Elon Musk, having left California due to political and business disagreements, is now establishing a new headquarters for his companies in rural Central Texas. While some local residents see the move as an opportunity, others view it as a threat to their familiar way of life.
Just a 30-minute drive east of Austin, massive buildings bearing the logos of SpaceX, The Boring Company, and X (formerly Twitter) have already appeared along FM 1209. Here, Musk envisions a full-fledged tech campus rising amidst the Texas plains.
The relocation from Silicon Valley to Texas reflects both Musk’s personal views and a broader trend within the tech industry. Musk has openly criticized “woke culture” and California’s policies—especially after the state passed a law limiting parental involvement in students’ gender identity matters at school. His move to Republican-led Texas is both a political and business statement.
In the south of the state, in Cameron County, SpaceX is already developing a separate town named Starbase, which is set to go to a public vote in May. Meanwhile, Bastrop has become the second major site of expansion.
Local officials admit that while the development promises jobs and investment, it also raises concerns.
Currently, housing for employees is limited to several temporary trailers. According to city officials, large-scale residential development is not expected to begin until at least next year.
Meanwhile, SpaceX has applied for free trade zone status, which would allow the company to move materials and products in and out of the Bastrop site without paying tariffs. The company is also set to receive $17.3 million in funding from the Texas government and is expected to create over 400 jobs.
