Well, then learning that the area just west of Soldier Field is now all very expensive high rises, with more being built, should shock you even more.
The Hamptons are on Long Island........way, way, waaaaaaaaay out at the end of Long Island and I most assuredly know the difference between an exurb of N.Y.C, and a place at the outer edge of London proper. LOL
Nassau is a COUNTY on Long Island ( the North Shore) and is another topic altogether; Westchester is upstate. :-)
Hampstead is pretty inner city no, albeit not has inner city as Chelsea and that other place, whose name escapes me. I thought you were referring to my post about Nassau, not London. LOL. Nassau will always have Manhasset.