The great cities in America are defined not only by their skylines, but also by the smaller communities that circle them. Beyond the bustle of downtowns lie leafy streets, hidden estates, and pockets of extraordinary affluence.
This is where prosperity meets beauty, and families choose privacy without giving up proximity to the city. From New York to Seattle, here are ten of the richest suburbs in the country, each with its own success story.
Scarsdale | New York
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Scarsdale has long been synonymous with affluence and, in 2023, it was named the wealthiest suburb in the United States, with household incomes topping $600,000. Home values now hover around the $1.5 million mark.
What keeps families rooted here is more than prestige. Tudor-style homes line streets shaded by trees, and the downtown is filled with cute cafés, boutiques, and local markets.
With top-ranked schools and a direct train right into Grand Central, Scarsdale blends elegance and convenience in a way that few places in the country can match.
Palos Verdes Estates | Los Angeles
While Beverly Hills and Calabasas get most of the headlines, Palos Verdes Estates quietly holds its own as the richest suburb of Los Angeles. Homes often sell for well over $2 million, supported by incomes that average close to $370,000.
Set on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, the town has gorgeous views of the Pacific along with meticulously planned neighborhoods that feel a world apart from the traffic and noise of the city.
Residents enjoy their private golf courses, cliffside parks, and ocean breezes that cool the coastal hills. It’s this rare combination of natural beauty and architectural wonder that makes a home in Palos Verdes Estates such a prized address.
Hinsdale | Chicago
West of downtown, Hinsdale has become Chicago’s wealthiest suburb. Home prices regularly climb toward the million-dollar range, while local incomes average a quarter of a million dollars a year.
Its reputation rests on its tree-lined avenues, historic homes, and lovely downtown filled with beautiful boutiques and restaurants.
Families are drawn to the area for its schools and close-knit community feel. Only a short train ride from it all, Hinsdale has the polish of the North Shore suburbs with distinctly charming character.
Pinecrest | Miami
The best way to describe Pinecrest is lush and discreet. Here, homes can go for more than $3 million, while household earnings rise well into the $300,000 range, making it one of Florida’s most exclusive enclaves.
Pinecrest is defined by its wide streets shaded by banyan trees, sprawling parks, and an impressive civic culture. Families value its top-rated school system and sense of privacy, while still being within easy reach of Miami’s nightlife and beaches.
Scottsdale | Phoenix
Though larger than many central cities, Scottsdale still qualifies as a suburb, and it’s Phoenix’s wealthiest. Scottsdale families typically bring in just over $100,000, with homes now selling for more than $800,000.
Scottsdale’s appeal lies in its desert beauty and resort-style living. Golf courses, luxury spas, and a thriving arts scene make it a magnet for both retirees and professionals. Add in Old Town’s nightlife and dining, and you have a place that’s both vibrant and leisurely, all at once.
Wellesley | Boston
Just outside of Boston, you’ll find Wellesley, the embodiment of classic New England affluence. In Wellesley, the $1.5 million median home value reflects household incomes that easily exceed $250,000.
The town is home to Wellesley College and Babson College, which give it an intellectual energy. Meanwhile, the tree-lined streets, historic homes, and excellent public school system make it a fan-favorite for families looking for prestige and warmth.
Alamo | San Francisco
Technically a suburb of Oakland, Alamo sits quietly in Contra Costa County, east of San Francisco. Incomes here tend to rise above $400,000, and homes often go for $2.5 million or more.
Yet, Alamo isn’t known to be flashy. It’s all about spacious estates tucked behind oak trees, winding trails, and a landscape that rolls into the hills. Its affluence is measured in privacy and calm, rather than glitz and glamour.
Mercer Island | Seattle
Mercer Island floats in Lake Washington, connected by bridges to both Seattle and Bellevue. Waterfront homes now average $2.3 million, matched by household earnings that land north of $200,000.
The island is a showstopping refuge of wooded neighborhoods, waterfront homes, and top-ranked schools. For many, its appeal is balance: a quick commute into the city is paired with an atmosphere that feels like a retreat. What a way to come home at night.
Keystone | Tampa-St. Petersburg
Keystone may not be well known nationally, but it holds the title of Tampa Bay’s wealthiest suburb. Residents here earn nearly $200,000 per year, though home values remain comparatively modest at under $300,000.
Keystone has rural charm with an upscale edge, thanks to all its surrounding lakes and conservation areas. It attracts people who want privacy, space, and natural beauty, all while staying close to Tampa’s urban core.
Greenwood Village | Denver
Greenwood Village began with prospectors in the Gold Rush and, today, thrives as Denver’s wealthiest suburb. Local incomes tend to reach the $260,000 mark, while homes are often listed for about $1.5 million.
Its neighborhoods are filled with sprawling estates that have easy access to the Denver Tech Center, making it a hub for executives and entrepreneurs. Then, on weekends, it’s easy to appreciate all the trails, open spaces, and schools that rival some of the best in the state.
A Map of American Affluence
From the storybook streets of Scarsdale to the ocean cliffs of Palos Verdes, America’s wealthiest suburbs show us how prosperity takes different forms all across the country.
Some are historic villages with ivy-covered colleges; others are islands or desert outposts. Yet, each one has its own appeal if you’re searching for comfort and community.
As you know, the best way to decide if you want to move somewhere new is to spend plenty of time wandering its streets, cafés, bookshops, and more. So, come take a tour through our library of destination guides. We’ll help you find the best places to eat, hotels to stay, and places to explore while you decide if this should be your new place to call home.