You might think that Beverly HIlls' 90210 would be the U.S.'s most expensive zip code. A zip code in New York City? Wrong again. Forbes says that the most expensive zip code for 2009 is 07620, Alpine, New Jersey. The posh burb full of huge houses has a median home price of $4,139,041. The town has been home to Britney Spears, Sean Combs, Russell Simmons and Eddie Murphy, The most expensive property on the market in the zip code is the manor house at the former Frick Estate. The 27-acre property is listed at $59 million.

The real estate market in Aspen, CO has recovered somewhat and its priciest zip code is now the most expensive neighborhood in the U.S., according to a new ranking by Forbes. Back in February we reported on the dire straits of Aspen real estate, when Sotheby's International Realty shuttered its Aspen office in the wake of plummeting sales. Now Aspen's south end 81611 zip code, home to ultra-luxe ski lodges, is top of the field with an impressive $6.5 million median home sale price, the magazine reports. However the seasonal nature of the Aspen market gives it a yearly boost which might well mean its triumph is temporary; and indeed the big picture is still pretty glum. "In 2007, the market in our valley was $2 billion in sales," top Aspen broker Steve Walker tells Forbes, "this year it'll be between $500 million and $1 billion. In volume and dollars, it's been a 50% drop."

We predict that Beverly Hills, which is currently in 3rd place, will quickly eclipse Aspen especially since a mansion was just sold there for $31.5 million, the most expensive property sold in California so far this year, while a second recently changed hands for $22 million. The former, a 27,000-sq.-ft. Norman-style estate on 2 acres with 10 bedrooms, 14 baths and seven fireplaces, had originally been listed at $45 million and was on the market for almost nine months. Aspen's neighboring Snowmass Village has also experienced a resurgence. Other neighborhoods that have clocked recent gains include the Hollywood Hills and Chappaqua, NY, while the second most expensive zip belongs to Alpine, NJ, a luxurious New York suburb home to Wall Street execs and rap moguls like Sean Combs and Damon Dash.

Want to live in the country's priciest zip? There are several choice Aspen properties available including this $60 million estate, this $58 million spread and this cozy $43.8 million ski lodge. Here's the new list of the top five most expensive zip codes in the U.S. as determined by median prices (which are quite high overall right now at the top end):

1. Aspen, CO, 81611: $6.5 million
2. Alpine, NJ, 07620: $4.7 million
3. Beverly Hills, CA, 90210: $4.04 million
4. Snowmass Village, CO, 81654: $3.99 million
5. Newport, CA, 92661: $3.9 million

As we mentioned during our most expensive zip code series, Alpine, New Jersey is one of the priciest places around with a median price of $2,420,000 and several properties in the $40+ million range.

Today's home isn't that quite that high up but it is a hugely extravagant new build, a seven-bedroom home on two acres. The home is styled like a nouveau castle complete with a graduated slate roof. Details include an elevator, integrated audio, lighting and security systems, and ten foot ceilings on all three floors. The grounds also include a pool and spa. You can't get much newer than this one and the construction shots do indicated a rather grand home. Still, in a market like this is there still room for a new $15.975 million home?

For more prime properties and lush locations, see Luxury Homes and Mansions.

For the next couple of weeks we will be checking out some homes in the most expensive zip codes in the United States, up today, 07620. This zip code in Alpine, New Jersey has a median price of $2,420,000 and an appreciation rate of 318% since 1990. Alpine is consistently on lists of the best places to live in New Jersey. Famous residents of Alpine have included Damon Dash, Patrick Ewing, Jay-Z, Lil Kim, Chris Rock and Sean "Diddy" Combs. Here at Luxist we've covered this area multiple times for houses ranging up to $40 million. Right now the MLS for this zip code reveals a listing for $59 million and one for $40 million, both without pictures unfortunately.

Today's home is in the desirable Rio Vista neighborhood. This brick home sits high on a hill and has over 19,000 square feet of space including seven bedrooms. The style is over-the-top lavish and has everything you could possibly need including two lane bowling alley, movie theatre, squash court billiards room. a swimming pool with full service cabana, five car garage and lift for sixth car. With all the marble and chandeliers it's basically Tony Soprano's dream home. This home is listed at $17 million.

When they call this listing in Alpine, New Jersey palace-like they aren't kidding. The six-bedroom home is awash in lavish details and is a world away stylewise from a similarly priced home we recently saw in the area. Heavy on the marble, elaborate wood moldings, gold leaf and heavy chandeliers, this home is new and built for entertaining on a truly grand scale with monumental public rooms. The home also includes a library and media room and the two-acre property includes an inground pool and a three-car garage. It is listed at $13.5 million. After the jump, a formal dining room fit for a king.

Once again, we are back in fabulous Alpine, New Jersey where the homes tend to run to the astounding on a regular basis. This two-story contemporary is on a hill with view of the valley. The 13,000-square-foot home is blindingly contemporary. The five-bedroom home is pretty much the opposite of cozy and perhaps not so much fun on a cold winter morning but the design is absolutely stunning. The home is full of high ceilings, squared off spaces and details such skylights that serve to create interesting lighting details. It is listed at $9 million. After the jump, the delight in white.