Why neighbours are ‘concerned’ with Mark Zuckerberg buying houses in Palo Alto, the place that has been house to Steve Jobs and other tech execs
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is in news not only because of his aggressive AI talent hiring but also because of his Palo Alto property. Zuckerberg has quietly amassed more than $110 million worth of real estate in Palo Alto’s upscale Crescent Park neighborhood. As reported by New York Times, after purchasing the property Zuckerberg transformed the place which is not being appreciated by his neighbours. As per the report, the Meta CEO acquired almost 11 homes across two streets which raised alarms locals who say that the presence of the billionaire in the area has disrupted its peace and has also strained the availability of house. “No neighborhood wants to be occupied,” said longtime resident Michael Kieschnick. “But that’s exactly what they’ve done.”
Why neighbours are ‘concerned’ with Mark Zuckerberg buying houses
As per the report, Mark Zuckerberg along with his wife Priscilla Chan and their three daughters, moved to Crescent Park 14 years ago and since then they turned five of their homes into a sprawling compound. Zuckerberg’s house includes a main residence and guest houses, gardens and a hydrofloor-covered swimming pool, a pickleball court and a seven-foot statue of Chan in a silver robe and an extensive surveillance systems that reportedly overlook neighbouring properties.As per the report, the main issue of the neighbours is the extensive and years-long construction projects on the properties. Building permits reveal a vast 7,000-square-foot subterranean space, which neighbours have dubbed “bunkers” or “bat caves.” The constant noise, heavy equipment, and traffic have frayed nerves and led to accusations that the city has turned a blind eye to the disruption.Local council member Greer Stone criticised Zuckerberg’s approach, “He’s been finding loopholes around our local laws and zoning ordinances. We should never be a gated, gilded city on a hill where people don’t know their neighbours.”
Meta CEO transformed a legacy neighbourhood
Crescent Park has long been home to Stanford professors, doctors, and tech executives — including Steve Jobs, who once lived nearby. Residents recall block parties, children playing in gardens, and a strong sense of community. Now, many say that spirit has faded.“Billionaires everywhere are used to just making their own rules,” Kieschnick added. “Zuckerberg and Chan are not unique — except that they’re our neighbours.”
