Most Expensive Neighbourhoods in the World

Looking for some high-profile neighbours? Check out these most expensive places to buy a home.

It’s the address of the privileged few, the poshest places where the rich and famous live in style. These exclusive neighbourhoods boast the most expensive mansions, villas, apartments, and condominiums. With elite circles for neighbours – ranging from Hollywood celebrities to billionaires and even royalty – these localities see record-breaking real estate deals. Amplified with high-fashion luxury brand stores, opulent hotels, and the most eminent restaurants, these residential areas are the beacons of the most sought-after luxurious lifestyles.

From New York’s ritzy Fifth Avenue to the delicate Swiss countryside, and the dazzling high-rises of Singapore and Hong Kong, here are the most expensive neighborhoods in the world.

Famed since the early 20th century as “Millionaire’s Row” for its high number of mansions, Fifth Avenue in New York is one of the costliest addresses in the world. Stretching from Washington Square Park to West 143rd Street in Harlem, it also has one of the world’s most expensive shopping streets. The street hosts some of the city’s biggest parades, like the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Easter Parade, and New York Gay Pride Parade. Fifth Avenue is home to some of the world’s most desired penthouses. Celebrities who have lived here include actresses Sophia Loren and Jessica Lange, and musician Keith Richards. One of the most extravagant homes here is the $80 million 1009 Fifth Avenue Mansion.

A high-profile street in the West End of London, Mayfair is one of the fanciest residential locations in the world. The affluent location overflows with high-end residential properties, gilded shops, fine dining restaurants, luxury hotels, and Grosvenor Square - London’s second-largest garden square. The most expensive home sale in Mayfair is the £183 million Aberconway House, bought by Indian billionaire Adar Poonawalla.

With a typical price of €120,000 per square meter, Avenue Montaigne in Paris is one of the world’s priciest streets. It is the prime location for the biggest high-fashion brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Chanel. It also has some of the city’s most important and historical buildings, such as the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Hotel Plaza Athénée, and L’Avenue restaurant. It is also a hub of upscale hotels like the Bulgari Hotel Paris and Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris.

With captivating views of the Swiss Alps and Lake Geneva, it’s hardly a surprise that Chemin de Ruth is one of the most valuable areas across the globe. Offering a country-like ambiance, it is populated by celebrities, bankers, diplomats, and heirs and heiresses. Ordinarily, prices can surpass 30,000 Swiss francs per square meter. Heirs of Chanel and Peugeot, and the late banker Benjamin de Rothschild are some of the high-profile names that own residences here..

Once ranked as the most expensive street in the world, Avenue Princess Grace – named after Princess Grace Kelly – is a lovely 1.6 km waterfront path. Regular prices of apartments around the area cost about €10.2 million. The avenue runs along the entire length of Larvotto Bay, offering enchanting views. Access to the beach, plenty of posh bars and restaurants, and dainty boutique shops make this an aspirational choice for real estate.

A hotbed for billionaires from around the world, this exclusive hidden gem among Italy’s Mediterranean islands is one of the most sought-after residential locales. Fetching a general rate of €30,000 per square meter, the place first came into the limelight when Italian industrialist Carlo de Benedetti sold his seafront villa for €110 million. Noteworthy dwellers on the street include former Saudi Arabian politician Ahmed Zaki Yamani and members of the Qatari royal family.

A historical street steeped in time, which was once a thriving trade route going directly to Kyiv; Ostozhenka Street is now the home of many business tycoons, state officials, and celebrities. Known as 'Moscow’s Golden Mile,' the starting price of apartments begins at around US$800,000, going up to US$7 million. Overlooking the Moscow River, it neighbors the Kremlin and several national embassies. The area is studded with numerous high-end Russian, Georgian, and Japanese restaurants, prestigious schools, and art galleries.

Once ranked the fifth most expensive street in the world, Paterson Hill in Singapore is dotted with premium condominiums and uber-luxurious apartments. The street rose to global fame when a unit of The Marq – the world’s first apartment fully decorated by Hermès – was sold for $29.5 million. The address’s exclusivity is further heightened by the street’s length, which is about half a kilometer, making it highly favored among the elite.

Located in one of Hong Kong’s most extravagant residential areas, Pollock’s Path harbors single houses in contemporary designs, offering fascinating views of the harbor. Despite being in the middle of the city, the neighborhood is bathed in lush greenery, providing a lavish sanctuary amid the urban chaos. Pollock’s Path has had its share of record-breaking housing deals, with some being sold for HK$800 million

Port Royal has been one of the most valuable big-ticket communities in Florida for over 80 years. Located on the Gulf Coast, it is in demand for its ample sunshine and refreshing waters. The neighborhood’s individuality is escalated by the fact that it has only just above 500 communities, making it an exclusive and superior address. Well-known American personalities such as Bob Seger, Larry Bird, and Robin Cook have made their home here. The most expensive house to sell in the area is a sprawling estate for $46.8 million.

Nestled between Nice and Monaco on the French Riviera, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat was once the world’s second most expensive residential location. Blessed with a pleasant climate year-round and picture-perfect beaches, it is the favored haunt of celebs and the affluent for holidays and owning residential properties. The prominent residents have included the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, actor David Niven, and French poet Jean Cocteau. The most high-priced property in the area is the €350 million Villa Les Cèdres, which also holds the world record for the highest price per square meter.

An exclusive resort town curled up between Cannes and Nice on the French Riviera, Cap d'Antibes serves as a premium abode for wealthy retirees, bankers, oligarchs, and Middle Eastern royalty. The luxury yacht-lined coast, posh villas, swanky resorts, buzzing nightlife, and the notable Jazz à Juan music festival form the main attractions, making it one of the world's costliest locations. The most expensive villa to go on sale has been recorded at €165 million.