For years, Elon Musk had his eyes set on creating a massive, private real estate complex in Los Angeles. To kick off this ambitious plan, he acquired a luxurious mansion in one of the city’s most prestigious neighborhoods. But just how spectacular was this home that the tech mogul once called his own? Let’s take a closer look.
The Mansion That Was Once Musk’s Retreat
In 2012, Musk fell in love with a stunning property in the exclusive Bel-Air neighborhood of Los Angeles. The price tag for this sprawling estate? A cool $17 million—a mere drop in the bucket for someone worth over $350 billion at the time. This mansion became the epicenter of Musk’s vision for a private, high-security compound right in the heart of Los Angeles.
The home was nothing short of extraordinary. Spanning more than 1,500 square meters, it boasted six bedrooms, eleven bathrooms, a two-story library, a fitness center, a wine cellar, a pool, and a tennis court. To top it all off, there was a garage capable of housing five cars, perfect for someone with Musk’s impressive collection of vehicles.
A Changing Vision: From Luxury Home to Real Estate Empire
For several years, Musk enjoyed life in this mansion, complete with its luxury amenities and serene atmosphere. But, as with many things in Musk’s world, his plans shifted. His vision soon expanded, and over time, he acquired several other properties in the Bel-Air area. In fact, he almost owned an entire block, creating an empire of homes right in one of LA’s most elite neighborhoods.
However, despite the vast fortune he’d poured into his real estate ventures, Musk decided to change course. In 2020, he made headlines by selling off most of his real estate holdings in a major move dubbed his “real estate cleanse.” At the time, he said, “I’m selling almost all my material possessions. I won’t own any houses.” As part of this drastic shift, he sold seven properties in California, valued at more than $100 million.
Musk’s Surprising Move: A Modest Life in Texas
It wasn’t just his homes that Musk was eager to part with. The decision to leave California itself marked a new chapter in Musk’s life. He relocated to Texas, where SpaceX‘s headquarters is now based, and has made a home in a modest $50,000 house near Boca Chica, close to the Starbase facility. This move, though seemingly unexpected, fits with Musk’s public persona of minimalism in many aspects of his life.
“I live in a $50,000 house in Boca Chica/Starbase, which I rent from SpaceX,” Musk shared in a candid moment. The property, located in a quiet neighborhood near the coast, has become Musk’s official residence. It stands in stark contrast to his former life of luxury in Los Angeles.
Before Musk began his work with Starbase in 2014, Boca Chica was a peaceful coastal town, mainly known for its quiet charm and primarily home to retirees. Now, it serves as the backdrop for some of the most ambitious space missions of our time.
A Modest Home, But a Global Vision
From a $17 million mansion in Bel-Air to a modest rental in Texas, Musk’s journey through real estate reflects his unique approach to life and business. Whether he’s inhabiting luxurious properties or choosing a simple home near his work, Musk’s focus remains on the big picture—space exploration, innovative technology, and reshaping the future of humanity.
As Musk continues his work with SpaceX, his modest lifestyle in Texas seems to perfectly align with his drive for innovation, with every move reflecting a deeper commitment to his long-term vision. The contrast between his former LA mansion and current Texas home is more than just a change in residence; it’s a reflection of Musk’s evolution as an entrepreneur and a person.
From the streets of Bel-Air to the quiet roads of Boca Chica, Musk’s real estate journey is a fascinating tale of reinvention, minimalism, and vision on a truly grand scale.
