NEW JERSEY - In a state famous for its sky-high property taxes and affluent New York City suburbs, the competition for the "most expensive" title is fierce. But while tony commuter towns and luxurious beach enclaves command staggering prices, one tiny, secluded borough has consistently held the crown for decades.
NEW JERSEY - In a state famous for its sky-high property taxes and affluent New York City suburbs, the competition for the "most expensive" title is fierce. But while tony commuter towns and luxurious beach enclaves command staggering prices, one tiny, secluded borough has consistently held the crown for decades.When looking for the most expensive place to live in New Jersey, you won't find a bustling downtown or a vibrant train station. Instead, you'll find an exclusive, wooded sanctuary in Bergen County.
The Winner: Alpine (ZIP Code 07620)
For nine of the last ten years, Alpine has been named the most expensive ZIP code in New Jersey. It's not just "New Jersey expensive"—it's nationally elite, with a median home sale price that has surpassed $4.3 million, recently tying it with Beverly Hills, California, as one of the priciest ZIP codes in America.
What makes this 9-square-mile borough so expensive is, paradoxically, what it lacks. Alpine has almost no commercial development. There are no strip malls, supermarkets, or even a real "downtown."
- What You See: Alpine is a world of winding, private roads, gated entrances, and multi-acre estates hidden behind dense trees. The zoning laws mandate large lots (often two acres or more), ensuring maximum privacy.
- The Appeal: Its value is driven by three factors: exclusivity, privacy, and proximity. It's a secluded haven for celebrities, CEOs, and athletes who want to be within 15 miles of Manhattan.
The Runners-Up: The Commuter Hub vs. The Shore
While Alpine wins on price, two other areas represent the two distinct types of wealth in New Jersey: the commuter suburb and the elite beach town.
1. The NYC Suburb: Short Hills (07078)
If Alpine is for those who want to hide from the world, Short Hills is for those who wish to commute to it in style. As part of Millburn Township, Short Hills is the quintessential "commuter paradise," with a median home price of around $2.4 million.
- Why It's So Expensive: The reasons are a powerhouse combination:
- Top-Tier Schools: The Millburn school district is consistently ranked among the best public school systems in the nation.
- Direct Train to NYC: It has a highly desirable stop on the Morris & Essex train line, offering a direct ride to Manhattan.
- Luxury & Prestige: It's home to the ultra-high-end "Mall at Short Hills" and features a mix of "old money" estates and new-construction mansions.
2. The Coastal Elite: Deal (07723) & The Cape May Twins
While North Jersey has its suburbs, the Jersey Shore has its own billionaire-and-millionaire playgrounds.
- Deal: This Monmouth County borough is the clear #2 to Alpine, with a median sale price of $3.5 million. It's known for its sprawling, oceanfront mansions and exclusive private beach clubs.
- Stone Harbor (08202) & Avalon (08202): These two towns, which share an island in Cape May County, are the pinnacle of luxury second-home ownership. With median home prices well over $2.3 million, they are defined by pristine beaches, high-end boutiques, and a "quiet" luxury that commands a massive premium for a summer home.
