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Atherton, a city in California, USA, is considered the richest district in the world. Simple plots here cost crores, and houses are worth billions. Every resident has billions in their bank accounts. The average household income in this luxurious city is the highest globally, and many Indians live here, including Sundar Pichai. The average household income ranges from $250,000 (Rs 39 crore) to $525,000 (Rs 46 crore) per year, far exceeding the US national average. Silicon Valley tycoons like Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook (Meta), Eric Schmidt of Google, and former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, along with many venture capitalists and celebrities, reside here. Real estate prices in Atherton are exorbitant, with simple plots costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, and most homes ranging from $10 million to $100 million or even more. Due to limited land and the city’s special status, property values are sky-high. This Luxury City Sits Right Next To Silicon Valley Atherton is adjacent to Silicon Valley, contributing to its immense wealth. It is minutes away from the headquarters of the world’s largest tech companies and venture capital firms. Overall, it is a haven for successful and wealthy individuals with enormous fortunes. Beautiful And Calm Atherton is renowned for its private, peaceful, and lush surroundings. The streets are wide, and properties are often shielded by tall walls, fences, and dense trees, ensuring high-profile residents’ privacy from the media and public. Residents Here Own Expansive Estates Residents own large estates, not just homes, typically featuring swimming pools, tennis courts, guest houses, and expansive lawns. The city has its own dedicated and efficient police force, with low crime rates, providing a sense of security to wealthy families. Atherton boasts some of America’s most expensive schools and top public services. A Place That Symbolises Prosperity The lifestyle here is not just exclusive but also luxurious. It is not merely a high-income city but a symbol of wealth, where the world’s richest and most influential people reside. Only about 7,000 people live in Atherton, mostly prominent figures. Many successful Indians and individuals of Indian origin, including entrepreneurs, tech executives, and investors, live here. Home To Several Successful Indians Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, owns a significant estate here. Shantanu Narayen, President and CEO of Adobe, is also a resident. Indian-American entrepreneur George Zacharia, founder and CEO of Zscaler Cloud Security Company, owns a large estate here. Ashok Krishnamurthy, Vice President of Bank of America and a major investor, also lives here and is the father-in-law of Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani. Vijay Punyraj, co-founder of Basic Fit and an active angel investor, also has a home in Atherton. Many successful Indians from Silicon Valley reside here. What Was This City’s Original Name? Atherton is globally famous for its extraordinary wealth, privacy, and stunning real estate, often considered America’s richest zip code (94304). Its original name was ‘Fair Oaks,’ renamed after Faxon Dean Atherton, a successful businessman and major landowner in the area during the 1860s. His son, George Atherton, played a pivotal role in the city’s development. Which City Ranks Second? The second richest city in the world is Scarsdale in New York, where the average income is $250,000 (about Rs 39 million), and homes and properties are also worth billions. Many believe Monaco is the most luxurious city globally. While Monaco isn’t at the very top, it is still among the richest cities, long attracting the world’s wealthy. The average household income there is about $240,000, and it is considered a tax haven for billionaires. Britain’s Mayfair and Hong Kong’s The Peak are also among the wealthiest locations. In the 1990s, Atherton banned public transport from entering the city to reduce traffic and noise, a controversial decision. The city has strict building regulations, including restrictions on tree cutting and property sizes, preserving its natural character and privacy.
