Mark Zuckerberg has purchased 11 homes in Palo Alto’s Crescent Park neighborhood since 2011, turning his initial single-family home into a sprawling compound worth over $110 million. The billionaire’s expansion has disrupted the once-quiet community, with neighbors complaining about noise and intense surveillance.
The compound features multiple guesthouses, landscaped gardens, and a pool with a hydrofloor, but also includes a 7,000-square-foot underground “bat cave” that residents claim has filled streets with noise during its eight-year construction. Security cameras allegedly capture views of surrounding homes, while private guards patrol the area in vehicles.
Nine neighbors spoke to The New York Times about their concerns, citing fear of retaliation for speaking out. They criticized the city for approving dozens of permits tied to Zuckerberg’s properties despite a broader compound application being rejected in 2016. Local resident Michael Kieschnick described his neighborhood as “occupied” by Zuckerberg-owned properties.
However, reports suggest that Zuckerberg’s team has softened its approach in recent years. Security guards now use quiet electric cars, and staff have delivered gifts to neighbors as a gesture of goodwill. A spokesperson for the couple stated that they value being members of the community and have taken steps above and beyond local requirements to avoid disruption.
Source: https://www.hola.com/us/celebrities/20250825851944/mark-zuckerberg-palo-alto-neighbors-frustrated-compound-11-homes