You’ve probably seen Steve Martin wandering the halls of the "Arconia" on Hulu, solving murders with a banjo-like wit. It’s easy to get sucked into that fictional world and assume he’s just like his character, Charles-Haden Savage. But in the real world, the question of where does steve martin live isn't answered by a single soundstage in New York.
Honestly, the guy is a bit of a real estate enigma. He isn't one of those celebrities who plasters their home on the cover of architectural magazines every six months. He’s private. Like, "concrete bunker in the hills" private. While most people assume he’s a lifelong New Yorker because of his vibe, his roots—and his deeds—are split between the high-pressure streets of Manhattan and the coastal fog of California.
The Upper West Side Connection
For most of the year, Steve Martin lives in New York City. Specifically, he’s a staple of the Upper West Side. If you’ve ever walked past the San Remo—that iconic twin-towered building on Central Park West—you’ve been close to the comedy legend. He has owned an apartment there for decades.
The San Remo is the kind of place where you don’t just "buy" a unit; you survive a board interview that would make a CIA interrogation feel like a spa day. It’s legendary. It’s the same building that has housed everyone from Tiger Woods to Steven Spielberg.
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Living there basically defines his current era. He’s often spotted grabbing a coffee or walking near the park, looking less like a "wild and crazy guy" and more like a distinguished art collector who just happens to be hilarious. This neighborhood isn't just a place to sleep for him; it's the backdrop of his current creative life. Only Murders in the Building is practically a love letter to this specific square mile of Manhattan.
Why Manhattan Works for Him
- Privacy through anonymity: In NYC, people mostly leave him alone.
- Art Scene: He's a massive collector, and being near the major galleries is key.
- Work-Life Balance: The show films right in his backyard.
The California Stronghold
But wait. He’s a California boy at heart. He grew up in Garden Grove, and for a huge chunk of his career, Santa Barbara was his sanctuary.
For nearly 20 years, Martin owned what people called the "Mud House" in Montecito. This place was wild. It was a brutalist masterpiece designed by Roland Coate Jr., made almost entirely of poured concrete. Think about that for a sec. Most celebs want gold leaf and marble; Steve Martin wanted a 7,000-square-foot concrete sculpture tucked into a hillside.
He eventually sold that property for around $11 million back in 2015. But don't think he’s gone from the West Coast. He still maintains a home in Beverly Hills. In 2019, he actually listed a four-bedroom house that sat right next to his main residence there for $2.15 million. Basically, he bought the house next door just to make sure he didn't have neighbors he didn't like. That’s a pro move.
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The Mystery of the Remote Woods
Here is where it gets kinda weird. There have been reports—mostly from deep-dive celebrity real estate watchers—that Martin owns a random 12-acre plot of land in the woods of northwest Minnesota.
Supposedly, he bought it about 16 years ago for a relatively tiny sum, like $75,000. It’s miles from anything resembling a red carpet. Whether he actually spends time there or just likes knowing he has a place to hide if the banjos ever stop playing, nobody really knows. It’s one of those bits of trivia that makes you realize he’s much more complex than his public persona suggests.
The Caribbean Chapter
He used to have a stunning getaway in St. Barts, known as Villa Au Soleil. It sat high in the hills of Lurin, overlooking the Atlantic. We're talking four bedrooms, a two-tiered infinity pool, and a Balinese-style pavilion.
He sold it around 2015. Why? Maybe he got tired of the travel. Maybe he just wanted to simplify. When you're in your late 70s, sometimes the "simple" life in a multi-million dollar Manhattan co-op is more appealing than managing a tropical estate that requires a private jet to reach comfortably.
Realities of Celebrity Privacy in 2026
If you’re looking for a street address, you won’t find it here. And frankly, you shouldn't. In an era where "starking" (star-stalking) is at an all-time high, Martin has perfected the art of being "visible but unreachable."
Most of his real estate moves are handled through trusts, which makes tracking his exact current holdings a game of architectural detective work. What we do know is that his heart is currently split between the 10024 zip code in New York and his long-standing Beverly Hills compound.
What This Tells Us About Steve Martin
You can tell a lot about a person by where they choose to put down roots. Martin’s choices reflect a man who values:
- Aesthetic over flash: He picks architecturally significant homes, not just "big" ones.
- Stability: He tends to hold onto properties for decades rather than flipping them.
- Quietude: Whether it’s a concrete bunker or a high-rise with thick walls, he likes his peace.
If you’re planning a trip to New York and hoping for a sighting, your best bet is the area around 75th and Central Park West. Just remember to be cool. He’s a neighbor, not a tourist attraction.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to see the "Arconia" (the real-life Belnord) that inspired his show's setting, head to West 86th Street. It’s a public sidewalk, so you can admire the architecture that mimics his real-life Upper West Side lifestyle without infringing on his actual privacy.
Check out his book Born Standing Up if you want to understand the psychological drive that took him from a kid in Garden Grove to the heights of the San Remo. It’s the best way to "visit" his world without actually needing an invitation to the Upper West Side.