The Most Expensive Neighborhoods in the US
These are the most expensive neighborhoods in every state in the US where you’ll need to open your wallet wide to get your hands on some plum real estate. See if your neighborhood is on the list.
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Priciest Properties
Got your sights set on a piece of pricey property? Even if you just want to window shop, we’ve got you covered. CashNetUSA recently scoured publicly available data on real estate website Zillow, then did a few calculations on their own, to identify the most upscale town, suburb or community in every single US state.
Not only are we sharing these ritzy real estate towns with you, but we’ve got what you need to know about each community, including what there is to do, population data and other pertinent facts. Here and there, we’ve also sprinkled in notables who live or have lived there, who were born there and even those who hit these towns for well-deserved vacays. Without further ado, here are the most expensive neighborhoods across the United States.
Mountain Brook, Alabama
Mountain Brook is a tony suburb of Birmingham, Alabama. It’s also the hometown of such celebs as Courteney Cox and Kate Jackson. This upscale enclave of 22,000 residents boasts an average home price of $1,758,360. The main attraction in Mountain Brook is the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, a 67-acre green space with nature trails and more than two dozen gardens. This suburb is also noted for walkable high-end shopping districts like Crestline Village and Mountain Brook Village. According to Realtor.com, the suburb’s priciest home sold in November 2022 for $3.6 million.
Kodiak, Alaska
Kodiak is not typically considered an affluent town, though it does rank among Alaska cities with high average household incomes. This island town of less than 6,000 residents is best known for its scenic beauty and access to nature, including Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to bald eagles, brown bears and river otters. It’s also known for the Kodiak Crab Festival, a five-day celebration with running races, a parade, an art show and a fish toss. The average home price is $930,569, but some new builds come with big views and $4 million price tags.
DC Ranch, Arizona
DC Ranch is a posh planned community in North Scottsdale that is home to more than 41,000 residents. The neighborhood has luxury homes, lush green spaces and easy access to McDowell Sonoran Preserve, a protected desert habitat with scenic hiking trails. It’s also home to the Country Club at DC Ranch, which has an 18-hole golf course, a driving range, tennis courts and a clubhouse. The average home price is $8,566,589, but it’s easy to spend more for a resort-style home with desert views. In November 2022, a seven-bedroom mansion went for a whopping $11.2 million. Famous residents have included Poison lead singer Bret Michaels and race car driver Danica Patrick.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Hot Springs is a moneyed community located in Garland County, Arkansas. It’s best known for its natural hot springs and historic bathhouses at Hot Springs National Park. Many visitors come to see the park’s Bathhouse Row, which has eight bathhouses, some with painted murals, stained glass skylights and marble tubs. Several celebrities hail from Hot Springs, including movie actors Billy Bob Thornton and Alan Ladd. The average home price in Hot Springs is $1,002,782. Eager to spend more? You can. Sotheby’s has several home listings in Hot Springs priced at $3+ million.
Beverly Hills Gateway, California
Beverly Hills Gateway is among the most exclusive neighborhoods in Beverly Hills, California. The mansions are so grand and opulent that it’s no surprise to see the average home price is $22,771,957. On Zillow, you’d be hard-pressed to find home listings for much less than $10 million. Homes have large lots, swimming pools, elegant fountains, manicured lawns and tennis courts. According to RubyHome, one of the priciest homes in Los Angeles is located in Beverly Hills Gateway. It’s the historic Warner Estate, which was once owned by movie studio tycoon Jack Warner and was sold to Amazon’s Jeff Bezos in 2020 for a record-breaking $165 million.
Snowmass, Colorado
Snowmass is known for world-class ski resorts, stunning mountain views, and, of course, wildly expensive real estate with an average home price of $23,568,750. In winter, Snowmass Village is a favorite destination for skiers and snowboarders. In warm weather months, hiking, golfing and mountain biking are tops. The annual Snowmass Balloon Festival is a fan favorite among locals and visitors alike. Year-round, art galleries and high-end shopping are in fashion. Snowmass attracts its share of celebs, including Felicity Huffman and William H. Macy, as well as former Disney executive Michael Eisner. On Realtor.com, a five-bedroom home is listed for an eye-popping $60 million.
Old Greenwich, Connecticut
Old Greenwich is an upscale neighborhood in coastal Greenwich, Connecticut, that is known for waterfront parks, ritzy yacht clubs, sandy beaches, high-end shops and historic landmarks, like Bush-Holley House. This one-time boarding house was home to the Cos Cob Art Colony from 1890 to 1920 and today is managed by the Greenwich Historical Society. Old Greenwich is popular among celebs, too, including actor Terry Crews and TV personality Tom Bergeron. This small village has a population of less than 7,000 residents, and an average home price of $4,078,905. In the market to buy in Old Greenwich? Realtor.com has a listing for an eight-bedroom home on the water with a $35 million price tag.
Bethany Beach, Delaware
Bethany Beach is an affluent beach town on the Atlantic Ocean in Sussex County, Delaware. This town of just 1,000 year-round visitors swells in warm weather months thanks to a beautiful coastline, kid-friendly attractions, a half-mile boardwalk and tax-free shopping. The average beach house costs $1,349,419, but it’s easy to spend much more on a getaway at the shore. In April 2023, a five-bedroom beachfront home in Bethany Beach sold for $3.7 million, according to Realtor.com. There have been celeb sightings too, including Bill Nye the Science Guy, Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl and Ryan Phillippe.
Manalapan, Florida
Located in Palm Beach County, Manalapan boasts the highest average home price in the United States. Get ready, it’s a whopping $39,761,000. This small town, which is located on a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, has a population of less than 500 residents. In June 2022, Oracle’s Larry Ellison paid $173 million for a waterfront estate in Manalapan. At the time, this was the most expensive home sale in the state of Florida. The 62,000-square-foot mansion has a 12-bedroom main house, several guest cottages, botanical gardens, a swimming pool and a three-hole golf course, among a plethora of other amenities.
Sea Island, Georgia
Sea Island is one of four stunning barrier islands that make up Georgia’s Golden Isles. This small island has a year-round population of around 300 residents and is considered a home away from home for such celebs as Tyler Perry and Steve Harvey. Prestigious Sea Island boasts luxurious waterfront estates, as well as several high-end resorts and clubs. Notably, Sea Island is home to the world-famous Cloister at Sea Island, which has been ranked among the top resorts in the world. On Sea Island, the average home price is $5,632,636. In late-2021, an oceanfront Spanish-style mansion with palm trees and a manicured lawn broke records, selling for a whopping $27.5 million.
Kapalua, Hawaii
It’s fairly easy to find pricey real estate in Hawaii, but this is especially true in Kapalua, which is set on the northwest coast of Maui. Home to fewer than 500 residents, Kapalua is known for its natural beauty, luxury homes and several high-end resorts, including the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua and the Montage Kapalua Bay. Kapalua has beautiful beaches, stunning golf courses and scenic hiking trails, including the popular Kapalua Coastal Trail. In Kapalua, the average home price is $7,255,000, but of course, it’s a cinch to spend more on real estate. Realtor.com has a listing for a seven-bedroom waterfront estate with an asking price of $41.9 million.
Ketchum, Idaho
Ketchum is a small, well-to-do community in the Wood River Valley that is surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains. It’s located a stone’s throw from Sun Valley Resort, a popular resort known for skiing and snowboarding in the winter. In summer, hiking, mountain biking and fly fishing are favorites with locals and visitors. The average home price in Ketchum is $4,688,973 for an estate with mountain views. One of the most expensive homes hit the market in 2022 with a price tag of $19,750,000, but it’s since been taken off the market, according to Realtor.com. Celeb notables who have called Ketchum home include Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis.
Glencoe, Illinois
Set on the shores of Lake Michigan, the affluent village of Glencoe is less than 25 miles north of Chicago. Fewer than 9,000 residents live in this wealthy neighborhood, which boasts historic homes, tree-lined streets and easy access to green spaces and public beaches, like Glencoe Beach. It’s also celebrated for its top public and private schools, including North Shore Country Day School. The average home price in Glencoe is $3,078,442. According to Realtor.com, the priciest home on the market has an asking price of $11.9 million. This sale would top the price paid for a blufftop North Shore home in 2019, which went for nearly $10 million.
Syracuse, Indiana
Syracuse is a small upscale town in Kosciusko County, Indiana, with a population of just 3,000 residents. Set on the shores of Syracuse Lake, Syracuse is also a stone’s throw from Lake Wawasee, the largest natural lake in Indiana, which is known for beautiful lakefront homes. The lakes provide plentiful opportunities for outdoor recreation, like swimming, fishing and sailing. The Syracuse-Wawasee Trails are popular among area hikers and cyclists. The average home price is $1,242,916 for a home right on the lake. However, some larger lakeside homes can easily fetch upwards of $3 or $4 million.
Cumming, Iowa
The well-to-do town of Cumming is located in Warren County, Iowa. This small town of less than 500 residents is a suburb of Des Moines and is the hometown of Tom Harkin, who served as a US Senator from 1985 to 2015. Cumming is popular among cyclists thanks to the Great Western Trail, a 16.5 mile rail-trail that cuts across Warren and Polk counties. In Cumming, the average home price is $726,325 for a home with easy access to green spaces, like Cumming City Park and Mayor Tom Becker Park. In 2018, a five-bedroom estate with a swimming pool and a pool house sold for $1,645,000, one of the highest ever price tags for a home in Cumming.
Mission Hills, Kansas
Mission Hills is a small and affluent suburb of Kansas City. This community of less than 4,000 residents is known for its historic homes, tree-lined streets and swanky country clubs, including Mission Hills Country Club and Kansas City Country Club. The suburb’s real estate boasts a range of architectural styles, like Colonial, Mediterranean and Tudor. The average home in Mission Hills costs $1,922,718. This notable suburb has top-rated schools and beautifully manicured lawns. One of the most famous residents of Mission Hills is Patrick Mahomes, superstar quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs. In 2020, a five-bedroom Georgian-style estate sold for $7,595,000.
Simpsonville, Kentucky
The small town of Simpsonville is an eastern suburb of Louisville with a population of less than 3,000 residents. This close-knit community is known for lush rolling hills, horse farms, rural charm and natural beauty that goes on for miles. It’s also home to noted country clubs, like Lake Forest Country Club. In Simpsonville, the average home costs $1,569,977. For this, you’ll get a large lot, a luxury home, maybe even a pool. If you can write a check for $4,950,000, Realtor.com has a listing for a four-bedroom Georgian-style estate on 92 acres with spring-fed lakes, an event barn, a swimming pool and a pool house.
Audubon Park, Louisiana
Audubon Park is an upscale neighborhood in New Orleans that shares its name with the city’s 350-acre public park. This posh community is known for tree-lined streets, historic homes and exclusive country clubs, like the New Orleans Country Club. The neighborhood is close to a number of top attractions, like the Audubon Zoo and Audubon Aquarium. The average cost of a home in this historic community is $1,513,937. However, you can certainly spend more. In 2020, a six-bedroom home on Rosa Park, the first private street in New Orleans, sold for $4,750,000.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is a quaint small town that sits on Mount Desert Island and serves as the gateway to Acadia National Park. Thanks to the national park, several million people are drawn to this scenic village each year, yet Bar Harbor counts fewer than 6,000 year-round residents. The town is known for scenic natural beauty with a mix of landscapes, including rocky coastline and dense pine forests. At Acadia, Cadillac Mountain is a popular spot for sunrise-seekers since it sees the first sunrise in the United States from October 7 through March 6. The average home price in Bar Harbor is $2,732,800. A quiet, private estate on Frenchman Bay in Bar Harbor may soon be among the priciest sales, listed on Realtor.com with a price tag of $11.2 million.
Chevy Chase, Maryland
Chevy Chase is an affluent city in Montgomery County, Maryland, that is located on the northwest border of Washington, DC. This well-heeled community of 10,000 residents is home to such notables as sports journalist Tony Kornheiser. Historic Avalon Theatre, which shows independent films, is only a few blocks from Chevy Chase Circle. The average home price is $2,284,946. According to Realtor.com, one of the most expensive homes in Maryland — a $29.5 million English-inspired estate that has hosted such former presidents as George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush – is located in Chevy Chase.
Osterville, Massachusetts
Osterville is a village situated in the coastal town of Barnstable, Massachusetts, that’s known for spectacular beaches, charming boutiques and luxurious waterfront estates. This quaint village of less than 4,000 year-round residents is known for very good public schools, cultural attractions like the Osterville Historical Museum and green spaces like the 8.5-acre Armstrong-Kelley Park, which is Cape Cod’s oldest public park. Notables who have called Osterville home include Match Game host Gene Rayburn and home renovation expert Bob Vila. The average home price is $7,308,545 for a piece of paradise on the Nantucket Sound. Realtor.com features a sprawling 3.6-acre estate with a private beach, a 5,000-bottle wine cellar, a seven-car garage and a massage room for $30 million.
Lakeside, Michigan
The affluent community of Lakeside sits on the southwest shores of shimmering Lake Michigan. This highly desirable town in Berrien County is home to fewer than 300 people and is known for excellent public schools, historic architecture and beautiful lake views. It’s also an easy drive from the sandy shores of St. Joseph. In town, the historic 31-room Lakeside Inn exudes rustic charm. The average home in Lakeside costs $2,652,417, though you may pay more for Lake Michigan frontage. A nine-bedroom Georgian estate with a wine cellar, swimming pool and guest house is on track to be among the priciest sales thanks to a list price of $9,450,000.
Wayzata, Minnesota
The well-to-do community of Wayzata is a western suburb of Minneapolis that sits on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, the largest lake in the Twin Cities area. The small town is home to fewer than 4,400 people. It’s also home to an annual arts festival called the Wayzata Art Experience, as well as Lake Minnetonka Regional Park, a lakeshore park with a swimming pond, fishing pier and children’s playground. The average home price in Wayzata is $2,236,365. In 2018, one of the most expensive homes in Minnesota was located in Wayzata and had a price tag of $24 million.
Oxford, Mississippi
Compared to some states, real estate in Mississippi may seem like a bargain. In the state’s most affluent city of Oxford, which is home to the University of Mississippi, the average home price is a mere $592,879. This city of 26,000 residents is known for art galleries, posh boutiques and a thriving arts and culture scene, thanks largely to the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts. Many upscale homes sit near Oxford’s serene green spaces, including 10-acre Avent Park. A number of notables hail from Oxford, including novelist John Grisham and former NFL quarterback Eli Manning. In 2019, a gorgeous historic home that dates to 1926 was put up for sale for a whopping $3.8 million, but this property has since been taken off the market.
Kansas City, Missouri
The major metropolitan area of Kansas City is home to the most expensive real estate in Missouri. Here, the average home price is $1,296,421. Kansas City has a thriving arts and culture scene, which includes the Kansas City Symphony and Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. It’s also known for a winning professional sports scene thanks to the 2023 Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs. Sunset Hill West is among the wealthiest neighborhoods in Kansas City. Realtor.com lists several sprawling estates in this community with price tags of nearly $4 million. A few Kansas City natives include director Robert Altman, Don Cheadle and Ellie Kemper.
Gallatin Gateway, Montana
Gallatin Gateway is a well-to-do community just west of Bozeman, Montana, with a population of fewer than 1,000 residents. This community sits on US Route 191, which leads south to Big Sky, then on to West Yellowstone, a gateway town to Yellowstone National Park. Gallatin Gateway is popular among outdoor recreation enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, camping and fly fishing. It is home to exclusive ranch subdivisions like Gallatin River Ranch and Black Bull, a private golf community. The average home price is $2,638,136. Among the most expensive homes in Gallatin Gateway is a 20-acre mountain retreat with a list price of $6,250,000.
Ashland, Nebraska
Ashland is a small town southwest of Omaha with a population of less than 3,200 residents, many of whom enjoy the community’s rural charm and pastoral landscapes. Ashland has been voted one of the most beautiful towns in Nebraska thanks to its brick-lined downtown and historic buildings. Salt Creek winds across the east side of town, alongside a golf disc course and a dog park. One of the more exclusive neighborhoods is Iron Horse, which boasts large lots, beautiful homes, scenic views and private pools. The average home price in Ashland is $884,209. In early 2023, one of the most expensive homes in Ashland sold for $1,560,000, according to Realtor.com.
Glenbrook, Nevada
Glenbrook is a tiny, affluent town — a gated community, really — of less than 300 full-time residents that sits on the east shore of sparkling Lake Tahoe. The area is surrounded by the rugged Sierra Nevada Mountains, offering residents and renters beautiful mountain and lake views for miles. The average home price in Glenbrook is $9,449,750, but it’s easy to spend more, so much more for frontage on Lake Tahoe. In April 2022, a waterfront estate with a private marina, a zen garden, a wine cellar and its own sandy beach hit the market for $100 million. At the time, it was the most expensive home for sale in Nevada.
North Hampton, New Hampshire
North Hampton is a small, coastal town in southeastern New Hampshire, about an hour north of Boston. This community of fewer than 5,000 residents is home to exclusive neighborhoods like Boar’s Head and Little Boar’s Head. Set on the Atlantic Ocean, residents enjoy easy access to beautiful beaches, including Jenness State Beach and North Hampton State Beach, as well as the historic streets of nearby Portsmouth. The annual North Hampton Old Home Day celebration is a popular family event. The average home price in North Hampton is $3,195,811. In 2021, North Hampton was home to one of New Hampshire’s most expensive real estate listings: a $25 million property with a historic horse farm.
Alpine, New Jersey
Alpine is an affluent town of less than 2,000 residents that sits on the Hudson River in the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains. This upscale borough of Bergen County, New Jersey, is or has been home to more than a few celebs, including Jay-Z, Eddie Murphy, Britney Spears and Chris Rock. It’s also known for Palisades Interstate Park, which boasts miles of biking and hiking trails. The average home in Alpine costs a whopping $6,609,054, but many homes run at least $10 million. In 2022, one of New Jersey’s most expensive mansions sold for $27.5 million. Some may consider this a bargain given it hit the market in 2010 with a price tag of $68 million.
Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, New Mexico
Los Ranchos de Albuquerque is a small village in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, that’s best known for sprawling estates and large rural spaces. This small town of less than 6,000 residents is an easy 15-minute drive north of Albuquerque. Since it’s a long name, the town is more often referred to as “The Village” or “Los Ranchos.” Here you’ll find big homes, spacious lots and manicured lawns. Many homes feature horse stables and riding trails. The average home price is $1,837,357. In late-2022, a five-bedroom, farmhouse-style home hit the market for $5.9 million, making it one of the area’s most expensive homes.
Southampton Village, New York
Southampton Village is a wildly affluent waterfront community in Suffolk, New York, that attracts visitors from around the world. It’s known for high-end boutiques, beautiful beaches and, of course, celebs. A few notables who own homes in Southampton include Brooke Shields, Calvin Klein and Kelly Ripa. Southampton Village is home to the world-renowned Parrish Art Museum and the Southampton Cultural Center. The average home price is $16,719,714, but in 2022, several mega-estates sold for much more. Among them, a $70 million manor house, which may be the most expensive non-waterfront property in the Hamptons.
Linville, North Carolina
Linville is a tiny community of less than 500 residents in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, just southwest of Grandfather Mountain State Park. This small town is known for its natural beauty, its plentiful outdoor recreation opportunities and its proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Linville Gorge Wilderness is tops for camping, hiking, rock climbing and fishing. The average home price in Linville is $3,687,300. In late 2022, one of the most expensive homes in North Carolina was put up for sale with a price tag of $30 million. This five-bedroom home is nicknamed “Lazy Bear Lodge” and sits on a ridgetop with views of Grandfather Mountain.
Horace Mann, North Dakota
Horace Mann is a historic neighborhood just north of downtown Fargo, North Dakota. Fewer than 2,500 residents live in this small, affluent community that was named for Horace Mann, a slavery abolitionist and pioneering educator. The average home price is $739,193, and many homes were built between 1905 and 1925. The Red River runs along the east side of Horace Mann, allowing for outdoor recreation at green spaces like Oak Grove Park and Riverfront Park. Brand-new condos are springing up in this historic neighborhood, all with price tags that top $1 million. A few notables from Fargo include 1960s pop singer Bobby Vee and astronaut James Buchli.
Mount Adams, Ohio
Mount Adams is an affluent and picturesque neighborhood within Cincinnati, Ohio. This charming community of less than 1,500 residents sits on a hill, affording spectacular views across the city skyline. Mount Adams boasts quiet nature trails, scenic Ohio River views and serene green spaces, including the Krohn Conservatory, which is home to a bonsai gallery, as well as an orchid house, a palm house and a fern house. Of note, Mount Adams was named for John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States. He was the sitting president in the 1800s when the neighborhood was established. The average home price is $1,363,142. In early 2023, a modern mansion with Moorish arches and design sold for nearly $2 million, according to Realtor.com.
Nichols Hills, Oklahoma
Nichols Hills is a well-to-do suburb of Oklahoma City that is home to nearly 4,000 residents. It features luxury homes, neatly manicured lawns and upscale shopping, as well as popular green spaces, like Grand Boulevard Park and Kite Park. In Nichols Hills, you’ll also find the uber-exclusive Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club. The average home costs $1,323,323. In late-2022, a gorgeous four-bedroom home in a highly-desired location across the street from Grand Boulevard Park sold for $2,795,000. This was one of the priciest real estate deals in Nichols Hills.
Forest Highlands, Oregon
Forest Highlands is an affluent suburb of Portland, Oregon, that is located north of Oswego Lake and west of the Willamette River. Forest Highlands is home to River View Natural Area and Tryon Creek State Natural Area, a scenic day-use area with hiking, biking and equestrian trails. The small neighborhood of Forest Highlands is home to fewer than 1,500 residents and is just north of the exclusive Oswego Lake Country Club. The average home price is $2,832,993, but of course, it’s easy to spend more for lake views, swimming pools and forested seclusion. New home builds run from $3 million to well over $5.5 million.
Villanova, Pennsylvania
Villanova is an affluent and family-friendly suburb of Philadelphia. This prestigious Main Line neighborhood has luxury estates, winding roads and mature trees, as well as historic sites, like the Radnor Friends Meeting House, which was built in 1718. Villanova is also home to Villanova University, a highly rated university with such notable alumni as Bradley Cooper and Jill Biden. The average home price in this suburb of fewer than 7,000 residents is $3,762,000. In late 2022, a five-bedroom home made the list of the most expensive home sales in the Greater Philadelphia Region, selling for $4.75 million.
Block Island, Rhode Island
Block Island is a small, moneyed island in the Atlantic Ocean, which is reachable in-season by high-speed ferry boat from Newport, Rhode Island. The year-round population of Block Island hovers around 1,000 people, but many more ferry out to the island in the summer months for sunny beaches, lobster rolls, bike rentals and the North Lighthouse, which was put in service in 1867. The Block Island National Wildlife Refuge is also a draw, thanks in part to more than 70 species of migratory songbirds. The average home price is $3,617,765. According to Realtor.com, a luxury estate has among the highest ever price tags at $8.9 million. It comes with a main house, a guest cottage, a barn and a saltwater pool.
Sullivan's Island, South Carolina
Sullivan’s Island, once known as O’Sullivan’s Island, is a small, well-heeled suburb of Charleston with a population of fewer than 2,000 year-round residents. This scenic barrier island has gorgeous coastline, sandy beaches and historic Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse, which is part of Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park. In summer, the island swells with tourists who come to swim, surf, fish and hunt for shells. The average price for a beautiful home on the water is $5,436,765. In late-2020, a five-bedroom oceanfront villa sold for $8.5 million, which was one of the most expensive homes to sell on Sullivan’s Island.
Lead, South Dakota
Lead is a small town of fewer than 3,000 residents that’s located in Lawrence County, South Dakota. Less than one hour from Rapid City, Lead is an easy drive from the state’s top attractions, including Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial. Its location in the Black Hills makes Lead a popular destination for outdoor recreation enthusiasts, as well as those who want to revel in a peaceful mountain sunset. The average home price in this one-time mining town is $889,263, but there are plenty of new builds on the market priced well north of $1 million.
Belle Meade, Tennessee
Belle Meade is a well-to-do suburb of Nashville that’s home to just under 3,000 residents. This affluent community is or has been home to such notables as former US Vice President Al Gore, as well as musicians Vince Gill and Amy Grant. Belle Meade has luxurious estates, highly-rated public schools and easy access to Nashville's booming music industry. The Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery is a popular tourist destination, offering historic mansion tours, wine tastings and outdoor activities, like horseshoes and bocce ball. The average home in Belle Meade sells for $7,055,929. In 2022, a 10-bedroom mansion set on 50 acres was put on the market for $50 million, but has since been de-listed.
Highland Park, Texas
The affluent town of Highland Park is a suburb of Dallas and is home to upwards of 9,000 residents. This well-heeled community was established in 1915 as a retreat for the very wealthy who also had homes in Dallas. In Highland Park, you’ll find lavish mansions, tree-lined avenues and high-end retailers like Chanel, Fendi and Hermes at Highland Park Village. Famous residents have included former Texas Governor Bill Clements and Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys. The average home price in beautiful Highland Park is $7,346,538. In 2020, a $19.5 million mansion was on the market. At the time, it was the most expensive home for sale in Dallas.
Park Meadows, Utah
Park Meadows is a wealthy community in Park City, Utah, known for lavish mountain hideaways, breathtaking scenery and close proximity to world-class skiing at Park City Mountain Resort. Home to nearly 9,000 residents, Park City is beloved by such celebs as Michael Jordan, Will Smith and Katherine Heigl, all of whom spend some of the year in the Park City area. In winter, the town attracts skiers but also movie-goers, thanks to the annual Sundance Film Festival, which takes place in Park City in January. The average home price in Park Meadows is $5,318,700. In 2022, a $42 million six-bedroom home on Park City Mountain turned heads, particularly for its amenities, like a bowling alley, a rock climbing wall and ski-in/ski-out access.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is a small, affluent ski town in northern Vermont with a year-round population of less than 1,000 residents. Known as the “Ski Capital of the East,” winter sports enthusiasts flock to Stowe Mountain Resort, which has 116 ski runs and a dozen ski lifts. Stowe is also home to Mount Mansfield, the tallest peak in Vermont, which is popular with hikers in warm weather months. In Stowe, the average price for a mountain home is $2,678,479. In late 2022, a listing for $17.5 million set records as the most expensive home for sale in Vermont. It also drew interest for its unique design and its own covered bridge. Of course, Vermont is home to just over 100 covered bridges.
McLean, Virginia
McLean is a well-heeled suburb of Washington, DC, notable for its luxury homes, excellent public schools and some of the priciest real estate in the metropolitan area. McLean sits on the Potomac River and boasts beautiful green spaces with hiking trails, like Scott’s Run Nature Preserve and Turkey Run Park. The average home price is $3,103,397 in this community of nearly 50,000 residents, which includes such notables as superstar hockey player Alex Ovechkin and Vint Cerf, the man largely regarded as one of the fathers of the Internet. In 2022, a 33,000-square-foot mega-mansion hit the market for $39 million, which at the time was the area’s most expensive home.
Medina, Washington
Medina is a small, well-to-do town set on the eastern shore of Lake Washington. A stone’s throw from Seattle, it’s one of the city’s most exclusive suburbs. It’s also home to such notable billionaires as Microsoft’s Bill Gates and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos. The average home price is a whopping $8,585,489. In this quiet neighborhood of less than 3,000 residents, walk your pup at Medina Park, get in a round of golf at Overlake Golf & Country Club or take in the views of the Medina Bridge. According to Realtor.com, one of the town’s most expensive homes sold in February 2023 for $38 million.
Summersville, West Virginia
Summersville is an affluent town of fewer than 3,500 residents that is a short drive from New River Gorge National Park & Preserve and the iconic New River Gorge Bridge. Summersville is adjacent to Summersville Lake, the largest lake in West Virginia, which is popular among outdoor enthusiasts who come for fishing, boating and swimming. Summersville is a top base camp for whitewater rafting on the New River and Gauley River. The average home in Summersville costs $1,615,266. In 2021, one of West Virginia’s most expensive homes was listed for sale. This hilltop estate on 100 acres boasted a 3,000-bottle wine cellar, an infinity pool, a massage room and a hefty price tag of $19.5 million.
Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Fish Creek is a quaint village located in Door County, Wisconsin. The year-round population hovers at around 1,000 residents, but warm weather months draw visitors to Door County for hiking trails, sandy beaches and small town charm. Visitors also come for a traditional fish boil, a must in Door County. Green spaces like Sunset Beach Park attract locals and visitors for coastal access and vibrant sunsets across Green Bay. The average price of a home is $1,391,668. In late 2022, Wisconsin’s priciest home was on the market with a price tag of $9.95 million. This waterfront estate in Fish Creek has a guest house, a tennis court, walled garden and plenty of bay views.
South Park, Wyoming
South Park is a small, wealthy community in Teton County, Wyoming, that’s a short drive from Jackson. The year-round population hovers at around 2,000 residents, but the town can get busy with winter skiers hitting the slopes at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, then again in summer with park-goers eager to visit Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. South Park is known for luxury homes, sensational views and beautiful mountains. The average home price in South Park is $5,018,900, but of course, you can pay top dollar for more land and more privacy. It’s not unusual to see home listings on Realtor.com for upwards of $10 million.