Getaway Guide: Yosemite National Park
Nestled within the Sierra Nevada, Yosemite National Park is famous for its giant sequoias, granite monoliths, and cascading waterfalls.
Everyone gravitates towards zip codes that ooze opulence; areas that garner you a certain reputation simply by association.
They say home is where the heart is. This might very well be true for a large portion of the population, but when it comes to a very exclusive few—well, that heart better be dipped in gold. Everyone gravitates towards zip codes that ooze opulence; areas that garner you a certain reputation simply by association. And while these zips are scattered all over the country, dreamers and billionaires seem to choose a few recurring locations, and one such place is sunny California.
In 2019, for instance, the Golden State contributed a total of 91 of the top 100 richest codes in the U.S. In fact, it still holds the maximum number of locations with the glitziest, priciest homes in the world. With SoCal’s sparkling landscape and the wide assortment of top tech conglomerates currently headquartered in Silicon Valley, it should come as no surprise that the country’s wealthiest also call the area home.
Median home price: $4,035,600
This one probably comes as no surprise. The City of Angels boasts many of the most expensive zip codes in the U.S., but there’s something about Bel Air that makes it truly out of this world. Take ‘The One’, for instance—a 100,000 square foot mansion with four swimming pools, a nightclub (you heard us), and a bowling alley—is said to appear on the market for a staggering $500 million. Many experts claim this could be America's priciest home purchase. It probably also helps that famed Hollywood legends like Walt Disney and Marilyn Monroe were renowned for frequenting the neighborhood. Care to be the next Fresh Prince of Bel-Air?
Median home price: $1,338,260
What was once a backlot for 20th Century Studios is now one of the richest zip codes in America. When the production company sold the property to avert the financial crisis, the country’s savviest business minds swooped in to build up this sparkling neighborhood; and the result was quite something. And while Century City still holds the headquarters for 20th Century Studios, it has since blossomed into a hub of high-end shopping, tech conglomerates, and millionaires looking to live in the midst of it all.
Median home price: $2,902,650
When you compare this lower Manhattan neighborhood to the rest of New York City, you’ll find that it’s uncharacteristically quiet. Pair that with an eclectic bouquet of industrial buildings and trendy cafes, and you got yourself a goldmine—celebrities do, at least. Luxurious penthouses with even more luxurious owners are known to dot the neighborhood, with names like Beyonce, Jay Z, and Taylor Swift appearing on the VIP list. Plus, New York City’s top-notch schools are mostly situated here, making it a great place for families to live.
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Median home price: $3,450,470
Just one zip code over from Stanford University (Professorville), this area encompasses Downtown Palo Alto, Old Palo Alto, as well as beautiful Crescent Park. Ever since Silicon Valley fortunes exploded in the 1980s, Palo Alto’s profile and credentials took off like a rocket; this must be why the town is always a hive of exclusive activity. If you wish to explore, it’s best to do it on foot since parking is a bit of a rarity. But fear not, Palo Alto is a great place for strolling, so ditch the car and walk the grid of flat streets to Facebook’s original leased space.
Median home price: $7,377,120
This sleepy Palo Alto suburb is a popular nest for the biggest financial players in the world as well as (predictably) the tech titans of Silicon Valley. Investor Charles Schwab and former eBay and Hewlett-Packard CEO Meg Whitman are among those who have graced the ritzy neighborhood. The exclusivity here is palpable; residents drive Teslas and Lamborghinis, take vacations whenever they feel like it, and sell their houses for mind-boggling prices.
Median home price: $1,560,090
Turns out unprecedented 2020 didn’t only choose the Golden State for its real estate magic; the rest of the country benefited too. Greenwich in Connecticut, for example, has been booming more than ever. Its luxurious mansions are a little under an hour away from New York City, making it tailor-fit for residents who want to flee crowded, urban centers for more space and solitude.
Median home price: $2,406,640
Surrounded by outdoor splendor and graced with a charming downtown feel, Los Gatos is also among the richest zip codes in the U.S.A. Packed with boutiques, historic architecture, eateries, and fancy locale, life in this Silicon Valley gem will never get boring. The most notable contributor to this glitzy area code is the fact that Netflix is headquartered here—make sure to check it out. You’ll also find amazing parks, all boasting trails mere stone throws away from the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Median home price: $1,822,520
With nearly four miles of beaches and an unmatched urban scene, Santa Monica blends the sophistication of coastal beauty with a laid-back vibe—all packed in an extravagant zip code. And even though it sits a mere 15 miles west of Downtown Los Angeles, everything here feels worlds away. Santa Monica’s celebrated dining scene includes a few Michelin-starred gems as well as chefs that rank among the world’s very best.
Median home price: $2,645,720
Just off the tip of Miami Beach, Fisher Island is only accessible by ferry, helicopter, or private boat—even arriving here is extra VIP. This private island has been home to America’s wealthiest; names like Oprah Winfrey and Julia Roberts and sports legends like Boris Becker and Andre Agassi. In fact, this zip code has been named the richest in the U.S. by Bloomberg many times. And while this is subject to change, there’s no denying the fact that Oprah’s swanky, four-bedroom penthouse recently sold for a reported $20 million.
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