Jeff Bezos, who founded Amazon out of his Seattle garage in 1994 and invested billions of dollars in transforming the city into a tech boomtown, announced on Thursday that he is leaving Seattle after three decades and moving to Miami.
In an Instagram post, 59-year-old Mr. Bezos stated that his parents had recently relocated to Miami, where he attended high school, and he wanted to be closer to them and his partner, Lauren Sánchez.
He also mentioned that the operations for his rocket company, Blue Origin, are shifting to Cape Canaveral, Florida, which is around 200 miles north of Miami.
According to Bloomberg, Mr. Bezos, with a net worth of $161 billion, is the world’s third-richest person. Last month, he purchased a $79 million mansion in South Florida, following the acquisition of a neighboring property for $68 million.
On Instagram, Mr. Bezos expressed his emotional attachment to Seattle, where he has lived the longest. He shared a video tour of Amazon’s first office located in his garage, showcasing the humble beginnings of the company.
There is no immediate information on the reaction of the people in Seattle or Miami to his move.
While Amazon’s growth has had a significant impact on Seattle’s economy and international reputation, the company has faced criticism for its labor practices and corporate tactics. Mr. Bezos, who also owns The Washington Post and the world’s largest sailing yacht, has his fair share of detractors.
Mr. Bezos’ relocation to Miami is not entirely surprising, as many Silicon Valley techies and Wall Street figures have already made the move to the city. Miami’s mayor, Francis X. Suarez, has welcomed these newcomers, and demand for real estate in South Florida remains steady.