggioHe has been spotted talking with fans at games.
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