A new report on America's most exclusive real estate markets reveals a significant shift at the top, with Newport Coast, California, now holding the title of the nation's most expensive ZIP code. The Orange County enclave's median listing price of $12.5 million has surpassed last year's leader, Fisher Island, Florida, according to data from January 2026.
This change highlights the enduring dominance of California in the ultra-luxury housing sector, as the state claims six of the top ten positions. The report also signals a slight cooling in the highest tier of the market, with the entry price for the top 10 list now at $5.5 million.
Key Takeaways
- Newport Coast, CA (92657) is the new most expensive ZIP code in the U.S. with a median list price of $12.5 million.
- Fisher Island, FL (33109) has moved to the second position with a median price of nearly $12 million.
- California dominates the list, securing six of the top ten spots, reinforcing its status as a hub for luxury real estate.
- The minimum price to enter the top 10 is $5.5 million, with Paradise Valley, AZ, and Newport Beach, CA, as new entrants to the list.
A Shake-Up in the Ultra-Luxury Market
The latest rankings show a notable change from mid-2025, when the exclusive private island of Fisher Island held the top spot. Newport Coast, known for its sprawling hillside estates and panoramic Pacific views, has climbed to the number one position. This area, often called the "Pacific Riviera," features master-planned communities and exclusive amenities like the Pelican Hill Golf Club.
Meanwhile, Fisher Island, a 216-acre private community accessible only by ferry or private vessel, now sits at number two. Its median listing price is just under $12 million. Real estate experts note that Fisher Island is a unique, low-turnover market where a few high-value sales can significantly impact median prices.
"When annual transaction volume is limited, one or two trophy sales can materially influence median pricing," explained Ana Bozovic, founder of Analytics Miami. She described the island as functioning "less like a typical condo market and more like a private wealth preservation environment."
California's Enduring Appeal
California continues to be the epicenter of high-value real estate in the United States. Beyond Newport Coast, five other California ZIP codes feature in the top ten, underscoring the state's powerful draw for affluent buyers.
The iconic 90210 ZIP code of Beverly Hills holds the third spot with a median list price of $10.495 million. The area remains a global symbol of wealth and celebrity, with its palm-lined streets and proximity to Rodeo Drive's luxury boutiques.
The Platinum Triangle
Los Angeles's "Platinum Triangle" is an informal name for three adjacent, affluent communities: Beverly Hills, Bel-Air, and Holmby Hills. Bel-Air (90077), another member of the top 10 list, is known for its seclusion and security, attracting high-profile residents from entertainment and business. It ranks fifth with a median price of $7.947 million.
Other California enclaves on the list include Montecito (93108), Rancho Santa Fe (92067), and a newcomer, Newport Beach (92663). Montecito, home to figures like Oprah Winfrey and Prince Harry, is a highly exclusive market with limited inventory. Dina Landi, a managing partner at a local real estate group, notes its unique appeal.
"Montecito’s topography, the proximity of mountains to ocean, is what makes it extraordinary, and it’s also what limits supply," Landi stated. "Because of that scarcity, pricing at the top tends to be influenced more by wealth cycles and confidence than by interest rates alone."
East Coast and Southwest Contenders
While California is a strong force, the East Coast maintains a significant presence with two ZIP codes from New York's Hamptons making the list.
The Hamptons Elite
Bridgehampton (11932) ranks fourth with a median price of $8.8 million. Known as the region's horse country, it hosts the prestigious Hampton Classic Horse Show and offers a blend of rural charm and modern luxury.
Not far behind is Water Mill (11976) at number six, with a median price of just under $7 million. This historic hamlet, named for a 17th-century grist mill, is now a community of large estates and a notable arts scene, anchored by the Parrish Art Museum.
Market Entry Point
The price of admission to this exclusive club is $5.5 million. This is approximately five times higher than the national luxury market threshold of $1.2 million, illustrating the vast gap between standard luxury and ultra-luxury real estate.
New Faces in the Top Tier
The January 2026 ranking introduced two new areas to the top 10 list: Newport Beach, California, and Paradise Valley, Arizona.
Newport Beach (92663) enters at number nine, tied with Rancho Santa Fe at a median price of $5.995 million. It offers a more active coastal lifestyle compared to its neighbor, Newport Coast, with miles of beaches and one of the world's largest recreational harbors.
Paradise Valley, Arizona (85253), makes its debut at number ten with a median list price of $5.5 million. This desert enclave, situated between Phoenix and Scottsdale, is attracting wealthy buyers seeking privacy, mountain views, and access to world-class golf courses and spas without the density of a major city.
What Defines These Exclusive Markets
A common thread connects these disparate locations: an emphasis on privacy, exclusivity, and unique lifestyle offerings. Whether it's the ocean views of coastal California, the rural sophistication of the Hamptons, or the secluded desert landscapes of Arizona, these communities cater to a buyer pool seeking more than just a home.
These areas are characterized by large properties, high security, and access to elite amenities. According to Realtor.com senior economist Anthony Smith, these communities exist in a category distinct from the broader luxury market.
The data reveals that while only 12% of home listings nationwide exceed $1 million, that figure is nearly 100% in these top ZIP codes. The report underscores a persistent demand for premier properties among the world's wealthiest individuals, even as the entry point to the top tier shows signs of stabilizing.
