So you’re thinking about retirement—finally ditching the 9-to-5 grind, drinking your morning coffee slowly, and maybe finding a cozy little place to live out the dream. But heads up: some zip codes are so ridiculously overpriced right now, they’ll have your retirement fund screaming for help. These aren’t just places with fancy names—they’re spots where the cost of living has outpaced reality, and retirees are shelling out champagne money for sparkling water vibes.
Sure, they might look dreamy on Instagram, but behind those beachfront sunsets and golf cart selfies are property taxes, HOA fees, and housing prices that could fund a private island somewhere else. If you’re planning to stretch your savings—not snap them in half—you’ll want to think twice before moving to one of these zip codes. Here are the first five that might make you say, “Yeah… maybe not.”
1. 90210 – Beverly Hills, California
Cue the theme music and the nostalgia, but 90210 is not where your retirement money wants to go. Sure, it’s iconic. But the average home price is now over $5 million, and that’s before you factor in property taxes, luxury pricing on groceries, and that ever-present pressure to keep up with the neighbors. According to Best Places, Beverly Hills remains one of the priciest zip codes in the entire country—even during market dips.
Living here might get you a front-row seat to Hollywood history, but it’ll also get you a front-row seat to your bank account disappearing. Want to grab lunch? That’ll be $32 for a salad and a side of attitude. The vibe is glamorous, yes—but it’s better suited for A-listers than retirees on a budget.
Unless you’re retiring off a trust fund or secretly invented Post-it Notes, 90210 might be better as a vacation—not a forever home.
2. 33139 – South Beach, Miami, Florida
South Beach might look like paradise, but if you’re retiring on a fixed income, this zip code is serving more stress than serenity. With median home prices topping $1.5 million and a cost of living that seems to float somewhere in the stratosphere, this glittery beach town is officially out of touch for most retirees. The nightlife? Still bumping. The rent? Borderline offensive.
A recent AOL report noted that Miami’s home prices are among the fastest-rising in the nation, with 33139 leading the charge. That means even modest condos now come with six-figure down payments and maintenance fees that could rival your Social Security check.
It’s gorgeous, yes—but you’re paying premium prices for palm trees, tourists, and parking battles. South Beach is a great place to visit. But retire here, and you’ll be trading your golden years for overpriced groceries and non-stop FOMO.
3. 10007 – Tribeca, New York City, New York
Tribeca has been quietly flexing its status as one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Manhattan, and the 10007 zip code is basically Wall Street’s artsy cousin. If you’re thinking city living in retirement sounds exciting, Tribeca will make sure it also sounds expensive.
According to Bloomberg, 10007 now boasts some of the highest per-square-foot real estate in NYC, rivaling even Fifth Avenue. Want a two-bedroom? That’ll be $3.2 million, thanks. Even rentals in the area regularly clock in above $7,000 a month. And don’t even get us started on co-op board interviews.
You’re also paying top dollar for everything from dry cleaning to dog grooming. Yes, it’s chic. But unless you’re cashing hedge fund checks, there are better zip codes for retirees who’d like their money to last longer than a New York minute.
4. 92660 – Newport Beach, California
Ah, Newport Beach—the land of yacht clubs, endless tans, and homes that look like Pinterest boards come to life. But at what cost? A lot, actually. In 92660, the average home price is now well above $3 million, and the property taxes aren’t exactly shy either. Even a one-bedroom condo here can cost more than a suburban mansion in the Midwest.
Realtor.com recently flagged Newport Beach as one of the most overpriced housing markets in California, driven by demand, limited inventory, and pure Orange County vibes. It’s sunny, sure—but that sunshine comes with high HOA fees and even higher expectations.
If you want to feel like the poorest person at the farmers’ market, this is the place. Great for surfing. Not so great for stretching a retirement check.
5. 02199 – Back Bay, Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is rich in history, charm, and walkable neighborhoods—but if you’re retiring to zip code 02199, you’d better bring a rich retirement account, too. Back Bay is beautiful, no doubt. But it’s also one of the most elite (and overpriced) zip codes on the East Coast, with condos routinely topping $2 million.
Patch.com ranks Boston high for livability but low for affordability—especially in areas like 02199. Between real estate prices, heating costs, and local taxes, living here can drain your nest egg faster than you can say “Fenway Park.”
It’s got the cobblestone streets and fancy boutiques, but also a cost of living that could make a Wall Street exec blink. Unless you’re rolling in pension money or selling your tech startup, Back Bay might be better admired from afar—or just during a weekend visit.
6. 81611 – Aspen, Colorado
Aspen’s got snow-capped glam and après-ski vibes, but unless you’re skiing down from your tech IPO, this zip code is a retirement budget crusher. The homes are stunning, the views are next-level, and the price tags are straight out of a billionaire’s dream journal. Even a modest condo here costs more than a four-bedroom house almost anywhere else.
Every coffee feels artisanal, every burger comes with truffle aioli, and the grocery stores stock champagne like it’s Gatorade. Property taxes are high, and utility costs spike in the winter—so even the basics burn a hole in your wallet. Aspen is a great place to visit, sure. But actually living there? That’s luxury athlete territory.
Retiring here without a serious bankroll is like hiking without oxygen—technically possible, but why suffer?
7. 96815 – Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii
Retiring in paradise sounds dreamy—until you see the price tag. Honolulu’s Waikiki zip code is the tourist zone, and that energy is priced into everything. Housing is sky-high, groceries are imported (and expensive), and electricity bills are on another level thanks to island infrastructure.
It’s warm, it’s beautiful, and it’s full of charm—but that charm comes with HOA fees, sky-high rent, and premium costs for basic goods. Unless you’re living the ultra-minimalist beach life, you’ll be watching your savings drain faster than a piña colada in July. And good luck finding budget healthcare within walking distance.
Waikiki may be the postcard version of retirement—but your wallet might prefer the lesser-known parts of the island.
8. 94123 – Marina District, San Francisco, California
San Francisco is no stranger to sticker shock, and the Marina District might be the crown jewel of it. Living here means boutique everything, from your coffee shop to your vet. Real estate prices are some of the highest in the city, and even renting a one-bedroom feels like subscribing to a yacht club you’re not invited to.
It’s walkable, trendy, and full of well-dressed dogs—but for retirees, the cost of living is nearly unmanageable. Groceries, gas, healthcare—it’s all inflated. There’s a vibe here, no doubt. But it comes with a price tag that’ll make your pension side-eye you.
Unless you really love fog and $18 sandwiches, there are easier places to enjoy your golden years.
9. 33160 – Sunny Isles Beach, Florida
Sunny Isles is often marketed as the “Florida Riviera,” which should tell you everything about the cost of living here. Towering beachfront condos, luxury cars, and designer shops make this zip code feel more Monaco than Miami. Housing is the big kicker—new builds and high-rises dominate, and none of them are cheap.
HOA fees can rival mortgage payments, and that ocean view comes with insurance costs that’ll knock the wind out of you. Even parking can be a premium. While it’s undeniably gorgeous, the area caters to high-end vacationers and wealthy snowbirds, not retirees looking to budget responsibly.
Living here might feel like a luxury cruise—but financially, it’s like trying to sail with a hole in the hull.
10. 20007 – Georgetown, Washington, D.C.
Georgetown is dripping with history, cobblestone charm, and boutique everything—but it’s also got Capitol Hill prices. Retiring here means sharing sidewalks with diplomats and dealing with price points that reflect its political pedigree. The average home price is steep, and even renting can feel elite.
Healthcare access is great, but the costs? Also elite. Everything from parking to dining out is higher than average, and don’t expect deals just because you’re a local. Want a quiet life? The constant bustle of tourism and campus life might wear you down.
Georgetown might be a great chapter in your travel journal—but it’s a tough sell for long-term retirement living.
11. 10021 – Upper East Side, New York, New York
Ah yes, the Upper East Side—where designer bags outnumber dogs, and the buildings look like they came straight from Gossip Girl. While the area is iconic, refined, and jam-packed with culture, it’s also wildly overpriced. Apartments go for millions, and that’s just the entry level.
Groceries, services, and dining are priced for residents who casually summer in the Hamptons. Even with excellent public transit, daily living costs are steep. Want to grab a bagel and coffee? That’ll be $14 and a tip. The neighborhood is gorgeous and safe, sure.
But unless you’ve got Upper East Side-level savings, you’ll be spending more time in spreadsheets than museums.
12. 60611 – Streeterville, Chicago, Illinois
Streeterville has the glam—Lake Michigan views, Navy Pier proximity, high-rise luxury condos—but it comes with an expense report your accountant would side-eye. Housing here is swanky and central, but prices are disproportionately high for the Midwest. Parking? Wildly expensive.
HOA fees in buildings with amenities like pools and doormen can add hundreds per month. You’ll also face premium pricing on groceries, dining, and even dog grooming. If you’re drawn to the vibe, you’ll pay for it—big time.
Chicago has plenty of more affordable neighborhoods. Streeterville just isn’t one of them.
13. 85253 – Paradise Valley, Arizona
With a name like Paradise Valley, you’d expect luxury—and you’ll get it. You’ll also get a luxury price tag to match. Nestled between Scottsdale and Phoenix, this zip code is packed with sprawling estates, manicured lawns, and homes that regularly sell for $4 million or more.
It’s beautiful, yes. But not remotely budget-friendly. Even “starter homes” come with taxes and upkeep that rival some East Coast cities. Utilities spike in summer, and insurance isn’t cheap in a place known for flash floods and intense heat.
It’s retirement paradise—if your portfolio looks like a billionaire’s.
14. 11962 – Sagaponack, New York
Let’s finish big: Sagaponack, NY. This tiny Hamptons hamlet is one of the most expensive zip codes in the U.S., period. Think horse farms, celebrity neighbors, and summer homes that cost more than most people make in 20 years.
A retirement home here isn’t just expensive—it’s obscene. Even the modest homes run in the multi-millions, and year-round living means off-season loneliness with on-season chaos. Every cost—from trash pickup to dinner—carries that “Hamptons premium.”
If you want status, it’s got it. If you want sanity in your retirement budget? Run.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Consult a financial professional before making investment or other financial decisions. The author and publisher make no warranties of any kind.
