High-Priced Hideaway

New York City's swanky West Village. Malibu's gated communities. San Francisco's Victorian houses on a hill. All top contenders for the title of priciest zip code. But the real winner is one that most have never even heard of -- and that's the way residents there like it.

According to Forbes Magazine, the suburban town of Alpine, New Jersey tops the list of America's most expensive neighborhoods. How could this tucked-away town beat out a place like New York City just 20 miles away and where renting out a re-purposed coat closet could run you close to $1,000?

The Guardian UK reports that it's the town's residents that are driving up real estate prices. Alpine counts among its neighbors names like hip hop mogul Sean "P Diddy" Combs, comedian Chris Rock and singer Mary J. Blige.

You'd have to be that rich to gain entry into the gates of this community of 2,480. The average price of a home here is $4.14 million. And what do you get for that whopping price tag? Forget luxury shopping -- there's no Fifth Avenue here. The beach is miles away. And the best view you'll likely get is the thick hedge around your neighbor's house. But that's precisely what people are paying for: the privacy.

If you've got the cash, it might be a great place to get away. But don't even think about bringing your budget potato salad to the neighborhood block party.

Photo courtesy dougtone via Flickr.