**Elon Musk’s Austin Real Estate Moves: A Plan for a Family Compound**

Elon Musk, the world's richest man, has been making notable real estate acquisitions in Austin, Texas. According to sources cited by the New York Times, Musk has purchased three mansions in the city, seemingly with the goal of establishing a family compound for his children and their mothers.

Musk's new properties include a 14,400-square-foot mansion resembling a Tuscan villa and a neighboring six-bedroom mansion, with the total cost reaching approximately $35 million. Interestingly, another mansion, about a 10-minute walk from these properties, serves as Musk's personal residence when he is not engaged in his various high-profile activities.

This real estate venture is not just about personal comfort for Musk but is closely tied to his existential concerns about birth rates and repopulating the planet, which also underpin his sprawling business empire. Musk, who has at least 11 children according to the Times, envisions a scenario where some of his children and their mothers live together in these adjoining properties. So far, Shivon Zilis, an executive at Neuralink and mother to three of his children, has moved into one of the homes. In contrast, his other children's mothers, such as musician Grimes and his first wife Justine Musk, are not living in the compound.

Musk's choice of Austin is strategic given his substantial business interests in the area, where he is the largest employer. Despite the city being dubbed "Silicon Hills" for its burgeoning tech industry, Musk's real estate activity stands out. Reports indicate he offered homeowners significantly above market value for their homes, often requiring them to sign nondisclosure agreements to even review the offers.

Musk initially intended to build the family compound on hundreds of acres near Tesla's headquarters. However, this plan encountered hurdles due to a federal investigation into Tesla’s use of company funds, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

As of now, the specifics of who among his family will occupy the new homes remain uncertain. Neighbors have observed an increase in security and occasional visits from a dog groomer, signaling Musk's presence in the area. This affluent but densely populated neighborhood remains a subject of interest as Musk continues to shape his personal and professional legacy in Austin.

Jim Lewis, a retired rancher living nearby, summed up the local sentiment by stating, "I just keep thinking with that much money, he's probably got lots of whims and he'll do something else soon."