Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, known for building his trillion-dollar empire in Seattle since 1994, has announced his decision to leave the city and relocate to Miami.
In a recent Instagram post, the 59-year-old entrepreneur cited several reasons for his move, including being closer to his parents, who have recently settled in Miami, where he spent his high school years.
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He also mentioned the shifting operations of his space exploration company, Blue Origin, to Cape Canaveral, Florida, as a contributing factor.
This decision came after reports revealed that Bezos had acquired a mansion in South Florida for $79 million, following his purchase of a neighboring property for $68 million.
With a net worth of $161 billion, he currently holds the title of the world's third-richest individual, according to Bloomberg.
Announcing his decision, Bezos expressed his attachment to Seattle, mentioning that he had lived in the city longer than anywhere else and had numerous fond memories.
He admitted that the decision to move was an emotional one.
- "Seattle, you will always have a piece of my heart," he said.
A video accompanying the Instagram post offered a glimpse into Amazon's humble beginnings, with Bezos giving a tour of the company's first office, which was located in his Seattle garage.
The video displayed a small room with oversized white computers, a dry-erase board filled with notes, and a fax machine atop a gray filing cabinet.
Amazon Is a Major Player in Seattle
While Bezos' move to Miami represents a significant shift in his life, the reactions from the residents of Seattle and Miami remain to be seen.
Over the years, Amazon has become a major player in Seattle's economy, pouring billions into the city's growth and influencing its global reputation.
However, the tech giant has faced criticism from workers and regulators for its labor practices and business strategies.
Additionally, Bezos, who also owns The Washington Post and the world's largest sailing yacht, has garnered his share of critics in Seattle and beyond.
Edited by Nikola Djuric
