Sitting on top of a pricey hill

While California remains among the most expensive states for homeowners, Pitkin County, Colo., tops the list of U.S. counties with the highest average “active adult” home values, according to an analysis of 2000 census data by the National Assn. of Home Builders. The builders’ group defines an “active adult” as a homeowner between 55 and 74.

Pitkin County, known for Aspen and its ski resorts, ranked No. 1 in the nation, with an average home value of $946,036 for the 1,275 homes occupied by that age group.

Ten of the top 25 most expensive counties in the nation were in California, led by Marin County in fourth place and San Mateo County in fifth.