Despite this slower pace of growth, a record 128 zip codes posted the 100 highest median sale prices this year (the result of 22 ties). And they also reached new heights that might have been unimaginable just a few years ago. Among them were Atherton’s $7.9 million median; the $2.9 million median in Paradise Valley, Ariz.; and the dizzying $4.75 million median in 98039 in Medina, Wash.
Once again, ranking zip codes by median sale prices — calculated from actual closed sales to reflect real market conditions, instead of listing prices that represent sellers’ goals — this year’s top 100 proved that the wealthiest zip codes for real estate have overwhelmingly become even more expensive. Specifically, the five priciest zips in the country posted medians of $5 million or more, with a total of 14 zips surpassing the $4 million threshold. In fact, of the 128 zips on our list, only 27 had medians below $2 million — and those, too, stayed above $1.7 million.
Other key findings from our study:
• Paradise Valley reached a record new price point with its $2.9 million median after a 33% Y-o-Y price increase
• Scottsdale’s 85262 was the second most expensive zip code in Arizona with a $1.4 million median, followed by Carefree’s 85377 with a $1.2 million median
• The least expensive home currently for sale in Arizona’s most expensive zip code is listed for just $375,000, $2.5 million below the median
• The most expensive zip code in America is Atherton’s 94027. Atherton neared an $8 million median and kept the crown for the sixth consecutive year
• Nationwide, there were 50 zip codes with median between $2 million and $3 million