An analysis of America’s 25 most expensive towns, based on the Zillow Home Value Index from November 2024, reveals striking patterns in both geography and price appreciation. Most notably, Jupiter Island, Florida tops the list at $9.47 million, leading a strong showing of Florida luxury markets that includes Golden Beach ($7.42M) and Fisher Island ($5.97M). California dominates the list numerically with nine communities, though these are concentrated in three distinct markets: Silicon Valley, Los Angeles County, and the San Francisco Bay Area. The Pacific Northwest emerges as a luxury powerhouse, with four Washington state communities all exceeding $4 million in median home value, anchored by Hunts Point at $7.38 million. Perhaps most surprisingly, some of the strongest price appreciation occurred in locations outside traditional luxury markets, with Sullivans Island, South Carolina showing an extraordinary 197% growth since 2015.
Overview Chart
The geographic distribution of these elite communities presents clear patterns based on natural amenities and economic centers. Waterfront locations dominate the list, whether on the Pacific, Atlantic, or inland waters like Lake Washington, demonstrating the premium placed on water views and access. These communities cluster around major economic hubs, particularly tech centers like Silicon Valley and Seattle, or established luxury destinations like South Florida and the Hamptons. Notable among the findings is the complete absence of luxury markets from America’s heartland, with no locations between the coasts making the top 25 despite major metropolitan areas like Chicago and Dallas featuring numerous affluent suburbs. The data also reveals divergent growth patterns, with some established markets like Atherton showing modest appreciation (48.5% since 2015), while emerging luxury destinations like Manalapan, Florida have more than doubled in value over the same period.
1. Portola Valley, CA
Located on the San Francisco Peninsula on the eastern slope of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Portola Valley sits west of Interstate 280 and Stanford University. This affluent community west of Stanford maintains its rural character despite its proximity to Silicon Valley’s tech corridor. Property values have shown steady appreciation from $2,890,024 in 2015 to $3,187,770 in 2020, reaching $3,887,763 by November 2024, marking a 34.5% growth since 2015 and a more modest 22.0% increase since 2020.
2. Sullivans Island, SC
Situated at the mouth of Charleston Harbor, Sullivans Island serves as a barrier island that helps protect the harbor entrance. This historic beach town combines coastal living with easy access to Charleston, offering residents a blend of island tranquility and urban proximity. The town has experienced extraordinary growth, with home values soaring from $1,345,627 in 2015 to $1,810,947 in 2020, before reaching $3,996,321 in November 2024, showcasing remarkable appreciation of 197.0% since 2015 and an impressive 120.7% surge since 2020.
3. Manalapan, FL
Manalapan encompasses both barrier island and mainland sections, divided by the Intracoastal Waterway in Palm Beach County. The town’s unique geography includes oceanfront estates along its barrier island portion and mainland properties west of the waterway. Home values demonstrate strong market momentum, climbing from $1,705,599 in 2015 to $1,988,755 in 2020, before surging to $4,019,910 in November 2024, reflecting robust growth of 135.7% since 2015 and an exceptional 102.1% appreciation since 2020.
4. Clyde Hill, WA
Situated to the west of Bellevue and east of Medina in the Seattle metropolitan area, Clyde Hill’s elevated position offers select areas views of Lake Washington, the Seattle skyline, and surrounding mountains. This residential community benefits from its central location in the eastern suburbs of Seattle while maintaining its distinct character. Property values have shown strong appreciation from $1,866,057 in 2015 to $2,681,269 in 2020, before reaching $4,027,772 in November 2024, representing a 115.8% increase since 2015 and a 50.2% gain since 2020.
5. Bridgehampton, NY
Located in the Town of Southampton between the villages of Southampton and East Hampton, Bridgehampton extends from the Atlantic Ocean northward through prime farmland. This historic hamlet in the Hamptons combines agricultural heritage with luxury oceanfront estates, creating a unique blend of rural and coastal character. Home values have steadily climbed from $2,301,295 in 2015 to $2,565,564 in 2020, ultimately reaching $4,032,711 in November 2024, showing 75.2% growth since 2015 and 57.2% appreciation since 2020.
6. Monte Sereno, CA
Adjacent to the city of Los Gatos and part of Silicon Valley, Monte Sereno sits in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains in Santa Clara County. This exclusively residential community maintains its serene atmosphere through strict zoning that prohibits commercial development. Property values have risen from $2,327,912 in 2015 to $2,705,907 in 2020, before climbing to $4,042,876 in November 2024, demonstrating 73.7% growth since 2015 and 49.4% since 2020.
7. Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Located in the coastal foothills approximately 20 miles north of downtown San Diego and a few miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, Rancho Santa Fe maintains its distinctive character. This unincorporated community features expansive lots with elegant estates amid rolling hills covered in eucalyptus trees. Home values have increased substantially from $2,182,144 in 2015 to $2,326,350 in 2020, before reaching $4,147,281 in November 2024, marking 90.1% growth since 2015 and 78.3% since 2020.
8. Los Altos, CA
Located in the southern part of the San Francisco Peninsula, Los Altos is bordered by Mountain View, Palo Alto, and Cupertino. This residential community features a charming village-like downtown while maintaining its position as a core Silicon Valley city. Property values have appreciated from $2,360,096 in 2015 to $2,906,349 in 2020, rising to $4,179,167 in November 2024, showing 77.1% growth since 2015 and 43.8% since 2020.
9. Hanalei, HI
Situated along the crescent-shaped Hanalei Bay on the north shore of Kauai, Hanalei is renowned for its pristine beach and lush surrounding landscapes. This historic town combines its role as both a tourist destination and an exclusive residential area, characterized by its dramatic mountain backdrop and rich cultural heritage. While 2015 data isn’t available, values rose from $2,241,366 in 2020 to $4,202,716 in November 2024, representing an 87.5% increase over this period.
10. Yarrow Point, WA
Located on a small peninsula extending into Lake Washington, Yarrow Point is part of the Seattle metropolitan area known for its residential character and waterfront properties. This exclusive community maintains a peaceful atmosphere while offering convenient access to nearby urban centers. Property values have climbed from $2,066,653 in 2015 to $2,900,668 in 2020, before reaching $4,270,557 in November 2024, reflecting 106.6% growth since 2015 and 47.2% since 2020.
11. Water Mill, NY
Situated in the Town of Southampton between Southampton and Bridgehampton, Water Mill is a historic hamlet with boundaries extending toward but not directly connecting the Atlantic Ocean and Peconic Bay. Named for its 17th-century water-powered mill, this community combines historic charm with luxury estates. Home values have risen from $2,507,578 in 2015 to $2,736,354 in 2020, before reaching $4,342,325 in November 2024, showing 73.2% growth since 2015 and 58.7% since 2020.
12. Belvedere, CA
Comprising Belvedere Island and Corinthian Island, connected to the town of Tiburon and each other by roadways in Marin County, Belvedere offers panoramic views of San Francisco Bay. While often referred to as islands, these land masses are connected to the mainland, creating an exclusive peninsula community. Property values increased from $3,187,244 in 2015 to $3,493,265 in 2020, before climbing to $4,376,109 in November 2024, representing 37.3% growth since 2015 and 25.3% since 2020.
13. Medina, WA
Located on the eastern shore of Lake Washington in the Eastside region of the Seattle metropolitan area, Medina sits directly across the lake from Seattle. This exclusive residential community on the mainland has become known for its privacy and luxury estates. Home values have surged from $2,049,259 in 2015 to $2,960,490 in 2020, before reaching $4,435,825 in November 2024, marking 116.5% growth since 2015 and 49.8% since 2020.
14. Sea Island, GA
Situated just east of St. Simons Island and part of Georgia’s Golden Isles, Sea Island is an exclusive resort and residential community. This private island destination combines luxury amenities with pristine beaches, creating one of the South’s most prestigious addresses. Property values have risen from $2,232,082 in 2015 to $2,280,024 in 2020, before climbing to $4,603,395 in November 2024, showing 106.2% growth since 2015 and 101.9% since 2020.
15. Hidden Hills, CA
Located in the southeastern corner of Ventura County adjacent to the western edge of the San Fernando Valley, Hidden Hills borders the city of Calabasas. This gated community maintains its rural atmosphere with no sidewalks or street lights, preserving its original ranch community character. Home values have increased dramatically from $2,030,952 in 2015 to $3,060,264 in 2020, before reaching $4,665,839 in November 2024, demonstrating 129.7% growth since 2015 and 52.5% since 2020.
16. Hillsborough, CA
Situated on the San Francisco Peninsula and bordered by Burlingame, San Mateo, and Millbrae, Hillsborough maintains its exclusive residential character. This affluent town requires minimum lot sizes of half an acre and contains no commercial zoning, preserving its estate-like atmosphere. Property values have risen from $3,557,345 in 2015 to $4,075,027 in 2020, before reaching $4,869,083 in November 2024, showing 36.9% growth since 2015 and 19.5% since 2020.
17. Montecito, CA
Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean just east of Santa Barbara, Montecito is an upscale unincorporated community known for its celebrity residents and stunning estates. This coastal enclave combines Mediterranean climate with luxurious privacy, attracting both permanent residents and second-home owners. Values have climbed from $2,642,689 in 2015 to $2,759,355 in 2020, before reaching $5,009,450 in November 2024, marking 89.6% growth since 2015 and 81.5% since 2020.
18. Lake Buena Vista, FL
Located in Orange County and controlled by The Walt Disney Company, Lake Buena Vista is a small city that serves as part of the Walt Disney World Resort. This unique municipality functions primarily as a resort district, with limited residential properties existing within its boundaries. While historical data isn’t available, property values reached $5,381,643 in November 2024, reflecting the area’s exclusive nature.
19. Los Altos Hills, CA
Situated in the Santa Clara Valley west of Los Altos, Los Altos Hills is an exclusively residential community with no commercial or industrial zones. The town mandates minimum one-acre lots and is known for its extensive network of pathways connecting various parts of the community. Home values have risen from $3,560,994 in 2015 to $4,027,554 in 2020, before reaching $5,572,018 in November 2024, showing 56.5% growth since 2015 and 38.3% since 2020.
20. Fisher Island, FL
Accessible only by ferry or private boat, Fisher Island is an exclusive island community located off the coast of Miami Beach. This man-made island, created during the construction of Miami’s Government Cut, has transformed from a private estate into one of the wealthiest zip codes in America. Property values have increased from $3,508,285 in 2015 to $3,172,257 in 2020, before surging to $5,968,992 in November 2024, representing 70.1% growth since 2015 and 88.2% since 2020.
21. Sagaponack, NY
Located in the Town of Southampton on Long Island’s South Fork, Sagaponack is a coastal village that combines luxury estates with preserved farmland. This Hamptons community stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to agricultural reserves, maintaining its rural character despite its status as one of America’s most expensive zip codes. Values have risen from $4,175,983 in 2015 to $4,316,789 in 2020, before reaching $6,560,830 in November 2024, marking 57.1% growth since 2015 and 52.0% since 2020.
22. Atherton, CA
Situated in San Mateo County between San Francisco and Silicon Valley, Atherton is an exclusively residential community known for its heritage trees and estate-sized lots. The town maintains strict zoning laws requiring minimum one-acre lots, preserving its wooded, rural character despite its location in the heart of the tech corridor. Property values have increased from $4,864,190 in 2015 to $5,872,993 in 2020, before reaching $7,223,275 in November 2024, showing 48.5% growth since 2015 and 23.0% since 2020.
23. Hunts Point, WA
Located on a small peninsula extending into Lake Washington, Hunts Point is an exclusive residential community in the Seattle metropolitan area. This waterfront enclave of fewer than 500 residents sits between Bellevue and Kirkland, offering privacy and spectacular water views. Home values have surged from $3,482,782 in 2015 to $4,911,690 in 2020, before reaching $7,384,337 in November 2024, demonstrating 112.0% growth since 2015 and 50.3% since 2020.
24. Golden Beach, FL
Situated in Miami-Dade County between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, Golden Beach is an exclusive oceanfront community just north of Sunny Isles Beach. This small town, spanning approximately one mile of pristine beachfront, maintains its character through strict zoning that prohibits high-rise development and commercial activity. Property values have risen from $3,512,488 in 2015 to $3,767,301 in 2020, before climbing to $7,420,233 in November 2024, showing 111.3% growth since 2015 and 97.0% since 2020.
25. Jupiter Island, FL
Stretching along the Atlantic coast of Martin County, Jupiter Island is an exclusive barrier island community known for its pristine beaches and privacy. This narrow island, located between the Indian River and the Atlantic Ocean, spans 17 miles and maintains its exclusive character through strict development regulations. Home values have soared from $4,321,739 in 2015 to $5,423,299 in 2020, before reaching $9,468,810 in November 2024, marking 119.1% growth since 2015 and 74.6% since 2020.
