If you're looking to move house thanks to the fact that you can now work remotely (lucky you!), or simply want to explore a second home for yourself and your family, it can be hard to know where to start. While, yes, you could absolutely look at median house prices by state, it's likely that those will run the gamut when it comes to home prices depending on where you choose to buy-Los Angeles prices, for instance, will be very different when compared to homes in San Francisco-which is why it makes more sense to look at specific counties instead when you're trying to find a home. After all, that gets you a clearer view on the price of a home there, and you get to see whether the places you're looking to live in actually fit your budget.
According to Amanda Pendleton, home trends expert at Zillow, a combination of low inventory coupled with high demand may have led to a rise in prices in several places that used to be just vacation home destinations-but with the rise of remote working, vacation homes are getting more attention than ever. "We found listings in vacation areas got a larger share of page views and 'favorites' than the typical U.S. listing," she says. "The number of vacation towns with a larger share of 'favorites' per listing has nearly tripled since the start of the pandemic."
Not surprisingly, this has also affected the list of richest counties in America- and honestly, you might be pretty surprised what made the cut. Below, check out the top 10 richest counties in the U.S., where buying a home will cost you quite a few million dollars.
Median list price: $4,545,000
Nantucket County has always had some of the most expensive real estate in the country, but home values climbed even higher during the pandemic," says Pendleton. "Home values in Nantucket County were up 11.1% over the past year, and 31.1% since prior to the pandemic in 2019. Strong demand paired with short supply has contributed to that growth, and early in the pandemic, Nantucket County became one of the top three counties in the country with the highest share of vacation home mortgage applications." Can't say we're too surprised, though: Cape Cod is pretty much one of the dreamiest vacation destinations around, with pretty dune beaches, high-end restaurants, and the most stunning cobblestoned streets. Why wouldn't you want to live there?
Median list price: $4,200,000
San Miguel in Colorado is a stunning mountain town, and you'd be hard pressed to find a place with more sights: Think Telluride Ski Resort, Black Bear Pass, and the Alpine Chapel all close by to provide you a hefty dose of both nature and culture. It's no wonder prices in San Miguel County are in the 4-million-dollar range, with so much to see and do!
Median list price: $3,247,500
With tons of ice rinks, snow-capped mountains, and the iconic Teton National Park, those who love the outdoors are running in droves to Teton County for a truly exciting escape. While most people would assume it's a vacation destination, working by the mountains would be a pretty sweet deal if you could swing it. And at homes going for almost three and a half million, we're clearly not the only ones seeing the appeal.
Median list price: $3,094,500
Martha's Vineyard has always been known as one of the richest (and most beautiful) spots in America, and the median home price of over $3 million definitely proves it: Think 19 incredible beaches; small, unique shops; an incredible liquor collection; and the famous Flying Horses Carousel. It's the ultimate stop in Dukes County, which is why the prices there have skyrocketed. "Zillow research found the typical home in 18 out of the top 20 most popular vacation markets appreciated faster than the typical U.S. home," adds Pendleton, explaining the draw.
Median list price: $2,725,000
Those looking for a wilderness adventure will definitely find it in Blaine County, Idaho: It has many popular attractions, including Craters of the Moon National Monument and Wood River Valley Ore Wagon Museum, making it well worth its high price tag of $2,725,000 for a home. It's also home to the Sun Valley Ski Resort, which, if we're being honest, is draw enough.
Median list price: $2,465,000
Pitkin County in Aspen is pretty much a dream for anyone who can afford the high price to live there. After all, Aspen's four mountains provide world-class amenities and skiing opportunities for beginners and veterans alike . and don't even get us started on the wild, yet cosy après ski culture. Those looking for fun winter activities can't get much better (or more expensive) than Aspen.
Median list price: $1,714,500
Hawaii actually topped the list as one of the most expensive states in the the U.S., so it's no wonder Kauai is on this list. Much less busy than bustling Honolulu, Kauai is Hawaii's fourth-largest island and often called 'the Garden Island' due to its emerald valleys, jagged cliffs, and deep blue waters. This quiet allure is what brings visitors and residents to it in droves, but fewer habitable areas means demand (and prices!) are incredibly high.
Median list price: $1,667,000
Being incredibly close to Silicon Valley keeps San Mateo County in high demand when it comes to buying a home, which is why the median list price is almost $2 million dollars, according to Pendleton. Home to over 100,000 people, San Mateo is a bustling, vibrant community that's great for young professionals looking for a lot to do. And with San Francisco so close by, you're never spoiled for choice of activities.
Median list price: $1,616,500
Is it any wonder Napa made the top 10 list of richest counties? Wine country offers a host of vineyards to try, tons of local shops and boutiques, a beautiful countryside, and near-perfect weather year-round. Michelin-starred restaurants, along with luxury accommodations and spas, account for the high demand for homes in the area.
Median list price: $1,600,000
Summit County in Utah is a great spot for skiing that's more on the rustic side (as compared to Aspen), but that doesn't make it any less desirable. The country's largest ski resort, Park City, provides plenty of outdoor trails and a number of activities including snowboarding and fly fishing. It even has areas where you can picnic in peace by the mountains. It's the perfect place to work and play in - and it seems like people have certainly caught on.