The Most Expensive Small Towns in the U.S.

You might picture the average American small town as a sleepy hideaway with one stoplight and a corner store, but that’s certainly not true of all small towns. Some are luxurious, pint-sized cities packed with amenities, from private islands and white-sand beaches to world-class museums and miles of scenic hiking trails. But these perks come at a price. Real estate data platform Property Shark has released their annual ranking of the 100 Most Expensive U.S. ZIP Codes based on median residential real estate sales prices. Here are the top 10 priciest small towns in the U.S. for 2025, each boasting populations of less than 7,000.

10. Gibson Island, Maryland

Population: 329
Median 2024 sales price: $3.3 million

Just south of Baltimore is Maryland’s most expensive ZIP code — and the most sparsely populated town on our list of America’s 10 priciest small towns. First settled as a private summer community in the early 1920s, Gibson Island is located on the western Chesapeake Bay. Today, it’s home to marinas lined with expensive yachts, sprawling golf courses, and luxurious mansions. 

Not only is Gibson Island expensive, but it’s also very exclusive. The 2-by-3-mile private island can only be accessed by residents or guests of residents. One-third of the island is designated as residential space, while the remaining two-thirds boast nature sanctuaries, parks, and recreation facilities — all within a serene, coastal setting.

9. Alpine, New Jersey

Population: 1,750
Median 2024 sales price: $3.317 million

Alpine, New Jersey, is located along the Hudson River across from the New York City suburb of Yonkers. The 2,500-acre Palisades Interstate Park runs the length of Alpine, boasting 30 miles of riverfront hiking and cross-country ski trails. Residents and visitors alike enjoy cycling through the park or kayaking down the meandering Hudson River during the warmer months. 

While quiet time in the outdoors is abundant in Alpine, this town is just 17 miles from central Manhattan, offering a unique balance of natural beauty and urban amenities — which is reflected in the city’s lofty real estate prices.

8. Amagansett, New York

Population: 651
Median 2024 sales price: $3.738 million

Amagansett is one of the easternmost villages on Long Island, a few stops on the Long Island Railroad before you reach the popular summer tourist town of Montauk. With the Atlantic Ocean to the south and Napeague Bay to the north, Amagansett is home to some of the priciest real estate in the country. For residents and visitors alike, the town offers ample outdoor activities, including saltwater fishing and wildlife viewing at the Amagansett National Wildlife Refuge.

7. Stinson Beach, California

Population: 366
Median 2024 sales price: $3.8 million

Stinson Beach residents don’t have to go far to dip their toes in the sand — some simply walk out their front door. Parts of this California beach community are under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service, ensuring its white sands and ocean waters remain pristine from swimming, and encouraging visitors to respect the local environment. 

In Stinson Beach, residents enjoy activities such as surfing, volleyball, and fishing set against a dramatic backdrop of the Pacific Ocean to the west and the mountains to the east. There are several seaside inns and surf lodges where visitors, too, can relax and enjoy the view.

6. Ross, California

Population: 2,290
Median 2024 sales price: $3.853 million

Located 20 miles north of San Francisco, Ross is an unassuming town with a hefty price tag. Among its appealing attractions is Mount Tamalpais, with its surrounding hiking trails and parks, including the tranquil Phoenix Lake hiking area, where wildflowers, birds, and scenic views abound. 

Downtown, the Marin Art and Garden Center offers events and community activities, from art exhibits to gardening classes. With access to the world-class wineries of Napa Valley to the north and the amenities of San Francisco to the south, Ross is one of America’s most desirable small towns to live in.

5. Medina, Washington

Population: 2,841
Median 2024 sales price: $4 million

Located on the shores of Lake Washington, Medina is one of Seattle’s most exclusive suburbs — and it’s the most expensive ZIP code in the state of Washington. Medina’s prime location, just across the bridge from the Seattle Japanese Garden and the rest of downtown, means it’s not only easily accessible, but it also offers stunning views of the lake and the Seattle skyline in the distance. 

The town itself has a quiet, residential atmosphere, with numerous parks, golf courses, and lakeside walkways. Next door, the suburb of Bellevue boasts a vibrant culture and shopping scene, with museums, malls, and dining, ensuring Medina residents are never too far from big-city amenities.

4. Portola Valley, California

Population: 4,204
Median 2024 sales price: $4 million

Tucked away on the eastern slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Portola Valley is a quiet — and expensive — Bay Area suburb. Visitors and residents alike flock to the picturesque Windy Hill Open Space Preserve, known for its miles of hiking and cycling trails. With its proximity to Stanford University and nearby shopping hubs, Portola Valley offers residents both natural beauty and easy access to culture, fine dining, and shopping.

3. Rancho Santa Fe, California

Population: 2,574
Median 2024 sales price: $4.55 million

Boasting a mild year-round climate, Rancho Santa Fe is nestled in the foothills of the Santa Fe Mountains, just north of San Diego. It is minutes away from hiking trails, golf courses, and beach activities, all scattered throughout residential neighborhoods featuring lush gardens and impressive estates. 

One of the best places to enjoy a view of the town is from the five-star Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa, situated on 45 acres of gardens and citrus groves. Next door, coastal towns like Del Mar and Solana Beach boast seaside eateries, cozy coffee shops, and miles of sandy beaches to explore. 

2. Sagaponack and Watermill, New York

Population: 2,954
Median 2024 sales price: $5.885 million, $5.950 million

The neighboring towns of Sagaponack and Watermill are nestled on the idyllic East End of Long Island and have populations of 736 and 2,218, respectively. Sagaponack is home to Gibson Beach, a quiet swath of sand on the Atlantic Coast side of the island, while the town’s Sagg Main Beach is a popular family-friendly respite with facilities and food trucks. 

To the west, Watermill sits on Mecox Bay, a small, protected inlet. It boasts cultural attractions like the Watermill Center for performing arts and the Parrish Art Museum. With their sophisticated yet laid-back coastal living and easy access to New York City, it’s no wonder these neighboring towns are so high-priced.

1. Atherton, California 

Population: 6,823
Median 2024 sales price: $7.9 million

For the eighth consecutive year, Atherton, California, reigns supreme as the most expensive ZIP code in the country, regardless of population. But it also happens to be a small town, with fewer than 7,000 residents. What makes Atherton great? Located at the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay, it boasts all of the conveniences and activities of big-city living but with quiet neighborhoods and ample nature.

Town zoning laws permit only one single-family home per acre, creating a rare small-town feel among the more densely populated Bay Area suburbs. Popular local activities include strolling through the sprawling estate at Filoli Historic House and Garden, hiking among redwood trees at Wunderlich County Park, and attending live performances at the Guild Theatre. In this exclusive enclave, residents certainly enjoy a slower pace — but there’s an eye-popping price tag for that, with home prices averaging nearly $8 million in 2024.

Note: Population data is based on the most recent U.S. Census Bureau 2023 report.