Texas isn't just about boots and barbecue anymore. It's becoming the unofficial capital of the American celebrity exodus. You've probably heard the rumors. Maybe you saw a grainy photo of a tech billionaire at a Buc-ee's or heard that a certain Oscar winner is buying up half of Austin. It’s true. The influx of famous people who live in Texas has shifted from a trickle to a literal flood over the last few years.
But why? Honestly, it’s not just the lack of state income tax, though that definitely helps when you're clearing eight figures. It’s the privacy. In Los Angeles, you can’t buy a head of lettuce without a lens in your face. In Texas? People mostly leave you alone. There's a "live and let live" vibe that appeals to A-listers who are tired of the Hollywood treadmill.
The Austin Hub: Where the Stars Actually Are
If you’re looking for the highest concentration of talent, Austin is the place. It’s weird, it’s green, and it’s currently home to some of the biggest names in the world.
Matthew McConaughey is basically the unofficial mayor of the city. He doesn't just "own a house" here; he lives the life. He’s a regular at University of Texas basketball games. He and his wife, Camila Alves, live in a massive $6 million Spanish-Mediterranean estate known as the "Old Oak Mansion." It’s over 10,000 square feet, but somehow he makes it seem like a cozy family cabin. He moved back in 2012 to raise his kids away from the "industry" noise, and he hasn't looked back.
Then there’s Joe Rogan. His move in 2020 changed the city's DNA. He traded California’s restrictions for a $14.4 million mansion in Westlake Hills. It’s a fortress. He’s got a world-class gym and a podcast studio that probably costs more than your first three houses combined. He’s often seen at local comedy clubs like his own "Comedy Mothership," proving he didn't just move here for the tax break—he moved here to build a scene.
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- Sandra Bullock: She’s been an Austin staple for decades. She owns multiple properties, including a tranquil Hill Country retreat.
- Glen Powell: The Twisters and Top Gun: Maverick star officially moved back to his hometown of Austin in 2024.
- James Van Der Beek: Moved his entire family (six kids!) to a ranch outside the city for more breathing room.
- Jared Padalecki: The Supernatural star lives on a modern farmhouse in Austin with mini horses and honeybees.
The Billionaires and the Border
You can't talk about famous people who live in Texas without mentioning the richest man on the planet. Elon Musk made waves when he ditched California.
His residential situation is... quirky. He’s claimed his primary residence is a tiny, $50,000 prefabricated house in Boca Chica, right near the SpaceX Starbase. Imagine being worth hundreds of billions and sleeping in a 400-square-foot box. It’s peak Elon. However, he’s also been linked to a much larger estate in Austin and is reportedly planning to build his own town—Snailbrook—just outside the city for his employees.
Dallas: The Land of Sports Royalty
While Austin gets the actors and the tech bros, Dallas is where the sports icons settle down. It makes sense. The city has a certain "old money" polish that suits the professional athlete lifestyle.
Scottie Scheffler, currently the best golfer on the planet, lives in the Devonshire neighborhood of Dallas. Even though he’s won tens of millions on the PGA Tour, his home is surprisingly modest—a $3 million mansion he bought with his wife, Meredith. It’s nice, sure, but it’s not the gaudy palace you’d expect from a world No. 1.
Patrick Mahomes might play for Kansas City, but his heart (and a lot of his real estate) is in Texas. He and Brittany own a stunning property in the Vaquero club in Westlake (the DFW version, not the Austin one). It’s an ultra-exclusive community where he can hit the golf course right from his back patio. He’s actually recovering from a late-2025 injury there right now, aiming for a big 2026 comeback.
Who Else is Around?
- George Strait: The King of Country lives on a massive hilltop estate in San Antonio. It’s a custom adobe mansion that looks like a piece of art.
- Simone Biles: The GOAT of gymnastics lives in Spring, just north of Houston. She recently finished building a massive custom waterfront home with her husband, Jonathan Owens.
- Willie Nelson: He’s still hanging out at Luck Ranch in Spicewood. It’s basically its own town with a Western film set and a whole lot of history.
Why the Move Matters
Texas is changing because of this. You see it in the house prices. You see it in the restaurants. But there’s a misconception that these celebs are "ruining" the state. Honestly? Most of them are just trying to blend in. They shop at H-E-B. They go to high school football games.
The "Texas Dream" for a celebrity isn't about being seen—it's about disappearing. Whether it’s Tommy Lee Jones on his ranch or Jamie-Lynn Sigler in her Austin Spanish-style home, the goal is the same: space.
If you’re planning a move to the Lone Star State to rub elbows with the stars, just know they value their privacy. If you see McConaughey at a steakhouse, a nod is usually better than a selfie.
Actionable Tips for Texan Living
- Research Property Taxes: There's no income tax, but property taxes are a beast. Budget accordingly.
- Check Out "The Dominion" or "Vaquero": If you want to live near the elite, these gated communities in San Antonio and Westlake are the gold standard.
- Support Local Scenes: Many of these celebs (like Rogan or Gary Clark Jr.) are heavily involved in local venues. Supporting these spots is the best way to keep the culture alive.
Texas is no longer a flyover state for the rich. It’s the destination. From the tech-heavy hills of Austin to the quiet ranches of the Hill Country, the stars at night aren't the only big things shining deep in the heart of Texas.
Next Steps:
To get a better feel for the local luxury market, look into the latest property tax appraisals for Travis and Tarrant counties. You can also monitor local Austin news outlets like Austin Monthly for updates on new celebrity business ventures, such as restaurants or production studios.