Musk Goes Head-to-Head with Neighbors in Exclusive Austin Community

While Elon Musk enjoys considerable fame, the residents of the wealthy Austin suburb of West Lake Hills, Texas, remain unaffected by their celebrity neighbor, as reported by the New York Times. Instead, Musk’s $6 million property acquired in 2022 has become the center of debate due to his team’s installation of an unapproved 16-foot chain-link fence, metal gate, and cameras facing outward.

“I call that place Fort Knox,” says Paul Hemmer, a Tesla owner and retired real estate agent living across the street, who also heads the neighborhood homeowners association.

Musk’s security team, often seen carrying weapons, along with their vehicles, has disturbed the previously tranquil street, raising worries among residents about his return from Washington, particularly regarding his failure to secure construction permits. “If you follow the news, he’s infamous for constructing things and seeking permission afterward,” Hemmer commented during a planning meeting.

For Hemmer, having a billionaire as a neighbor could come at a steep price. According to the Times, Musk’s security team had contacted the police, alleging he was walking naked down the street. However, Hemmer, who has flown drones over Musk’s property searching for code infringements, asserted that he was simply in his underwear on his own land.