Real Estate Royalty
Luxury often hides in plain sight, tucked into neighborhoods locals speak of in hushed tones. Each state has one area shaped by history, status, and strong demand, and the figures shown reflect rough estimates of home values.
Beverly Hills, California: $3,444,707
It doesn’t take long to understand why Beverly Hills commands sky-high prices. The neighborhood mixes luxury estates with celebrity neighbors, then tops it off with Rodeo Drive’s designer sparkle. Add its Hollywood legacy, and the premium starts to feel more like the cost of joining an exclusive club.
Southampton Village, New York: $4,018,413
Million-dollar values feel almost inevitable here. Elegant mansions, golden beaches, and centuries of charm have pulled in New York’s elite for generations. The fact that it was founded in 1640 only adds to the sense of history that owners tap into when they choose this coastal retreat.
Cape Elizabeth, Maine: $866,697
Oceanfront living is the real driver of value in Cape Elizabeth. The rocky coastline and the iconic Portland Head Light—commissioned by George Washington—offer the kind of scenery people willingly pay a premium for. Even the summer 10K brings an energy that keeps the area desirable.
Belle Meade, Tennessee: $3,119,110
Here, the price reflects a lifestyle built on history and southern elegance. The peaceful streets lined with stately mansions set the tone, while the Belle Meade Plantation preserves the area’s heritage. Its past connection to thoroughbred horses gives it an extra layer of prestige, helping maintain high values.
Skye Marthaler, Wikimedia Commons
Kapalua, Hawaii: $3.82M
Anyone dreaming of Maui luxury ends up looking at Kapalua, especially since it hosts the PGA Tour’s Tournament of Champions. Its lush scenery frames world-class golf and pristine beaches to create a setting that naturally drives demand. High-end homes thrive in that kind of environment.
Highland Park, Texas: $2,743,647
Highland Park wasn’t designed to be ordinary, and its property values reflect that. Crafted by the same planner behind Beverly Hills, the neighborhood blends manicured streets, top-tier schools, and the historic Dallas Country Club. People here pay for the quality and intention that shape every corner of this enclave.
Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons
Sea Island, Georgia: $4,288,152
What really sets Sea Island's prices apart is the level of luxury baked into the community. The Cloister’s Forbes Five-Star streak signals world-class living, and the 2004 G8 Summit added international prestige. It’s the kind of coastal hideaway where exclusivity becomes the main selling point.
John Margolies, Wikimedia Commons
Glenbrook, Nevada: $2,728,893
Life on Lake Tahoe’s shoreline doesn’t come cheap, and Glenbrook is proof. Private beaches and peaceful surroundings offer the kind of escape the elite crave. Its transformation from a simple lumber town into one of Nevada’s most exclusive lakeside communities explains why the values sit where they do.
Clara Marie clara_cm, Wikimedia Commons
Glencoe, Illinois: $1,506,247
What keeps Glencoe in the million-dollar range is its refined mix of history and natural beauty. Thoughtful planning by the Olmsted Brothers, elegant architecture, and a close connection to the Chicago Botanic Garden all boost its desirability. Buyers aren’t just purchasing a home—they’re buying into a timeless atmosphere.
bogdanstepniak, Wikimedia Commons
Mission Hills, Kansas: $1,565,220
Prices in Mission Hills stay high because the neighborhood was built to feel distinguished from the start. JC Nichols’s original planning still shapes its stately estates, and it has its fair share of elegant country clubs. Even its dedicated city hall adds a layer of identity that supports those premium values.
Iknowthegoods, Wikimedia Commons
Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina: $4,212,379
Breezy beaches, historic streets, and strict building codes keep the community looking the way residents want. With Fort Moultrie and its Poe connection still part of the terrain, the appeal feels built-in rather than manufactured. Prices here climb because the island protects this very exclusive coastal charm.
Warren LeMay from Covington, KY, United States, Wikimedia Commons
Old Greenwich, Connecticut: $2,117,007
Quiet beaches and walkable streets give it an easygoing feel, while the annual Memorial Day parade nods to its Sound Beach heritage. Homeowners looking for shoreline living with character see Old Greenwich as a strong fit because it commands value through a mix of coastal calm and small-town personality.
Hayden Soloviev, Wikimedia Commons
Mountain Brook, Alabama: $980,276
Mountain Brook’s pricing stems from thoughtful design dating back to the 1920s. These include English-style villages and cozy boutiques that create a setting people look for when choosing an upscale suburb. Its planned-community roots still shape the comfortable, polished atmosphere homeowners expect at this price.
Linville, North Carolina: $1,258,563
Homes here appreciate in value because Linville offers an authentic mountain retreat experience. We’re talking crisp air, sweeping views, and scenic golf courses that attract people seeking quiet elevation. With the Linville Gorge nearby, the scene speaks for itself and keeps interest steady.
Forest Highlands, Oregon: $1,300,504
Expansive homes sit within rolling hills beside Tryon Creek’s trails, giving the area a peaceful atmosphere. It’s the kind of setting where privacy and greenery are the main features, and both directly influence demand. For these reasons, it’s clear that Forest Highlands earns its pricing through nature-first appeal.
Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives, Wikimedia Commons
Stowe, Vermont: $988,294
Stowe stays valuable because it draws people in every season. Skiing in winter, green mountains in summer. Also, familiar places like the Trapp Family Lodge keep the town active year-round. Oktoberfest brings its own energy, and that same energy reinforces the community’s reputation as a lively mountain town.
Patrick from Barrington, RI, Moretown, VT, United States, Wikimedia Commons
Block Island, Rhode Island: $2.9 Million
The mix of limited land and rugged cliffs shapes a coastline people fall for, especially those wanting room to breathe. Historic homes round out the scenery to keep the island firmly in the “worth the splurge” category for scenic escapes.
Ketchum, Idaho: $998,994
A town shaped by mountains tends to hold its value, and Ketchum is no exception. The Sun Valley lifestyle anchors the market, while the Hemingway legacy is the city’s personality. Annual events like Wagon Days keep the downtown spirit lively and rooted in local tradition.
Sharon Hahn Darlin, Wikimedia Commons
Audubon, Louisiana: $785,373
Audubon’s appeal starts with atmosphere—tree-lined streets and a steady pulse of culture. Audubon Park and Tulane University sit at its edges, threading student life and green space into the neighborhood. Residents love its walkability and timeless architecture.
Infrogmation of New Orleans, Wikimedia Commons
Simpsonville, Kentucky: $412,223
Life in Simpsonville blends countryside calm with suburban polish. Horse farms shape the region’s identity, and this proudly earns it the title of American Saddlebred Capital of the World. Its spot near Louisville keeps commutes easy while the open fields maintain an upscale, relaxed feel.
Cumming, Iowa: $535,576
Cumming carries a higher price point because it offers peaceful countryside living without feeling isolated. Spacious homes rest among rolling fields, and the Iowa Distiling Company brings a sense of local identity. With fewer than 500 residents, everyone gets a quiet, upscale community that feels personal.
Oxford, Mississippi: $409,452
Home values rise in Oxford thanks to the mix of creative energy and deep southern roots. The University of Mississippi shapes the town’s lively atmosphere, while antebellum homes anchor it in history. Streets once walked by William Faulkner give the area an unmistakable sense of place that individuals seek out.
Fredlyfish4, Wikimedia Commons
South Park, Wyoming: $1,914,123
South Park earns its pricing through access to some of Wyoming’s most dramatic scenery. The community sits near Jackson Hole, where mountain views and Grand Teton trails shape daily life. Wild rivers and roaming wildlife only reinforce the sense of living close to untouched land.
InSapphoWeTrust from Los Angeles, California, USA, Wikimedia Commons
Nichols Hills, Oklahoma: $967,004
Values stay strong in Nichols Hills because the neighborhood was built with independence and refinement in mind. Since 1929, it has maintained its own safety and maintenance systems. Residents appreciate the area's polished look and the close-knit community that comes with it.
Gables Estates, Florida: $21,994,502
Gables Estates reaches extraordinary prices through unmatched waterfront exclusivity. Private canals flow into Biscayne Bay. The gated community has fewer than 200 properties. Built in the 1920s, the area has long attracted individuals who want Miami luxury without giving up privacy.
Lamy, New Mexico: $839,224
Adobe homes catch the light beneath endless blue skies, while the 1909 depot anchors Lamy’s railroad roots. It's a quiet spot outside Santa Fe that draws people who enjoy history in a slower setting. Desert charm and heritage keep prices steady here.
Walton, Nebraska: $649,333
Expansive estates stretch across open farmland, creating a level of privacy rarely found near major cities. Quick access to Lincoln adds everyday convenience, and this makes the area appealing for anyone who wants room to breathe without feeling isolated.
Meridian Kessler, Indiana: $417,450
The values of Meridian Kessler stem from its classic architecture. And a mature neighborhood feel is the cherry on top. Early 20th-century homes sit beneath canopies of old trees to create streets that feel established and lived-in. The annual home tour keeps community pride visible and helps maintain desirability.
Paul Sableman, Wikimedia Commons
Hunts Point, Washington: $8,061,429
Hunts Point commands top-tier pricing because it delivers something rare near a major city: quiet waterfront living. Estates line the edge of Lake Washington, and the small peninsula draws executives and innovators. Being minutes from downtown Seattle while still feeling secluded keeps demand consistently strong.
Ladue, Missouri: $1,281,075
Ladue’s value is tied to a blend of sophistication and stability. Wide lawns and classic mansions signal long-standing affluence. Then, the top-rated schools strengthen their family appeal. The storied St Louis Country Club, founded in the 19th century, anchors the neighborhood’s reputation for tradition.
Paul Sableman, Wikimedia Commons
Terrace Park, Ohio: $740,001
The small-town atmosphere shows up in its family events and historic homes, but the Fourth of July parade is what longtime residents point to when describing its charm. That sense of belonging keeps the area in high demand.
Park City, Utah: $1,522,667
People pay more for Park City because it offers a mountain lifestyle that feels active year-round. Ski slopes sit close to town. Miles of hiking and biking trails pull people outdoors in every season. The Sundance Film Festival is the cultural pulse few mountain towns can match.
Deal, New Jersey: $4,026,358
Here, the coastal setting keeps homes in constant demand, and the borough’s deep roots, stretching back to 1898, give it a grounded identity. A strong Syrian Jewish community anchors its summertime culture. In short, Deal’s high prices come from a unique mix of oceanfront living and low-profile exclusivity.
Maple Valley, North Dakota: $414,358
Maple Valley rises above the state’s averages because it offers something Fargo elites look for: space and newness. Large modern homes define the neighborhood. Its reputation as the most desirable pocket of the city pushes values higher than the surrounding area.
River Hills, Wisconsin: $915,255
This Wisconsin neighborhood earns its price tag for its preserved tranquility. The community, formed in 1930, still protects large open terrains through zoning rules. Tree-shaded estates sit far back from the road, giving residents privacy that feels rare so close to Milwaukee.
Greenville, Delaware: $1,075,775
Where do Greenville’s values come from? That’s from its mix of rolling scenery and historic estates. Members of the du Pont family once lived here, and that legacy still shapes the area’s prestige. Its location near Wilmington makes the neighborhood conveniently connected.
Paradise Valley, Arizona: $3,211,224
Paradise Valley commands high prices because desert scenery meets upscale living at every turn. Custom-built homes sit under mountain views, and well-known resorts give the town a polished feel. The zoning rules, in place since the 1961 founding, protect the quiet residential atmosphere that residents value.
Mwinog2777 (talk), Wikimedia Commons
Lake Angelus, Michigan: $1,715,496
In this Michigan spot, prices stay high because very few places in the state offer this level of exclusivity. With fewer than 300 residents and a private lake at its center, the community feels hidden away. Homes surrounded by woods and water draw buyers who want seclusion with elegance.
Big Sky, Montana: $1,869,403
Pricing climbs in Big Sky due to its wilderness. Luxury ski homes face alpine peaks, and the proximity to Yellowstone National Park shapes the area’s outdoorsy appeal. The Big Sky PBR rodeo brings a festive energy that helps define the community’s identity.
Jim from Lexington, KY, USA, Wikimedia Commons
New Castle, New Hampshire: $2,306,849
New Castle holds its value by offering something truly unusual: an entire town made of islands. Waterfront estates sit close to the coast. And historic charm runs through its quiet streets. The ocean views feel constant here, making the area one of New Hampshire’s most coveted enclaves.
John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons
Cherry Hills Village, Colorado: $3,021,129
People living in Cherry Hills Village pay for space and polish. Sprawling estates stretch across quiet streets. Since its incorporation in 1945, the suburb has been tied to the famed Cherry Hills Country Club, which helps keep interest high.
Jeffrey Beall, Wikimedia Commons
Nantucket, Massachusetts: $2,964,464
Nantucket’s prices climb because the island offers postcard scenery that rarely goes on the market. Once a whaling hub, it now thrives as a peaceful retreat that continues to draw summer visitors. Narrow streets lined with gray-shingled homes and endless beaches create an unmistakable coastal look.
Don Ramey Logan, Wikimedia Commons
North Hills, West Virginia: $305,960
The value in North Hills comes from its vast space. Large homes sit among wooded lots, giving residents privacy that feels uncommon near Parkersburg. The community manages its own local government, which lets the area stay tidy and well cared for.
Tim Kiser (w:User:Malepheasant), Wikimedia Commons
Cave Springs, Arkansas: $564,507
This Arkansas spot attracts higher prices because natural quiet is built into daily life. The town gets its name from an underground cave and spring, and that sense of rootedness still shapes its identity. Growth hasn’t disrupted its calm pace or the appeal of its elegant homes.
ArkansasNationalist, Wikimedia Commons
Gateway, Alaska: $475,000
Buyers drawn to Gateway want views they can’t get elsewhere. Pioneer Peak rises nearby, and the Matanuska Glacier sits close enough for regular visits. Being positioned between Palmer and Wasilla gives residents easy access to town life while keeping wilderness right outside their doors.
Malcolm Manners, Wikimedia Commons
Gibson Island, Maryland: $2,952,477
A private causeway controls access, and the area’s waterfront estates sit near a yacht club and golf course. Residents value the quiet isolation, which remains one of Maryland’s rarest luxuries. Gibson Island’s exclusivity is the main force behind its pricing.
Preservation Maryland, Wikimedia Commons
North Oaks, Minnesota: $920,104
Home values in North Oaks stay high because the community is built around privacy. Lakes, walking paths, and open spaces belong to residents, not the public. Its origins on the former estate of railroad baron James J Hill give the area a longstanding reputation for wealth.
Bobak Ha'Eri, Wikimedia Commons
Gladwyne, Pennsylvania: $1,492,555
Twisting roads wind through wooded hills and open onto grand stone homes that feel far from city noise. Even with Philadelphia nearby, the area moves at a quieter pace. Pricing follows the appeal of tradition, privacy, and long-established neighborhood character.
Fairfax County, Virginia: $755,818
Towns such as McLean and Great Falls attract buyers who want open land near Washington. Mount Vernon, still part of the county’s story, gives the region historical weight that few suburbs can match: prestige and proximity.
Rapid City, South Dakota: $358,222
Sitting at the edge of the Black Hills makes it the starting point for visiting Mount Rushmore and other national landmarks. Downtown, the life-size presidential statues add a steady sense of heritage that keeps the city inviting.
WeaponizingArchitecture, Wikimedia Commons
