Small towns are flourishing across the United States, but some enjoy far greater wealth than others.
“Many of these affluent small towns share a similar profile: They sit just outside major metros, offering residents proximity to big-city amenities while providing privacy, space, and a lifestyle quality that’s harder to find in more urban areas,” says Anthony Smith, senior economist at Realtor.com®.
For high-income households, these communities “offer the best of both worlds: access to jobs, airports, health care, culture, and dining, paired with larger homes, quieter neighborhoods, and a stronger sense of exclusivity,” Smith says.
The list of the richest towns was identified by GOBankingRates. Explore the wealthiest small towns listed below, including details on their population, median household income, median home list price, and AreaVibes livability score (rated out of 100).
Mountain Brook, AL
- Population: 22,160
- Median household income: $191,128
- Median list price: $687,500
- Livability: 64
Mountain Brook is a suburb of Birmingham. Around 92% of Mountain Brook is covered by trees, one of the highest percentages in the country.
Sterling, AK
- Population: 6,776
- Median household income: $110,341
- Median list price: $450,000
- Livability: 61
Sterling is 130 miles from Anchorage. This tourist hub is known for its great fishing, boating, and camping.
Paradise Valley, AZ
- Population: 12,621
- Median household income: $236,250
- Median list price: $5,125,000
- Livability: 62
Located between Phoenix and Scottsdale, Paradise Valley is home to nine resorts and three golf courses. Residents love its breathtaking views of Camelback and Mummy mountains.
Goshen, AR
- Population: 2,488
- Median household income: $177,604
- Median list price: $499,000
- Livability: 64
Goshen is 7 miles east of Fayetteville. It’s recognized for its scenic landscapes, tight-knit community, and top-rated public schools.
Palos Verdes Estates, CA
- Population: 13,047
- Median household income: $247,500
- Median list price: $3,873,500
- Livability: 68
Palos Verdes Estates is a safe and scenic coastal enclave in Los Angeles County. It’s known for its stunning ocean views and luxurious amenities.
Castle Pines, CO
- Population: 12,573
- Median household income: $189,918
- Median list price: $947,000
- Livability: 60
Castle Pines—just 20 miles from downtown Denver—is a very family-oriented, outdoorsy community. The city manages nearly 60 miles of trails, 122 acres of parks, and more than 1,850 acres of open space.
Newtown, CT
- Population: 1,968
- Median household income: $161,000
- Median list price: $849,000
- Livability: 74
Newtown is just 60 miles northeast of New York City. This charming New England town is surrounded by rolling hills and wooded parks.
Hockessin, DE
- Population: 13,608
- Median household income: $172,695
- Median list price: $642,500
- Livability: 69
Hockessin is 40 miles southwest of Philadelphia. Quaint and historic, it’s in proximity to walking trails and parks like Auburn Valley State Park.
Parkland, FL
- Population: 35,799
- Median household income: $200,156
- Median list price: $1,231,500
- Livability: 67
Parkland, near the edge of the Everglades, is a scenic town full of tree-lined streets, lakes, and waterways. It has top‑rated public schools and a family‑friendly vibe with well‑maintained neighborhoods.
Berkeley Lake, GA
- Population: 2,615
- Median household income: $160,505
- Median list price: $875,000
- Livability: 66
Berkeley Lake, a suburb of Atlanta, has a small-town feel despite its proximity to the big city. Residents have access to Lake Berkeley for fishing, boating, and swimming.
Kailua, HI
- Population: 39,762
- Median household income: $146,615
- Median list price: $1,747,500
- Livability: 83
The most populous town on the list, Kailua is located 12 miles northeast of downtown Honolulu. This tranquil beach community is filled with charming boutiques, cafes, and eateries.
Eagle, ID
- Population: 31,490
- Median household income: $118,037
- Median list price: $1,035,000
- Livability: 79
Eagle is just 10 miles outside of downtown Boise. It’s a close-knit suburb with lots of outdoor recreation options and a charming downtown scene.
Riverwoods, IL
- Population: 3,988
- Median household income: $243,036
- Median list price: $1,324,250
- Livability: 66
A northern suburb of Chicago, Riverwoods boasts a safe environment with low crime rates, natural beauty, and a variety of parks and trails.
Zionsville, IN
- Population: 31,442
- Median household income: $159,126
- Median list price: $818,200
- Livability: 78
Zionsville is northwest of Indianapolis. It has highly rated public schools, a walkable downtown, and a strong sense of community.
Polk City, IA
- Population: 5,833
- Median household income: $163,000
- Median list price: $549,000
- Livability: 79
Polk City is about 15 miles from downtown Des Moines. It’s known for its quiet, rural feel and features a growing trail system for runners, hikers, and bikers.
Leawood, KS
- Population: 33,844
- Median household income: $184,976
- Median list price: $903,725
- Livability: 74
Leawood is located between Overland Park and Kansas City, MO. This quiet town features top-rated schools and safe neighborhoods.
Prospect, KY
- Population: 4,518
- Median household income: $172,361
- Median list price: $937,500
- Livability: 74
Prospect, just 12 miles from downtown Louisville, merges the calm of the suburbs with the convenience of nearby urban opportunities. The city prides itself on its natural beauty, with parks, trails, and the Ohio River.
Broussard, LA
- Population: 13,791
- Median household income: $116,613
- Median list price: $389,900
- Livability: 70
Broussard is situated just southeast of Lafayette. It features top-rated schools, a rich cultural heritage, and a friendly and welcoming community.
Gorham, ME
- Population: 7,365
- Median household income: $125,058
- Median list price: $605,200
- Livability: 76
Gorham is 10 miles west of downtown Portland. Home of the University of Southern Maine, this college town boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene.
Fulton, MD
- Population: 5,946
- Median household income: $240,219
- Median list price: $1,036,196
- Livability: 82
Fulton is located 20 miles from Baltimore and 25 miles from Washington, DC. It has a strong job market, excellent public schools, and diverse recreational opportunities.
Boxford, MA
- Population: 2,325
- Median household income: $238,375
- Median list price: $1,261,750
- Livability: 70
Boxford has a rural atmosphere with abundant green spaces, and it enjoys close proximity to Boston, which is just 25 minutes away.
Bloomfield Hills, MI
- Population: 4,412
- Median household income: $200,318
- Median list price: $859,350
- Livability: 72
Known for its lush, rolling hills, Bloomfield Hills is a safe community 20 miles outside of Detroit. The area is known for luxurious, spacious homes on wooded lots.
North Oaks, MN
- Population: 5,175
- Median household income: $235,858
- Median list price: $971,250
- Livability: 67
North Oaks is located 20 miles from Minneapolis. North Oaks sits on many wooded acres, lakes, and wetlands, with around 900 acres of conservation land preserved for residents.
Mooreville, MS
- Population: 2,052
- Median household income: $143,681
- Median list price: $314,450
- Livability: 70
Located just 7 miles from Tupelo, Mooreville is the youngest community on the list, with only 2% of its population aged 65 or older.
Clarkson Valley, MO
- Population: 2,592
- Median household income: $238,333
- Median list price: $962,500
- Livability: 59
Clarkson Valley is a suburb of St. Louis. Every home sits on at least one acre of land, giving residents plenty of room and privacy.
Clancy, MT
- Population: 1,729
- Median household income: $116,800
- Median list price: $827,450
- Livability: 67
Clancy is located 12 miles south of Helena. Residents often spend time hiking, hunting, fishing, and boating in nearby lakes and rivers.
Gretna, NE
- Population: 9,117
- Median household income: $118,765
- Median list price: $530,000
- Livability: 80
Gretna is situated between Omaha and Lincoln. It appeals to families seeking good schools, safe neighborhoods, and a suburban lifestyle.
Incline Village, NV
- Population: 9,152
- Median household income: $162,821
- Median list price: $1,650,000
- Livability: 60
Incline Village is a ski town along the northeastern shore of Lake Tahoe.
“Residents love the convenience of getting a few runs in during lunch at the beautiful, family-friendly Diamond Peak Ski Resort on a perfect bluebird powder day,” says Tiffany Banks, CEO of Nevada Realtors®.
Hanover, NH
- Population: 8,520
- Median household income: $135,250
- Median list price: $1,700,000
- Livability: 81
Living in Hanover—60 miles northwest of Concord—has a vibrant college-town atmosphere, thanks to Dartmouth College. It has access to excellent schools, cultural events, and a strong sense of community.
Glen Ridge, NJ
- Population: 7,827
- Median household income: $248,016
- Median list price: $754,500
- Livability: 88
Living in Glen Ridge provides a charming environment with tree-lined streets and historic homes. Residents also benefit from convenient access to public transit and proximity to New York City, which is 15 minutes away.
Los Alamos, NM
- Population: 13,471
- Median household income: $136,502
- Median list price: $593,000
- Livability: 81
Los Alamos is located about 35 miles from Santa Fe.
“It’s home to the Los Alamos National Laboratory and a world-class research hub that attracts highly skilled, high-earning professionals, supporting a pricier housing market compared with much of the rest of the state,” says Smith.
Muttontown, NY
- Population: 3,496
- Median household income: $247,589
- Median list price: $3,174,250
- Livability: 56
Muttontown is a peaceful, upscale suburb with spacious homes and expansive properties. The small town has top-rated schools and close access to Long Island’s amenities and parks.
Weddington, NC
- Population: 13,468
- Median household income: $196,159
- Median list price: $1,631,624
- Livability: 62
Weddington has a quiet, family-friendly environment with well-maintained neighborhoods. Residents benefit from top-rated schools and easy access to Charlotte, which is 15 miles away.
Horace, ND
- Population: 3,964
- Median household income: $145,801
- Median list price: $389,554
- Livability: 75
Horace is located just southwest of Fargo. Though small, Horace is steadily developing, with lots of new restaurants, shops, and services.
New Albany, OH
- Population: 10,524
- Median household income: $232,524
- Median list price: $552,400
- Livability: 69
New Albany is 15 miles outside of downtown Columbus. The area has trendy boutiques, fine dining, and well-maintained public spaces.
Nichols Hills, OK
- Population: 3,838
- Median household income: $203,750
- Median list price: $872,425
- Livability: 69
Nichols Hills is an upscale, safe, and highly walkable suburb with tree-lined streets. It features exclusive shopping and dining and is in proximity to downtown Oklahoma City.
West Linn, OR
- Population: 27,065
- Median household income: $138,526
- Median list price: $915,000
- Livability: 86
West Linn is just south of Portland. It’s a scenic, family-friendly community with top-rated schools, parks, and access to the Willamette River.
Edgeworth, PA
- Population: 1,582
- Median household income: $202,917
- Median list price: $806,250
- Livability: 77
The smallest city on the list, Edgeworth is about 15 miles from Pittsburgh. The community sits along the Ohio River, offering scenic views and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Charlestown, RI
- Population: 1,648
- Median household income: $113,281
- Median list price: $936,950
- Livability: 69
Charlestown is located along the Atlantic Coast. Residents love the tight-knit, small-town atmosphere, safe neighborhoods, and easy access to nearby Providence for shopping, dining, and cultural amenities.
Kiawah Island, SC
- Population: 2,196
- Median household income: $236,607
- Median list price: $3,259,750
- Livability: 63
Kiawah Island, situated roughly 25 miles southwest of downtown Charleston, has the largest proportion of residents aged 65 and older on the list, at 55%. It is surrounded by pristine beaches, salt marshes, and maritime forests, with breathtaking views and direct access to the Atlantic Ocean.
Summerset, SD
- Population: 2,978
- Median household income: $115,197
- Median list price: $431,250
- Livability: 70
Summerset residents have easy access to nearby Black Hills attractions, outdoor recreation, and the conveniences of Rapid City, 12 miles away.
Lookout Mountain, TN
- Population: 2,112
- Median household income: $195,063
- Median list price: $835,000
- Livability: 72
Lookout Mountain is a charming town southwest of Chattanooga. The elevation provides stunning overlooks of the Tennessee Valley.
Bellaire, TX
- Population: 17,116
- Median household income: $236,311
- Median list price: $1,290,750
- Livability: 81
Located about 10 miles from Houston, Bellaire features a mix of historic homes, modern builds, and upscale properties. It is part of highly regarded school districts, making it attractive to families with children.
Highland, UT
- Population: 19,625
- Median household income: $178,662
- Median list price: $987,375
- Livability: 76
Highland is just 30 miles outside Salt Lake City. Proximity to hiking, biking, and trails in the Wasatch Mountains encourages an active, nature-focused lifestyle in this family-friendly suburb.
Shelburne, VT
- Population: 6,292
- Median household income: $106,187
- Median list price: $717,425
- Livability: 76
Shelburne is located 7 miles south of Burlington. It has a picturesque, small-town vibe with scenic views of Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains.
Dunn Loring, VA
- Population: 8,782
- Median household income: $236,5gl63
- Median list price: $3,282,000
- Livability: 84
Living in Dunn Loring offers a convenient, family-friendly suburban setting with top-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, and easy access to Washington, DC, which is 13 miles away.
Medina, WA
- Population: 2,889
- Median household income: $249,688
- Median list price: $7,487,000
- Livability: 79
Located just across Lake Washington from Seattle, Medina tops this list in both median household income and median list price. Residents enjoy a luxurious waterfront lifestyle while remaining close to the city’s cultural, dining, and employment opportunities.
Bridgeport, WV
- Population: 9,292
- Median household income: $99,936
- Median list price: $321,750
- Livability: 82
Located 40 miles south of Morgantown, Bridgeport provides a family-friendly atmosphere with safe neighborhoods and a close-knit community. Nearby rivers provide plenty of outdoor activities for residents.
River Hills, WI
- Population: 1,639
- Median household income: $198,750
- Median list price: $949,999
- Livability: 71
River Hills is only 10 miles north of Milwaukee. This quiet suburb is known for its large residential lots, top-rated schools, and well-maintained parks.
Sleepy Hollow, WY
- Population: 1,812
- Median household income: $119,451
- Median list price: $399,800
- Livability: 72
Sleepy Hollow residents get easy access to Laramie for shopping, dining, and employment, along with nearby hiking, fishing, and snow sports in the surrounding mountains.
