Move over Atherton, California — Florida has officially claimed the title of the priciest zip code in the United States.
The ultra-exclusive Fisher Island, just south of Miami Beach, now tops the list with homes fetching a median sale price of $9.5 million, according to PropertyShark.
For nearly a decade, Atherton held the crown, but Fisher Island has now surpassed it by over a million dollars.
From Untamed Wilderness to Luxurious Retreat
It’s hard to imagine today, but Fisher Island wasn’t always the glamorous enclave it is now. Just over a century ago, it was part of Miami Beach.
In 1905, a canal was cut to allow ships easier access to the port, transforming the area into an island.
Originally a 21-acre tract of trees, it was expanded to 216 acres with dredged sand, setting the stage for the luxury development we see today.
Mansions, Penthouses, and Million-Dollar Views
Fisher Island is now a playground for the ultra-wealthy, dotted with glittering condos, spectacular mansions, and a deep-sea marina capable of hosting 250-foot yachts.
The crown jewel of the island’s real estate is the Palazzo Della Luna penthouse — nearly 10,000 sq ft, eight bedrooms, five bathrooms, multiple pools, two wet bars, an outdoor kitchen, and panoramic Miami skyline views, all priced at $85 million.
According to realtors, properties like this, complete with spacious layouts and five-star amenities, are more the norm than the exception on Fisher Island, putting it in a league of its own even among luxury markets in Los Angeles, Malibu, and Honolulu.
Privacy Like No Other
What really sets Fisher Island apart is its isolation — there’s no bridge connecting it to the mainland.
The island can only be accessed by yacht, helicopter, or a 24/7 ferry that runs every ten minutes.
Residents can drive their cars onto the ferry or park and take a golf cart to the terminal, a quirky but charming feature that makes the island feel like a self-contained paradise.
Longtime resident and real estate broker Karla Abaunza, who has lived on the island since 2001, described the lifestyle: “Every unit comes with a golf cart, which makes it really cute and different.
Honestly, I don’t even leave the island unless I have a doctor’s appointment.”
A Celebrity-Studded History
Fisher Island has always attracted the rich and famous. Oprah Winfrey, Julia Roberts, Mel Brooks, and Boris Becker have all owned homes here, while Robert De Niro was once spotted shopping at the island’s grocery store as a hotel guest.
Despite the star-studded history, current residents prefer discreet luxury over paparazzi attention, according to realtors.
Life Beyond the Homes
The island isn’t just about owning a spectacular property — it’s a full-on lifestyle.
Residents enjoy a private mile-long beach, a nine-hole golf course, a 22,000 sq ft spa, 18 tennis courts, and seven restaurants that deliver to your door.
The Vanderbilt mansion, once a winter getaway for the iconic family, now serves as the main clubhouse, boasting a ballroom, snooker club, adult-only lounge, and even a fitness center in the converted hangar.
However, these privileges come at a cost. Residents must pay an equity membership fee — currently $500,000 — plus annual dues around $40,000, all of which support the exclusive country club and its events, the hub of social life on the island.
A Growing Demand for the Fisher Island Lifestyle
The island appeals not just to celebrities, but to highly successful entrepreneurs and families, especially from the Northeast.
Many are drawn by a private school offering pre-K through eighth grade, making it an ideal full-time home rather than just a seasonal retreat.
Two major construction projects are in the pipeline, signaling growing demand.
One is a community of private villas, with prices up to $56 million, and the other is a massive condo complex called Six Fisher Island, opening in November 2026, with units starting at $15 million.
Buying More Than a Home
As Abaunza puts it, “When you buy on Fisher Island, other than buying a beautiful property, you’re buying a lifestyle.”
A lifestyle that feels like being on vacation all year round, complete with privacy, luxury, and exclusivity that few places in the world can match.