Some Of The Most Luxurious, Pricey Neighborhoods In The US (3 Might Surprise You)

Luxury looks different in every state. Whether situated in a bustling urban area or in a quiet space surrounded by nature, several cities around the United States are home to extravagant neighborhoods. We've compiled a list of the most upscale neighborhoods that promise beautiful housing and additional perks for their residents. They're known for their enviable amenities, gorgeous architecture, picturesque views, and wealthy and famous residents.

Below are 13 of the most luxurious neighborhoods across the United States. Many of them are near urban areas, have beach or waterway access, or share land with vast mountain ranges. They're home to well-known and high-profile individuals, and some of them even contain the most expensive celebrity homes in the U.S. Unsurprisingly, several of these neighborhoods are in Florida and California, which are known for having extravagant communities. However, other states also make an appearance. Read on to learn how these neighborhoods became so affluent and what features set them apart from other rich neighborhoods. We've also listed the median home prices from Realtor.com when available, to give an idea of just how much wealth it takes to settle in one of these exclusive locations.

Manalapan, Florida is an island full of custom-built homes, private beaches, and private spas

Manalapan sits on the east coast of Florida, and is the next Palm Beach for expensive luxury homes. It's just outside of West Palm, a tourist hot spot full of high-class and lower-class areas. Manalapan serves as a spot of respite for billionaires, as it's beside the city but closed-off as its own little community. There are fewer than 500 residents, who live on this island bordered by a waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. Over the years, this area has maintained its private and exclusive atmosphere, and it has resisted the extensive development that's been taking over most other Florida cities.

Since this area has remained a neighborhood and resisted excessive development, it still sports a beautiful natural landscape. It's only miles from both Miami and West Palm Beach, and residents are only a short drive away from bustling city areas. Manalapan is also surrounded by natural beaches full of parks and nature preserves. Many of the custom-built mansions along the water also have private docks. The median cost for homes, is an extravagant $38.5 million.

The only reason this prestigious neighborhood is somewhat surprising is because of the close proximity to two large cities. These two cities naturally have very high crime indexes, which could have been a deterrent to the ultra-wealthy. Real estate listings prove that the appeal doesn't falter, most likely since the neighborhood is isolated geographically.

Palm Island, Florida is a manmade oasis just outside of Miami

There are multiple artificial islands just outside of Miami. One of the islands, Palm Island's, development began in the early 20th century, and by the 1930s, it was a highly coveted A-list neighborhood. Even the infamous gangster Al Capone have made this place their home, boosting its reputation as one of the most luxurious neighborhoods in the United States. This neighborhood is also near the best Miami neighborhoods for LGBTQ+ people.

Palm Island is known for its brazen exclusivity. The entrance to the island is gated and has 24-hour security to keep the undesirables away. The island is lined with waterways and parks that allow residents to explore the outdoors in an artificial Florida oasis. This neighborhood is situated near Miami Beach, and is often overshadowed by the big city itself. Like all cities, Miami is home to some high-crime areas, which makes it surprising that such an affluent neighborhood is so close by. However, Palm Island can thank its isolated geography and top-notch security systems that keep it separate. The median home price is calculated at $27.9 million as of 2025.

Beverly Hills Gateway, California is the epitome of luxurious California living

It's impossible to list the swankiest neighborhoods in the United States without including the illustrious Beverly Hills. Beverly Hills Gateway is one of the reputable neighborhoods within Beverly Hills, California, and is known for its privacy and limited access. The lots are expansive mansions, some of which are famous for their appearances in popular commercials, movies, music videos, and TV shows. One example is the Greystone Mansion, which appears in the original Spider-Man films, NCIS, and several music videos starring Mariah Carey. Business executives, celebrities, and other wealthy homebuyers choose this neighborhood for its magnificent properties that also promise ultimate privacy and security. Many of the homes were designed by famous architects, like Gordon Kaufmann, Paul Williams, and John Lautner, and they're known for being architecturally diverse.

These breathtaking properties don't just look gorgeous from the outside. They're full of state-of-the-art amenities that make them highly competitive in the upscale housing market. Many home listings have private gyms, home spas, yoga studios, and resort-style pools. They also have scenic views of Los Angeles. Typical home values are around $10 million, and the median home listing was about $13 million as of 2024 according to LA Homes. It's no surprise that Beverly Hills Gateway made this list, as many of these luxurious estates are famous homes of Old Hollywood.

Port Royal, Florida is a manmade peninsula of luxury homebuyer hotspots

Nestled in the well-off city of Naples, Florida, the Port Royal neighborhood is pulling in waves of wealthy homebuyers. This neighborhood is a series of manufactured peninsulas full of beachfront and non-beachfront homes worth millions of dollars. There are over 500 custom homes, and most sport a British West Indies or Island Colonial architectural style. The natural swamp grounds were replaced with a tailored landscape inspired by the Mediterranean, creating gorgeous landscapes full of opulent properties. Many of the homes border waterways or the Gulf of Mexico, which is not as desirable as the eastern, Atlantic-facing waterfront properties of Florida.

Like many other expensive neighborhoods, Port Royal is notable for its amenities. Many of the mansions have private docks, designer pools, gyms, guest homes, and smart-home systems. There's even a beachside Port Royal Club that's set to reopen in 2026. The opening is expected to boost prices and the appeal of the overall neighborhood. These home prices rival Palm Island on the other coast, as the median home listing price is $24.9 million. It seems only natural that such a high-profile neighborhood was built in a picturesque city. However, it's still surprising that this neighborhood is in high demand following the aftermath of recent natural disasters. Only a few years ago, in 2022, Naples was decimated by Hurricane Ian. Much of the city was destroyed, jobs were lost, and many insurance companies became insolvent. It seems these after-effects have already been forgotten by the ultra-wealthy, who continue to flock to the Port Royal neighborhood.

Golden Beach, Florida is full of waterfront homes for the ultra-wealthy

Unsurprisingly, Florida has another contender for the most extravagant neighborhoods. Golden Beach is close to Miami and its beaches, parks, and upscale shopping. Most of the neighborhood homes face the Atlantic Ocean or artificial waterways. It's only about one mile of property, but has its own town government and police force. Both millionaires and billionaires have made this elite neighborhood their home, and contributed to its stellar reputation, such as Tommy Hilfiger and Bill Gates. There are no high-rise buildings or commercial properties allowed— only 364 private homes and beaches.

The complete ban on commercial properties and condominium living has made this small neighborhood a place of peace and seclusion. The single-family homes have access to an oceanfront pavilion and multiple parks. Many of the beachfront properties have private access to the ocean, their own gardens and pools, and even personal tennis courts. Although the neighborhood screams affluence, there is a downside that doesn't seem to discourage wealthy buyers. Over three-quarters of Golden Beach properties are at risk of flooding because of climate change and excessive urban development. Despite this fact, the homes are still highly valuable with a median listing price of $12.2 million.

Bel Air, California is an affluent sanctuary beside the lively Los Angeles

Bel Air sits right inside Los Angeles, at the bottom of the Santa Monica Mountains. A large repertoire of famous architects designed many of the buildings, adding to the neighborhood's value and prominence. Their designs range from classic to modern, creating a sprawling landscape of unique and one-of-a-kind mansions. Some of the biggest names in Hollywood also have residences in the area, including Jennifer Lawrence and Beyoncé.

Bel Air, California, is so grandiose that it became the perfect setting for the sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air," which was based on a young man who moved in with his outlandishly rich family members. The lifestyles displayed in that show aren't too far from fiction. The individuals and families that reside here live lavishly. The neighborhood is full of upscale country clubs and premier golf courses, and the median home listing is $7.5 million.

On an unfortunate note, Bel Air is a recurring victim of California wildfires. In fact, many of the hundred-million-dollar homes sit in the most severe wildfire hazard zones. This doesn't deter the high-profile residents, as many millionaires are willing to take the risk for the beautiful landscape and privacy that comes with living in Bel Air.

Southampton Village, New York appeals to homeowners, vacationers, and real estate investors alike

It's no secret that the Hamptons in New York are a highly coveted location for well-off homebuyers. Southampton Village covers about 7 square miles. The streets are lined with historic yet varied architecture, as well as high-end shopping and dining options, making it a great location for homeowners, vacationers, and investors. Real estate options include large properties with mansions and high-rise condominiums, providing many options for those with the financial means to afford them.

In addition to the beautiful homes and social scene, Southampton Village has an "old money" reputation that adds to its prestigious appeal. The street "Meadow Lane" is known for its most absurdly wealthy residents, such as fashion designer Calvin Klein. Many of these homes also overlook lakes or the Atlantic Ocean, and have access to world-class golf courses. The prices for homes are shooting upward, like most of the United States, and the current median listing price is about $3.5 million. It's no surprise these homes are so pricey and popular, as most people are familiar with the name and its notoriety.

Sagaponack, New York mixes upscale rural living with beachside access

Just south of Southampton, there's another upper-class neighborhood by the name of Sagaponack. This New York neighborhood is home to many celebrities and wealthy business owners, and is full of restored historical buildings. The architecture is very diverse, and the landscape has a rural and country-like vibe that many wouldn't associate with New York. It's also very close to the beach, putting its residents close to the Atlantic Ocean.

Sagaponack has a prominent equestrian scene. Although many areas are in development, plenty of land remains reserved for farmland, open landscapes, and vineyards. Many of the historical buildings have been transformed into expensive homes that retain their charming character but have additional modernized amenities. Public events are often hosted at the neighborhood gardens and vineyards. The median home price is $13.2 million, which easily ranks this neighborhood among the best. This neighborhood even made Forbes' 2015 list as the second-wealthiest zip code in the United States. Despite this ranking, it rarely appears on lists of most desirable and expensive neighborhoods, as it's often overshadowed by California and Florida zip codes instead.

Trousdale Estates, California is a millionaire neighborhood nestled in Beverly Hills

Trousdale Estates is another Beverly Hills, California neighborhood. It was established as a place for luxury living right off the bat, and sits in the distinguished 90210 zip code. Famous architects from the past and present have contributed to the real estate development, and most of the homes sport a mid-century modern look. 20th-century legends like Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra reportedly owned properties in this area, adding to its superior reputation.

All Trousdale Estates residents are guaranteed a gorgeous view due to home design ordinances. Originally, every mansion was limited to one story. Current real estate listings reveal that two-story homes do exist. Fortunately, there are rules that they cannot block their neighbor's view of the landscape. This unique ordinance adds value to properties here — as real estate investors and homeowners alike don't have to worry about losing the prized views they paid for. This also makes Trousdale Estates a somewhat surprising contender for this list, since many of the mansions are only one story, rather than towering above common home designs. Despite being one-story, these homes don't take much of a hit as far as value goes. The median house listing is a whopping $7.2 million according to Zillow.

Broadmoor, Washington is a classy neighborhood outside of Seattle

The far northwest United States also has a prestigious neighborhood worth mentioning. Broadmoor is located in Seattle, Washington, and many of its homes were built in the early to mid-20th century. Many older homes were renovated with their historical aesthetic preserved, which maximizes their value to homebuyers. Between the renovated buildings and new construction, there are only 300 homes on the 85 acres of land.  Therefore, it's an exclusive and highly coveted community just outside of the metropolis, and it offers a peaceful lifestyle for those who still want access to city life.

Seeing as its an exclusive neighborhood, it's no surprise that Broadmoor has two gated entrances with round-the-clock security. It's highly private and has some rules that are meant to preserve its aesthetic appeal. Exterior renovations are subject to strict review and approval processes. There's also direct access to Washington Park and the acclaimed Broadmoor Golf Club. There are very few homes currently listed for sale in this neighborhood, and they range from $4.6 million to $11 million. This community is difficult to get into, but if you have the means, it stands as one of the best neighborhoods in Seattle to buy a home.

Snowmass, Colorado is a quaint town in the mountains of Aspen

On the other side of the United States, Colorado is home to a luxury neighborhood that's nestled near Snowmass Mountain. This neighborhood is also appropriately named Snowmass, and its value has jumped in recent years. It's home to some of the most luxurious and stunning Airbnbs in Colorado. Many of the homes are directly connected to ski slopes, making them ski-in and ski-out homes that appeal to homebuyers, vacationers, and sports enthusiasts alike. Since ski-in and ski-out homes have high appreciation rates, it's no surprise that this neighborhood has taken off in value in recent years.

In addition to its mountain views and ski slopes, Snowmass has biking trails, rodeos, and golf courses. It's not just a neighborhood, but a resort destination. The median listing price has spiked in the past year, though this neighborhood isn't as competitive as other upscale neighborhoods. That price is a flat $2 million, according to Redfin. Snowmass may surprise some people as one of the most luxurious neighborhoods, as it is often overshadowed by the affluent city of Aspen. Aspen is more touristy and well-known, which causes many to overlook Snowmass.

New Eastside, Illinois is full of luxurious high-rises at the heart of the city

While most of these neighborhoods are situated just outside of busy cities in places with natural or carefully curated landscapes, New Eastside is set up a bit differently. This neighborhood is located in the heart of Chicago, Illinois. It offers true city living, while giving residents access to green spaces and Lake Michigan. Most of the homes are high-rises with views of either the lake or the city.

New Eastside is within walking distance to various attractions, shops, and restaurants, and many condos are known to offer shuttle services. Despite the glorified amenities, New Eastside isn't a particularly popular neighborhood. Chicago is riddled with more popular neighborhoods that are also home to celebrities, which often leaves New Eastside off the map. New Eastside is also relatively new and extremely affordable compared to other prized neighborhoods on this list. The median home listing price is only $250 thousand, although many of the luxury high-rises and penthouses are valued above $1 million.

Hudson Yards, New York is a model neighborhood for future urban development

Hudson Yards didn't emerge in the 19th and 20th centuries like most of the other reputable neighborhoods on this list. This neighborhood officially debuted in early 2019, and development continued into 2025. It's considered the largest United States development to date, and it'll be a model for future smart cities. The architecture is truly contemporary and modern, consisting of high-rises that create a shimmering urban skyline.

The residential skyscrapers feature innovative amenities, like on-site healthcare centers. They also have public art centers, gyms, lounges, meditation rooms, pet services, pools, wine storage, and other perks. There are also corporate offices, fine dining, and shops that are easily accessible by residents. This a surprising addition this list, since most of these neighborhoods are "old money." They were established decades or over a century ago, while Hudson Yards is brand new. Although it mostly consists of high-rises instead of massive million-dollar New York mansions and estates, the median home value is still an impressive $1.6 million.

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