Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has a penchant for capturing public attention with his unconventional and often provocative lifestyle choices. One of the most notable aspects of his personal life has been his approach to homeownership.
In May 2020, Musk made a bold announcement on Twitter (now known as X), declaring his intent to sell almost all his physical possessions, including his homes. He tweeted, “I am selling almost all physical possessions. Will own no house,” which was part of a broader commitment to a minimalist, nomadic lifestyle. This announcement was surprising and aligned with Musk’s often-contrarian public persona. He even mentioned that his then-girlfriend, the musician Grimes, was unhappy with this decision, tweeting, “My gf is mad at me.”
This vow to eschew traditional homeownership was consistent with Musk’s public image as a maverick willing to defy social norms. For years, he has been known to stay in modest accommodations, including a prefabricated house and even sleeping on friends’ couches. In a humorous anecdote, Google co-founder Larry Page once referred to Musk as “kind of homeless” because he would sometimes ask to crash at his place despite his immense wealth.
However, recent revelations suggest a different reality. Despite his public statements, court records from a custody dispute with Grimes reveal that Musk purchased a home in Austin, Texas, in February 2022. These records, obtained by Business Insider, show that Musk confirmed in legal filings that he and Grimes, along with their 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren, lived in this home from April to August 2023. This information directly contradicts Musk’s earlier claims of not owning a house and reinforces the notion that his living situation might be more conventional than he publicly admits.
The house in question, located in a secure area known for its privacy and frequent Tesla sightings, was initially bought by another couple in 2018 for $4.5 million. It was not publicly listed when it changed hands in 2022, which suggests an effort to keep the transaction private. The purchase was made through an LLC, a common tactic among high-profile individuals to maintain privacy and security. This decision likely stemmed from previous experiences where Musk’s rental addresses were exposed, compromising his family’s safety and privacy.
Musk’s public narrative has often emphasized a minimalist lifestyle. For example, in 2021, The Wall Street Journal reported that Musk was living with PayPal Mafia member Ken Howery in an 8,000-square-foot, $12 million mansion near the Colorado River in Austin. Musk denied this report in an email to Business Insider, stating, “I don’t live there and am not looking to buy a house anywhere.” However, just eight weeks later, an LLC associated with Musk purchased the Austin property, indicating a more complex situation than what was publicly acknowledged.
Adding further complexity, Musk has shared various personal anecdotes about his living arrangements. In 2021, he mentioned renting a prefabricated home and using a Boxabl prefab as a guesthouse. His mother, Maye Musk, also contributed to the narrative by sharing on X in 2023 about Musk sleeping on a friend’s couch, and recalling her own experiences of sleeping on the floor during visits.
This pattern of behavior highlights the discrepancy between Musk’s public persona and his actual living conditions. While he publicly champions a minimalist, nomadic lifestyle, his actions suggest a more traditional approach to housing. This duality is not uncommon among high-profile individuals who must balance public statements with the need for privacy and security.
Musk’s complex approach to homeownership reflects broader themes of privacy, security, and public perception. By purchasing properties through LLCs and maintaining a low-profile presence, he navigates the challenges of fame and privacy. Despite his public vows to own no home, Musk’s actions indicate a pragmatic approach to housing that ensures the safety and comfort of his family while maintaining his unique public image.
In conclusion, Elon Musk’s approach to homeownership is emblematic of his larger-than-life persona and the contradictions that come with it. His public declarations of a minimalist lifestyle stand in contrast to the practical steps he takes to ensure privacy and security for himself and his family. This ongoing narrative underscores the complexities of living as one of the world’s most famous and scrutinized individuals. While Musk may espouse a life free of physical possessions, his actions reveal a more grounded reality where privacy, security, and practicality play crucial roles.