This Florida Area Is The Next Palm Beach For Expensive Luxury Homes

Palm Beach just may have a new rival when it comes to being home to some of Florida's most luxurious properties. The state has long been known for having some of the priciest homes in the country, but lately, all the focus has been on one particularly exclusive town. Manalapan, a small enclave just south of Palm Beach, is quickly becoming one of the nation's most exclusive zip codes. In recent years, Manalaplan has gained interest from billionaires and celebrity buyers, including examples like Yanni and Larry Ellison. 

Since 2022, it's been reported that the Oracle founder has invested an estimated $450 million in Manalapan properties alone. Ellison's major investments have really put Manalapan on the map as a serious player in the luxury real estate market. His high-profile purchases, like his oceanfront hotel and massive 16-acre estate, have helped draw interest from other wealthy investors and have them looking into this once under-the-radar town.

Manalapan isn't only set apart by its expensive price tag, but the lifestyle the ultra-wealthy can live as a resident there. The small town only covers about 1/2 square mile and has less than 500 residences. Many of these homes are oceanfront properties, and the town itself has little to no commercial development. This is usually a big selling point for the ultra-rich, as they often prefer privacy over anything. If there's little commercial development, there will be little to worry about as it'll be highly unlikely the place becomes ridden with visitors. 

Not only is Manalapan gaining the interest of seriously high-profile buyers, but it's also now home to the most expensive listing in all of America. In early 2025, a 50,000 square-feet oceanfront mansion listing hit the market with a hefty price tag of $285 million. Architect Paul Fischman of Choeff Levy Fischman told Vero News, "This is the largest and most expensive residence we have designed," and, despite its price tag, the listing has already generated some interest.

The fact that there are parties interested in a $285 million property is notable when you consider that luxury property sales experienced a steep decline post-pandemic in 2022. Since then, the market for ultra-luxury properties has made a strong comeback. In fact, it was reported that sales of properties priced at $10 million or more jumped 350% in 2024 compared to the previous year.

Though the property has not yet been built and only a design rendering currently exists, the vision is jaw-droppingly gorgeous. The renderings are detailed enough to show just how extravagant the property will be. It seems like one of those incredible mansions you have to see to believe. Spanning four acres and boasts features like a car museum, boathouse, a lavish guesthouse, and even a bowling alley, it's obvious the property has been designed with a client seeking unmatched privacy and grandeur.

Manalapan can attract all the buzz it wants, but the reality is, this little town is really only for the ultra-wealthy. Whether these ultra-wealthy buyers call it home or an addition to their real estate portfolio, Manalapan is the epitome of building for exclusivity. With the median price of a home sitting at a staggering $49.1 million and only one to two home sales per month on average, this place is all about scarcity, prestige, and privacy. Many city dwellers seem to see the town as an ideal retreat for summers where they want to relax, while still having access to the nearby Palm Beach. This explains why most buyers with interest in Manalapan are from high-cost, fast-paced cities like New York City and San Francisco.

Residents of Manalapan, like entrepreneur Anthony Marlowe, rave about the oceanfront views most properties have. Marlowe told Forbes, "The Atlantic Ocean views feel almost dream-like. The neighbors are some of the most prominent Americans." He also emphasized the close proximity to Palm Beach, but the major draw of having privacy. For those with a limitless budget that enjoy quieter atmospheres, little to no traffic congestion, and privacy, the small town may just be the perfect alternative to the now-bustling Palm Beach.