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A quiet part of Central Texas is turning into a high-tech zone, thanks to Elon Musk. The billionaire has moved his key businesses from California to Bastrop County, just outside Austin. The shift brings big changes to the rural area, offering new jobs and raising local concerns.

Musk Moves Empire to Bastrop County

Elon Musk, the world-famous entrepreneur, has brought several of his companies to a quiet area about 30 minutes east of Austin. His decision to leave California was driven by both politics and business.

Now, a stretch of FM 1209 near Bastrop shows signs of rapid change. One large metal building is home to the headquarters of X, Musk’s social media company. Nearby, another site features a bold logo for The Boring Company, focused on underground transport. Across the road, SpaceX builds parts for its Starlink satellites.

Why Texas? Politics, Prices, and Freedom

Musk’s move to Texas is not just about cheaper land or lower taxes. In July 2024, he publicly spoke against a California law on gender identity in schools. He called it one of the reasons for leaving the state.

He has often used terms like “woke mind virus” to express his concerns about identity politics and free speech. These views, along with a friendlier business climate, drew him to Texas—a Republican-led state with fewer rules for developers.

His reach now includes a new proposal in Cameron County near the Mexican border. There, SpaceX wants to create a city called Starbase. Voters will decide on it in May 2025.

Bastrop Welcomes Jobs, But Fears Change

Locals in Bastrop County have mixed feelings. Many people are excited about job growth and new business. But others fear the rural charm may be lost.

Sylvia Carrillo, Bastrop’s city manager, says the city is trying to find balance. “People are hopeful, but also careful,” she explains. Even though Musk’s buildings are outside city limits, state law gives Bastrop some control.

Managing fast growth has become a big task. Land prices are rising. Housing is tight. Roads need upgrades.

Modest Offices, Big Impact

At the center of the activity is a small area called Hyperloop Plaza. It has a snack shop called the Boring Bodega, which also offers drinks, haircuts, and more. On a recent weekend, children played outside while a game console sat unused indoors.

The casual vibe hides a major shift. People here recall earlier growth waves—coal, lumber, and even the WWII-era boom from nearby Camp Swift.

Judy Enis, a volunteer at the Bastrop museum, says the war years made a deeper mark than Musk has—at least for now.

Locals Adjust to the Boom

Real estate agents and new residents are already adjusting. Judah Ross, who sells homes in the area, says demand is rising fast. He has already worked with buyers from both SpaceX and The Boring Company.

Alfonso Lopez moved back from Seattle, planning a short stay. But Bastrop’s charm won him over. “I’m not a fan of Musk’s politics,” he says, “but the tech is exciting. Just don’t build tunnels under my house.”

That’s not a joke—last year, The Boring Company faced fines over water issues. The company had planned to release waste into the Colorado River. After local protests, it changed course and now sends waste to a city treatment plant.

This delay affected housing too. Over 100 planned homes for workers are on hold. Only a few temporary trailers are up so far, sitting between grassy fields and horses.

Investments, Incentives, and Local Limits

In late 2024, SpaceX applied to make its Bastrop site a free trade zone. This would cut taxes on imported goods. While it could cost the county $45,000 in tax revenue, leaders support it for its long-term gain.

The state has already given $17.3 million in support to Musk’s companies. In return, over 400 jobs and $280 million in investment are expected.

Online, some residents have voiced fear. One comment said Musk’s presence could “ruin everything nearby.” Still, most public comments remain polite.

To keep the town’s charm, Bastrop passed rules on housing size and open space. Carrillo says the goal is to protect nature while handling growth.

Elon Musk’s move to rural Texas is more than a business shift—it’s shaping a new tech frontier. While his projects bring jobs and global attention, they also bring change. Bastrop’s leaders and locals are working to find a balance between growth and tradition.

For now, this quiet patch of Texas is watching its future take shape, one building at a time.