Alpine, NJ 07620: Nation's Most Expensive Zip Code

When New Yorkers brainstorm of expensive areas in the Metropolitan region, the following answers are common: Upper East Side, Greenwich Village, Riverdale, Hamptons, Westchester County, etc. While all of those area do feature expensive real estate properties, the New Jersey borough of Alpine tops the list as the nation's most expensive zip code, according to Forbes in October 2011. Situated at the northernmost tip of Bergen County along the Hudson River, only about 10 miles north of George Washington Bridge, Alpine maintains a much quiet feel with its community of 2,500. Topping the extremity in Alpine is the Frick Mansion. Listed at $53 million, it features over 30,000 square feet of space in its gated privacy.

What exactly is Alpine like? "This is the kind of place where people come not to be known," according to a local real estate agent. Little commerce exists; in fact, there is not even a high school or mail delivery, which helps to lower the tax rates. Wealthy individuals have chosen Alpine for its privacy. Notable residents include Chris Rock, P Diddy, and CC Sabathia. In such a high-privilege environment, there is a high demand for services like landscape. Mowing one's own garden is "almost unheard of."

Yet to an outsider traveling through the city, Alpine seems fairly typical. On Closter Dock Road, near the intersection with Route 9W, a typical gas station ran by working-class men operates quietly. The most consistent noise comes from the Palisades Parkway that runs along the Hudson River, connecting Alpine to the GW Bridge. On sunny days, cyclists ride along the popular Route 9W. At the borough intersection, a plain "Entering Boro of Alpine" sign welcomes motorists and cyclists.

Despite the wealth, the market isn't booming in Alpine. The Frick Mansion used to have an asking price of $68 million. Overall, prices dropped 23% in 2010. "For Sale" signs are seen across town. Nevertheless, 07620 has consistently ranked among the nation's most expensive zip codes, cherished for its duality of quietude yet proximity to New York City.

Sources:

• http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/sep/11/alpine-most-expensive-place-america
• http://www.businessinsider.com/alpine-new-jersey-richest-zip-code-photos-mansions-2011-10
• http://www.businessinsider.com/frick-mansion-new-jersey-photos-2011-7
• http://www.forbes.com/sites/morganbrennan/2011/10/12/americas-most-expensive-zip-codes/