The Most Expensive U.S. ZIP Codes (2012 Edition)
Since late-2011, home values have climbed in many U.S. markets. The government's Home Price index puts the increase at +3.7% an annual basis and the National Association of REALTORS® shows home sale prices up 11% since last year. The price at which a home sells is determined by the economic force of supply-and-demand but location and amenities matter, too; establishing a baseline from which supply-and-demand can work. Using data compiled by real estate market data firm Altos Research, Forbes Magazine recently presented America's 10 most expensive ZIP codes for 2012. California and the New York Metro area dominate the list. New…