By Sharath Varma 
Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur behind Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company, has long been known for his unconventional lifestyle choices. While many billionaires own multiple luxury mansions, Musk has taken a different path in recent years, famously stating that he sold almost all of his real estate to embrace a simpler life.
In this article, we will explore where Elon Musk has lived over the years, including his former multi-million-dollar properties and his current minimalist lifestyle.
Elon Musk’s Past Mansions
Before adopting a minimalist lifestyle, Elon Musk house owned multiple luxurious mansions, mainly in California. Here are some of the most notable properties he owned:
1. Bel-Air Mansion, Los Angeles
Musk once owned a grand mansion in the posh Bel-Air neighborhood of Los Angeles. Purchased in 2012 for around $17 million, the property spanned approximately 20,000 square feet and included several high-end features:
- Seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms
- A two-story library
- A home theater
- A wine cellar
- A large swimming pool with stunning views of Los Angeles
This mansion was one of the most extravagant properties in Musk’s real estate portfolio. He later sold it in 2020 as part of his decision to downsize.
2. The Gene Wilder Estate
In 2013, Musk purchased a unique property that once belonged to the legendary actor Gene Wilder. The house, located next to his Bel-Air mansion, was a quirky and historic estate. Interestingly, Musk stated that he wanted to preserve the house and not let it be torn down or lose its essence. In 2020, he sold this property under the condition that the new owner would maintain its original character.
3. Other California Properties
At one point, Musk owned a total of six homes in Los Angeles, primarily in Bel-Air. These included a modern glass house and several neighboring mansions, which he reportedly used as personal and guest residences. In total, his California properties were worth over $100 million before he decided to sell them all.
Musk’s Decision to Sell His Properties
In May 2020, Elon Musk shocked the world when he tweeted:
“I am selling almost all physical possessions. Will own no house.”
True to his word, Musk gradually sold all of his properties, stating that he wanted to focus on his mission to colonize Mars and that possessions were a distraction. By mid-2021, he had successfully sold all his real estate holdings.
Where Does Elon Musk Live Now?
After selling all his mansions, Musk revealed that he had moved into a small, prefabricated house in Texas. Here are the details of his current living arrangement:
A $50,000 Tiny House in Boca Chica, Texas
Musk confirmed that he now resides in a compact, 375-square-foot home manufactured by Boxabl, a company that specializes in foldable, prefabricated homes.
Features of Musk’s Tiny Home:
- Compact and highly efficient design
- Open floor plan with a living area, bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom
- Solar-powered and eco-friendly setup
- Located near SpaceX’s Starbase facility
Musk chose to live in Boca Chica, Texas, to be close to SpaceX’s headquarters and the company’s Starship testing site. His commitment to a minimalist lifestyle aligns with his goal of creating sustainable and efficient housing solutions for the future.
Does Musk Own Any Other Properties?
While claimed Elon Musk house owns no homes, reports suggest he may occasionally stay at one of his friend’s luxury residences. For example:
- He was rumored to stay at Larry Ellison’s Hawaiian estate from time to time.
- He might have access to various SpaceX facilities for accommodation when traveling.
- He has stayed at his ex-girlfriend Grimes’ home when visiting their child, X Æ A-12.
Despite being one of the richest people in the world, Musk’s decision to downsize reflects his focus on work and innovation rather than material wealth.
Why Did Musk Choose a Minimalist Lifestyle?
Musk’s choice to sell his homes and embrace a minimalist lifestyle can be attributed to several factors:
1. Focus on Mars Colonization
Musk has often stated that his ultimate goal is to make life multi-planetary. He believes that living with fewer possessions helps him focus on the technological advancements required to send humans to Mars.
2. Reducing Distractions
Owning multiple luxury properties requires maintenance and management, which can be time-consuming. By selling his mansions, Musk eliminated distractions and freed up time to focus on Tesla, SpaceX, and his other ventures.
3. Leading by Example
Musk has been vocal about sustainability and reducing consumption. By living in a tiny home, he showcases a more sustainable and efficient way of living that aligns with his vision for the future.
4. Financial Strategy?
While Musk does not lack money, selling off assets could have tax benefits. Additionally, some speculate that he wanted to shift more of his wealth into stocks rather than real estate.
Final Thoughts: What Can We Learn from Musk’s Lifestyle?
Elon Musk’s unconventional approach to housing raises interesting questions about wealth, material possessions, and the future of sustainable living. While most billionaires invest heavily in luxury real estate, Musk’s choice to live in a small, prefabricated home suggests that true success is not about how many houses one owns but about the impact one makes on the world.
His minimalist lifestyle aligns with his vision for the future: sustainable, efficient, and focused on humanity’s long-term survival. Whether one agrees with his choices or not, Musk continues to challenge conventional norms, proving that sometimes, less is truly more.
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