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The 10 Richest Zip Codes In California

Atherton

If your dream is to live or explore in the wealthiest neighborhoods, California is the state for you. The state is home to 91 of the US 100 most affluent zip codes. These are some prosperous zip codes throughout the Golden State, from Silicon Valley to Hollywood Hills. There is no question that California is a land of opportunity.

With bustling cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, it's no wonder that many people want to call the Golden State home. But what about the areas outside of the big cities? Which zip codes are the richest in California? This blog post will look at the ten wealthiest zip codes in the state and see what makes them so unique. Some are home to celebrities like John Mayer, Jennifer Aniston, Taylor Swift, and many more.

10. Manhattan Beach (Zip Code: 90266)

Average Home Price: $2,910,000

Situated in Los Angeles County, Manhattan Beach is one of the wealthiest beach cities in California. But besides that, it is a financial, commercial, and cultural center in the South Bay region of Greater Los Angeles. Even though the city is vibrant and lively, the real estate market is still one of the most expensive in the state.

The zip code: 90266 is an affluent neighborhood marked by paved walkways, beautiful architecture, and a lovely coastline. The cost of living in this area is 307% higher than the national average. And this means that the residents here are pretty wealthy. The population in this town is slightly over 35,000 people. Hence, the residential areas are not overcrowded. Famous people like Maria Sharapova, Vince Vaughn, and Michael Stranhan call Manhattan Beach home.

9. Malibu (Zip Code: 90265)

Average Home Price: $3,250,000

Malibu boasts of some of the best climates and beaches in California. No wonder it's a favorite choice for celebrities and the wealthy. The zip code: 90265 in Malibu is a manifestation of luxury and wealth. The average home price in this area is over $3 million. Many celebrities have mansions here. According to Architectural Digest, Leonardo Dicaprio, the famous Titanic actor, sold his Malibu home for a staggering $10.3 million in 2021.

Other influential people who call Malibu home include Will Smith and Pierce Brosnan. Owning a home in this zip code gives you access to seaside living, bars, and restaurants. If you are looking for a dream home, you may either go for a home located in the hills. The perks of such a property are the spectacular view of the ocean. Alternatively, you can purchase a home with a private beach. However, such property will command a premium price.

8. Stinson Beach (Zip Code: 94970)

Average Home Price: $3,275,561

Do you dream of living in leafy suburbs with white picket fences and quiet streets? Then Stinson Beach is the place for you. Just north of San Francisco is the small beach and mountain town of Stinson Beach. Another distinct feature of this zip code is the Willow Camp. It is a famous property that once hosted the famous author John Steinbeck and Al Capone.In 2019, this property was put on the market for a whopping $15 million. The average home price in this zip code of over $three million. And the town is not only a popular tourist destination but also home to some of the wealthiest people in the state.

Consequently, the cost of living in this neighborhood is 328% above the national average. The area boasts picturesque shorelines, beautiful beaches, and a laid-back lifestyle. Stinson Beach is the place to be if you want to see the most scenic side of California. It's no wonder that so many people want to call Stinson Beach home.

7. Los Angeles (Zip Code: 90272)

Average Home Price: $3,370,039

Los Angeles is a vibrant city located on the Pacific Ocean's edge. The area enjoys an incredible climate all year round. Zip Code: 90272 is located in Reno Metro Area. And the neighborhood is known as Pacific Palisades. One reason it is attractive is that it's next to the ocean. The average home price in this zip code is $3,370,039. That's no surprise considering that the city is home to some of the wealthiest people in California. The cost of living in this zip code is 381.1 %. Only the super-rich can afford to live here. The city is also home to some of the most iconic landmarks in California.

The Palisade Highlands is undoubtedly the most well-heeled residential area in this neighborhood. The Hollywood A-listers include Whoopi Goldberg, Steven Spielberg, and Matt Damon. Furthermore, the city boasts world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment. Some activities to do in the area include hiking, biking, and golfing. There's also a thriving arts and culture scene. You can catch a play or visit one of the many art galleries. If you want to live a high life, Los Angeles is the place to be.

6. Newport Beach (Zip Code: 92625)

Average Home Price: $3,577,000

Nestled in sunny Orange County, Newport Beach is one of California's most beautiful and affluent cities. With a population of just over 86,000 people, Newport Beach is a relatively small city. But don't let its size fool you; this place is packed with wealth. Corona Del Mar is the most elite neighborhood in this area, located just south of the Balboa Island. It is at right at the heart of zip code: 9265 in Newport Beach. This neighbourhood is known for its luxury homes and stunning ocean views.The average home price in Newport Beach zip code: 92625 is a whopping $3,577,000.

And the area is home to some of the most exquisite beaches in California. If you visit Newport Beach, the Balboa Peninsula is a must-see. And if you're a fan of golf, Newport Beach is home to several world-class golf courses. The city also has a thriving arts and culture scene. There are numerous art galleries, museums, and theatres to enjoy. According to TheFlat, some of the influential people who live here include Jean Claude Van Damme and Kelly McGillis of Top Gun.

5. Palo Alto (Zip Code: 94304)

Average Home Price: $3,800,000

Palo Alto is undoubtedly one of the most respected zip codes in California. Before it became the heart of Silicon Valley, this area was farmland. But when a local tycoon and California senator, Leland Stanford, founded the famous Stanford University in 1885, this neighborhood began to change. But today, Palo Alto is more than just a college town. It is inhabited by some influential people in the tech industry and celebrities. For instance, Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, calls Palo Alto home.

The zip code 94304 is remarkably wealthy, and a modest house in this area coast a fortune. And the cost of living is 344% higher than the rest of the U.S. The city is also home to a lot of startups and tech companies. Life in this zip code incorporates the slight town feel, quiet neighborhoods, and a world-class downtown. But besides that, it is strategically located between several commercial and provides access to two international airports. The zip code 94304 is remarkably wealthy, and a modest house in this area coast a fortune.

4. Santa Monica (Zip Code: 90402)

Average Home Price: $4,058,000

Santa Monica is located at the western end of Los Angeles County. It is a beautiful coastal city home to another wealthy zip code. One of its iconic features is the century-old pier that attracts tourists from all over the world. According to SantaMonicaGov, These visitors are a fraction of the 8 million tourists that visit the city annually. Also, high-profile Hollywood directors like to shoot movies in this location. Films featured the pier include the titanic, Iron Man, and Bean. This zip code is a few miles from Hollywood.Consequently, some renowned celebrities like Christian Bale, David Beckham, and Tom Cruise live here. The average home price in Santa Monica is over $four million. This city is known for its beautiful beaches, great shopping and dining, and lively nightlife. It is also an excellent destination for tourists.

3. Ross (Zip Code: 94957)

Average Home Price: $4,583,000

When it comes to secure and wealthy neighborhoods, only a few can match Ross zipcode 94957. This is a well-to-do area in Marin County with an average home value of $4,583,000. The cost of living in Ross zip code: 94957 is 348% higher than the national average. And then it is home to mega houses and architectural marvels. Ross boasts of a strong financial and commercial sector.

This is one of the reasons why the area is so wealthy. The population of Ross is just over 2500 people. So, it's a small and intimate community. There are plenty of recreational activities to enjoy in Ross. You can go hiking, biking or horse riding in the stunning Marin Headlands. Or you can stroll through the quaint shops and cafes in downtown Ross. The neighbor is serene, safe, and the perfect place to raise a family.

2. Beverly Hills (Zip Code: 90210)

Average Home Price: $5,513,963

Beverly Hills is possibly the most well-known zip code in California. It is just a few miles from Hollywood. This small city is home to some of the state's wealthiest people, celebrities, and other public figures. The likes of Ashton Kutcher, Jennifer Aniston, and Jack Nicholson reside here. One of the largest residential areas in Beverly Hills is known as the Warner Estate. And in 2020, Amazon chairman Jeff Bezos bought it for a staggering $165 million. You will also find the wealthiest streets in the U.S. in this neighbourhood. These are Beverly Park Terrace and Beverly Park Circle.

A typical home in these streets costs about $15 million. And the average home price in Beverly Hills zip code 90210 is $5,513,963.Moreover, popular T.V. shows such as "Beverly Hills, 90210" was set in this locality. According to Forbes, it ranks among the most expensive neighbourhoods in the world. With over 800 CCTV cameras, residents in this area enjoy high-level security. Furthermore, when you call 911, the police arrive at your location in 210 seconds.

1. Atherton (Zip Code: 94027)

Average Home Price: $7,475,000

Over 100 years ago, Atherton was known as Fair Oaks. It served as a flag post stop for the railway line. The representatives of the Fair Oaks went to incorporate in 1923. They wanted it to remain a residential area. The only problem was that there was another town with the same name in Sacramento. As a result, they decided to name it in honor of the first person to build a home in this area. His name was Faxon Dean Atherton. The town began to transform when prominent people started purchasing land there. These included John T. Doyle, a famous attorney at the time, and Thomas H. Selby, the then mayor of San Francisco.

Today, Atherton is an affluent community in San Francisco. It is mainly a residential area. And wealthy tech execs have made it their home. In fact, it has been the most expensive neighborhood in the U.S. for over four years. Its privacy and prestige are one of the reasons why billionaires love it. This neighborhood is the most desirable home for tech billionaires and superrich families worldwide. For instance, Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, has a house here. Facebook chief operating Sheryl Sandberg also resides in Atherton.

Other notable, influential people who own homes in this area include former Hewlett Packard president Meg Whitman. And former Google C.E.O Eric Schmidt. While the median resident income in the U.S. is $74,000, the average resident income in Atherton is over $1.5 million a year. According to Business Insider, this zip code is just a few minutes from Tesla, Google, and Facebook offices.

Conclusion

California, the Silicon Valley, is not only one of the wealthiest states in the U.S. but also home to some of the wealthiest zip codes in America. From Atherton to Beverly Hills, these zip codes offer luxury and wealth beyond compare. These neighborhoods are inhabited by rich sports personalities, celebrities, and tech execs. And if you have the resources, you should consider making one of these zip codes your home. Rest assured, you will be rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous.

Dana Hanson

Written by Dana Hanson

Dana has extensive professional writing experience including technical and report writing, informational articles, persuasive articles, contrast and comparison, grant applications, and advertisement. She also enjoys creative writing, content writing on nearly any topic (particularly business and lifestyle), because as a lifelong learner, she loves to do research and possess a high skill level in this area. Her academic degrees include AA social Sci/BA English/MEd Adult Ed & Community & Human Resource Development and ABD in PhD studies in Indust & Org Psychology.

Read more posts by Dana Hanson

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