Medina is state’s priciest zip code, No. 46 nationally

The priciest ZIP code in the country boasts a median home price of more than $4.5 million, according to a new list by Forbes that tracked home prices of more than 20,000 ZIP codes nationwide to determine the most expensive areas.

Washington’s most expensive zip code, Medina’s 98039, was ranked No. 46 nationally with a median sales price of $1,988,000. Medina was followed by Mercer Island (98040, No. 209, $1,001,405); Seattle’s Washington Park-Denny Blaine (98112, No. 235, $957,079), and Bellevue’s Clyde Hill-Beaux Arts (98004, No. 247, $938,940)

Appraiser Jonathan Miller, chief executive of New York’s Miller Samuel, told Forbes that he’s seen an increase in listings that fall under the luxury bracket this year.

“It’s not that we’re seeing prices rise, it’s that we’re seeing more activity,” Miller told Forbes.

Compared to 2010 figures, the median home prices in 500 of the most expensive ZIP codes dropped slightly by 2 percent.

Here are the five priciest ZIP codes in the country, according to Forbes.

1. Alpine, N.J.: 07620

Median home price: $4,550,000

2. Atherton, Calif.: 94027

Median home price: $4,295,000

3. Sagaponack, N.Y.: 11962

Median home price: $3,595,000

4. Hillsborough, Calif.: 94010

Median home price: $3,499,000

5. Beverly Hills, Calif.: 90210

Median home price: $3,469,891