What it costs to live in a US gated community with its own police force

Hidden in south Florida is an ultra-wealthy enclave that makes Bellevue Hill look like a bargain. 

A century ago, Golden Beach was a sleepy stretch of mangroves and sand dunes on the outskirts of Miami. 

Today it is one of the most prestigious gated communities in the world, with its own police force and marine patrol unit.

Just 364 family homes exist along the 1.6 kilometre stretch of canals and beaches. 

High rise apartments are banned within the town limits and all commercial activity is expressly forbidden. 

Over the years, wealthy American families like the Roosevelts and the Du Ponts have spent time at Golden Beach. 

More recently, the town has counted among its numbers tech billionaire Bill Gates, fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger, business magnate Carlos Slim and rapper French Montana.

Since the 1980s, there has been just one road leading in and out of Golden Beach. 

House prices in this gated community are now among the most expensive in Florida. 

The newest listing to hit the market is a six-bedroom, eight-bathroom new-build mansion with water views.

The architect-designed house was only completed this year and is asking $US35 million ($54 million). 

Other properties in the town have even more lavish asking prices. 

A six-bedroom oceanfront compound with the Atlantic on its doorstep is on the market for a staggering $US49 million ($76 million).

Meanwhile, a Mediterranean-style estate owned by real estate investor Shaya Prager is asking a vertigo-inducing $US68 million ($106 million). 

The property, which is the most expensive in Golden Beach, has been listed since 2023.