The Most Expensive Neighborhoods in the U.S.

Real estate prices shed a light on the most desirable neighborhoods in the country, which are often highly desirable for travelers, too. The higher the average price-per-square-foot, the more in-demand you can expect that neighborhood to be. The exorbitant prices in the country’s most expensive neighborhoods are due to a number of factors, such as climate, safety, and the quality of the public school system, all of which can drastically affect the price of a house that would cost far less elsewhere. A new report from warranty provider American Home Shield compiled a list of the hottest communities in the country based on price-per-square-foot (as of December 2023). Here are the 10 most expensive neighborhoods in the United States, according to the report.

10. West Village – New York County, New York

Average price per square foot: $2,680

The priciest neighborhood in New York City — and the 10th most expensive in the country — is the West Village in Manhattan. This popular area is bordered by the Hudson River to the west, 14th Street to the north, Houston Street to the south, and Sixth or Seventh Avenue to the east (depending on who you ask). The West Village developed rapidly between 1825 and 1840, with its population increasing fourfold during that time. Today, it’s known for its historic architecture, including the beautiful brownstones you encounter on nearly every block. The West Village is also a cultural hub, where you can find landmarks such as the Stonewall Inn, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Comedy Cellar, and the legendary Village Vanguard jazz club, among many other institutions.

9. Casa del Lago – Palm Beach County, Florida

Average price per square foot: $2,754

There are just a handful of highly desirable homes in Casa del Lago, a tight-knit community west of Boca Raton, and they come with an eye-watering median listing price of $6,895,000. Many of the houses are surrounded by a pristinely manicured golf course, which golfers can enjoy year-round thanks to the beautiful Florida weather. Casa del Lago is located adjacent to the northern Everglades, which contains some of the most unique flora and fauna in the U.S. The neighborhood is also a short drive to scenic Lake Okeechobee, which, at 730 square miles, is the largest freshwater lake in the state.

8. Crystal Cove – Orange County, California

Average price per square foot: $2,771

Located between Los Angeles and San Diego, the O.C.’s Crystal Cove is a resplendent oceanside community that’s also a historic district. The neighborhood is home to 46 vintage coastal cottages that date back to the 1920s and 1930s. It’s also known for its natural beauty, which is best enjoyed while taking a stroll through Crystal Cove State Park. This park encompasses 3.2 miles of Pacific coastline and contains many ecologically diverse tide pools. For those craving the amenities of a bigger city, it’s less than an hour’s drive from Crystal Cove to downtown Los Angeles

7. Star, Palm, and Hibiscus Islands – Miami-Dade County, Florida

Average price per square foot: $2,861

Star, Palm, and Hibiscus Islands are a trio of human-made landmasses that were created by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1922. Long a hot spot for celebrities and high rollers, the islands are located in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean between downtown Miami and Miami Beach. In fact, Palm Island once served as the winter home of notorious gangster Al Capone, and other famous residents have included Barbara Walters and Shaquille O’Neal. Palm Island was also once home to the popular Latin Quarter nightclub, which welcomed performers such as Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. Many homes on these islands come with private docks, and the gated community is staffed by guards, though the neighborhood is open to the public.

6. Stinson Beach – Marin County, California

Average price per square foot: $2,988

The estates along Stinson Beach are among the most in-demand residences on the West Coast. This neighborhood sits adjacent to Bolinas Bay, about 20 miles northwest of downtown San Francisco. The beach itself is known for its pristine white sands, its wonderful swimming opportunities, and an ideal breeze in the afternoon for windsurfing. Moving into Stinson Beach doesn’t come cheap, though, as prime oceanfront properties run in excess of $20 million.

5. Aqualane Shores – Collier County, Florida

Average price per square foot: $3,132

Located along the Gulf of Mexico, Aqualane Shores bills itself as “the Friendliest Neighborhood in Naples.” There are only about 350 properties here, making Aqualane Shores an extremely desirable and exclusive neighborhood. This results in homes often selling for well over $10 million, though one particularly lavish property is currently listed for over $170 million. Adding to its appeal, the neighborhood is a short drive from the beach, the Naples Botanical Garden, and the award-winning Naples Zoo.

4. Port Royal – Collier County, Florida

Average price per square foot: $3,375

Just south of Aqualane Shores is the neighborhood of Port Royal, which lands one spot higher on the list of America’s most expensive neighborhoods. Before development, Port Royal was mostly swampland, but in 1930, a man named John Glen Sample purchased the land for around $200,000 in today’s dollars — an investment that clearly paid off. The area was quickly developed into a luxurious community, and the exclusive Port Royal Beach Club opened in 1959. Today, this area is dotted with beautiful homes, many with Mediterranean-style accents.

3. Downtown Bellevue – King County, Washington

Average price per square foot: $3,619

Downtown Bellevue is the second-largest city center in Washington after Seattle, which is located just across Lake Washington. This neighborhood is highly desirable — and expensive — in part because of how easy it is to get around. The community boasts a walk score of 95, and there are several public transportation options. Downtown Bellevue is also home to high-end retailers such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Apple, and more. Its proximity to Seattle can’t be beat, and residents can easily head there to enjoy a Seattle Seahawks NFL game, a Seattle Mariners MLB game, or a Seattle Kraken NHL game.

2. Old Town Carpinteria – Santa Barbara County, California

Average price per square foot: $4,129

In terms of tourist appeal, Old Town Carpinteria is significantly quieter than nearby Santa Barbara, but that’s how those in this tight-knit community prefer it. The oldest bungalows in Old Town Carpinteria date to the early 1900s, but there are plenty of modern accommodations alongside the ocean, too. The beach is a popular spot for swimmers and surfers alike, and Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park is home to over 200 bird species and plenty of rare plants. The town is also connected to a nearby Amtrak station, where residents can easily travel to larger metropolitan areas elsewhere in California.

1. South of Market – San Francisco County, California 

Average price per square foot: $5,415

The most expensive neighborhood in the U.S. is South of Market — better known as SoMa — in the heart of San Francisco. After being destroyed by the historic 1906 earthquake, the area was later developed into a commercial and cultural hub. Today, SoMa is home to popular museums such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the California Historical Society, and the Museum of the African Diaspora, to name a few. Given the limited square footage available in San Francisco, in SoMa it costs, on average, double what it would take to move into an apartment in NYC’s West Village.