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Discover the Richest Suburbs in America for 2026
When envisioning America’s wealthiest residents, cities like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago often come to mind. However, a significant portion of affluent Americans live in suburban areas. In 2026, more than 60% of the U.S. population resides in suburbs, driven by urban overpopulation and rising living costs in major metropolitan areas.
This suburban migration has enabled the development of sprawling neighborhoods that house some of the richest families in the country. So, which suburbs top the list in 2026? Here’s a look at the ten richest suburbs across America:
- Atherton, CA
- Los Altos Hills, CA
- Portola Valley, CA
- Sands Point, NY
- Woodside, CA
- Hillsborough, CA
- Brookville, NY
- Monte Sereno, CA
- Ross, CA
- Old Brookville, NY
If you’re considering a move to one of these affluent suburbs, California and New York are essential destinations. The economic success of urban hubs like New York and San Francisco has significantly influenced the wealth of their surrounding suburbs.
What qualities make these suburbs appealing, and what do they offer their residents? Zippia’s analysis reveals the attributes that elevate these neighborhoods to some of the most desirable places to live in America.
How We Identified the Richest Suburbs in the U.S.
Determining the wealthiest suburbs is straightforward; we analyzed those with the highest median incomes and property values.
Our data sources include the latest American Community Survey data:
- Median household incomes
- Median home values
We defined a suburb as a community located within 30 miles of one of the 100 largest cities in the U.S. Our analysis focused on areas with populations exceeding 2,000, resulting in 2,490 suburbs evaluated nationwide.
Each suburb was scored from 1 to 2,490 in both categories, with 1 indicating the highest wealth. We averaged these scores to create a “wealth index,” ultimately identifying the suburb with the top score as the richest suburb in America—congratulations to Atherton, CA.
Continue reading for insights into living in these affluent areas or jump to the end for a comprehensive list of the 100 richest suburbs.
1. Atherton, CA
Population: 7,127
Median Income: $250,000
Median Home Value: $2,000,000
Atherton, California, stands as the wealthiest suburb in America. Nestled in the San Francisco Bay Area, this 5-square-mile enclave boasts luxurious residences.
The average selling price for properties in Atherton approaches $6 million, with many homes exceeding $10 million. This suburb is characterized by expansive mansions, gated communities, and beautifully landscaped gardens.
Residents primarily work in high-tech sectors, employed by companies like Google and Tesla. Are you ready to make Atherton your new home?
2. Los Altos Hills, CA
Population: 8,376
Median Income: $243,701
Median Home Value: $2,000,000
Next is Los Altos Hills, located just five miles from Stanford University. Unlike Atherton, this suburb offers a blend of luxurious homes and scenic horse stables, surrounded by lush greenery.
Residents enjoy a vibrant community with regular art classes and sustainability initiatives. However, potential movers should prepare for home prices ranging from $1 million to over $50 million.
3. Portola Valley, CA
Population: 4,550
Median Income: $232,981
Median Home Value: $2,000,000
Portola Valley, situated in San Mateo County, features a mixture of unique, high-value homes. Ideal for those who appreciate nature, this suburb offers well-maintained trails and access to the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve.
With numerous outdoor amenities, Portola Valley is an excellent choice for those seeking a distinctive residence in Silicon Valley.
4. Sands Point, NY
Population: 2,859
Median Income: $231,667
Median Home Value: $2,000,000
Sands Point Village on Long Island secures the fourth spot on our list. This independent village boasts its own water and police departments, with home prices ranging from $2 million to over $30 million.
In addition to its luxurious residences, Sands Point is home to the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults.
5. Woodside, CA
Population: 5,496
Median Income: $223,934
Median Home Value: $2,000,000
Woodside, also in San Mateo County, is rich in history, with its name stemming from a purchase during the California Gold Rush in 1849. In addition to opulent homes, Woodside is known for the Djerassi Artists Residency, which offers free housing for artists.
6. Hillsborough, CA
Population: 11,312
Median Income: $216,292
Median Home Value: $2,000,000
Hillsborough, California, is known for its sizable homes, with a minimum size requirement of 2,500 square feet. The suburb is also famous for the quirky “Flintstone house,” adding a unique charm to the neighborhood.
7. Brookville, NY
Population: 3,556
Median Income: $237,083
Median Home Value: $1,835,200
Brookville, located on Long Island, features lavish homes with historic significance. The village has a royal past, having hosted the Luxembourg royal family during WWII.
Properties here range from $1 million to over $10 million, making it a high-stakes market for potential buyers.
8. Monte Sereno, CA
Population: 3,514
Median Income: $202,321
Median Home Value: $2,000,000
Monte Sereno, situated in Santa Clara County, is approximately 10 miles from San Jose and is primarily residential, featuring expansive mansions.
Noteworthy for its extravagant holiday displays, some residents spend upwards of $150,000 on Christmas decorations each year!
9. Ross, CA
Population: 2,381
Median Income: $199,107
Median Home Value: $2,000,000
Located just north of San Francisco, Ross is a family-friendly suburb with 30% of its population under 18. With a median income nearing $200,000, it remains a desirable area for affluent families.
10. Old Brookville, NY
Population: 2,154
Median Income: $202,083
Median Home Value: $1,753,500
Rounding out our list is Old Brookville, another Long Island village known for its expansive mansions and exclusive living experience.
This close-knit community boasts a robust local government and nature access via the Louis C. Clark sanctuary.
Conclusion: The Richest Suburbs in America
In 2026, the richest suburbs in America are predominantly located in Silicon Valley and Long Island. These affluent neighborhoods feature multi-million-dollar homes, exclusive amenities, and engaged local governments.
So, how can you gain entry into these elite communities? A significant salary increase may be necessary, as many residents earn over $200,000 annually.
Detailed List of the Richest Suburbs
| Rank | Suburb | Home Values |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Atherton, CA | $2,000,000 |
| 2 | Los Altos Hills, CA | $2,000,000 |
| 3 | Portola Valley, CA | $2,000,000 |
| 4 | Sands Point, NY | $2,000,000 |
| 5 | Woodside, CA | $2,000,000 |
| 6 | Hillsborough, CA | $2,000,000 |
| 7 | Brookville, NY | $1,835,200 |
| 8 | Monte Sereno, CA | $2,000,000 |
| 9 | Ross, CA | $2,000,000 |
| 10 | Old Brookville, NY | $1,753,500 |
| 11 | Los Altos, CA | $2,000,000 |
| 12 | Scarsdale, NY | $1,318,500 |
| 13 | Munsey Park, NY | $1,420,000 |
| 14 | Palos Verdes Estates, CA | $1,609,500 |
| 15 | Oyster Bay Cove, NY | $1,506,900 |
| 16 | Piedmont, CA | $1,572,700 |
| 17 | Belvedere, CA | $2,000,000 |
| 18 | Clyde Hill, WA | $1,578,900 |
| 19 | Belle Meade, TN | $1,387,300 |
| 20 | Medina, WA | $1,654,600 |
| 21 | Highland Park, TX | $1,253,600 |
| 22 | Kenilworth, IL | $1,095,600 |
| 23 | Saratoga, CA | $1,742,900 |
| 24 | University Park, TX | $1,102,500 |
| 25 | Mission Hills, KS | $942,400 |
| 26 | Old Westbury, NY | $1,675,000 |
| 27 | Winnetka, IL | $989,600 |
| 28 | Bronxville, NY | $995,100 |
| 29 | Paradise Valley, AZ | $1,332,600 |
| 30 | Flower Hill, NY | $1,077,500 |
| 31 | Lake Success, NY | $1,150,500 |
| 32 | West University Place, TX | $917,800 |
| 33 | Orinda, CA | $1,125,000 |
| 34 | Tiburon, CA | $1,847,800 |
| 35 | Rye, NY | $1,107,000 |
| 36 | Great Neck Estates, NY | $1,230,500 |
| 37 | Glencoe, IL | $891,300 |
| 38 | Manhattan Beach, CA | $1,537,200 |
| 39 | Mill Valley, CA | $1,201,600 |
| 40 | Upper Saddle River, NJ | $905,100 |
| 41 | East Hills, NY | $921,600 |
| 42 | Hinsdale, IL | $859,400 |
| 43 | Larchmont, NY | $1,060,700 |
| 44 | Cupertino, CA | $1,214,300 |
| 45 | Essex Fells, NJ | $832,400 |
| 46 | Palo Alto, CA | $1,702,100 |
| 47 | Franklin Lakes, NJ | $944,900 |
| 48 | San Marino, CA | $1,518,400 |
| 49 | South Barrington, IL | $804,800 |
| 50 | Bellaire, TX | $770,500 |
| 51 | Ladue, MO | $771,500 |
| 52 | Lafayette, CA | $1,127,400 |
| 53 | Lake Forest, IL | $831,800 |
| 54 | Forest Hills, TN | $730,200 |
| 55 | Pelham Manor, NY | $854,700 |
| 56 | Mountain Lakes, NJ | $825,100 |
| 57 | Bloomfield Hills, MI | $794,600 |
| 58 | Saddle River, NJ | $1,784,500 |
| 59 | North Caldwell, NJ | $713,500 |
| 60 | Kings Point, NY | $1,724,800 |
| 61 | Danville, CA | $919,500 |
| 62 | Riverwoods, IL | $685,200 |
| 63 | San Carlos, CA | $1,107,600 |
| 64 | Menlo Park, CA | $1,581,700 |
| 65 | Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ | $716,800 |
| 66 | West Lake Hills, TX | $783,900 |
| 67 | Moraga, CA | $971,700 |
| 68 | Woodcliff Lake, NJ | $756,100 |
| 69 | Los Gatos, CA | $1,338,400 |
| 70 | Oak Brook, IL | $825,400 |
| 71 | Lawrence, NY | $856,000 |
| 72 | Rumson, NJ | $956,600 |
| 73 | Chatham, NJ | $729,000 |
| 74 | Rolling Hills Estates, CA | $1,096,400 |
| 75 | Long Grove, IL | $652,100 |
| 76 | Villa Park, CA | $1,030,800 |
| 77 | Englewood Cliffs, NJ | $984,700 |
| 78 | East Williston, NY | $791,100 |
| 79 | Tenafly, NJ | $750,800 |
| 80 | Fair Haven, NJ | $664,500 |
| 81 | Westfield, NJ | $689,400 |
| 82 | Summit, NJ | $822,000 |
| 83 | Allendale, NJ | $680,000 |
| 84 | Mercer Island, WA | $956,200 |
| 85 | Corte Madera, CA | $1,061,700 |
| 86 | Frontenac, MO | $692,100 |
| 87 | Ridgewood, NJ | $724,400 |
| 88 | Terrell Hills, TX | $635,100 |
| 89 | Haworth, NJ | $644,700 |
| 90 | Hermosa Beach, CA | $1,166,800 |
| 91 | Malibu, CA | $1,802,800 |
| 92 | San Ramon, CA | $810,700 |
| 93 | Town And Country, MO | $659,700 |
| 94 | Key Biscayne, FL | $1,034,800 |
| 95 | Marvin, NC | $618,900 |
| 96 | Pinecrest, FL | $840,900 |
| 97 | Anchorage, KY | $634,300 |
| 98 | Pleasanton, CA | $828,900 |
| 99 | Newport Beach, CA | $1,584,900 |
| 100 | North Hills, NY | $957,600 |
Author
Heidi Cope is a former writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog. Her writing focused primarily on Zippia's suite of rankings and general career advice. After leaving Zippia, Heidi joined The Mighty as a writer and editor, among other positions. She received her BS from UNC Charlotte in German Studies.
