Elon Musk has relocated several of his companies, including X (formerly Twitter), SpaceX, and the Boring Company, to a rural area near Austin, Texas, citing political and business motivations. This move aligns with his shift from Democratic support to Republican-aligned views, particularly after opposing California’s law on gender identity notifications in schools—a stance influenced by his estranged transgender daughter and his criticism of “woke” ideologies. Texas’s cheaper land, favorable regulations, and proximity to Austin’s tech talent pool further drove the decision.
Local residents in Bastrop express mixed feelings: while welcoming job opportunities, they worry about rapid urbanization, rising housing costs, and environmental impacts. Musk’s developments, though outside city limits, contribute to the region’s growth surge, alongside SpaceX’s proposed “Starbase” town near the Mexico border. The current campus features basic amenities, contrasting with Austin’s booming skyline. Historically, the area has weathered industry shifts, with some locals noting that WWII’s Camp Swift had a more transformative impact. Overall, Musk’s presence underscores Texas’s evolving tech landscape and the tensions between economic growth and community preservation.
Source: BBC
