In a heartfelt Instagram post on November 3, 2023, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos revealed his plans to relocate from the Pacific Northwest to the sunny shores of Miami. Bezos, a prominent figure in the tech and business world, is making a move that not only marks a significant change in his life but also underscores his connection to his family.
The Instagram post features a nostalgic clip from the early days of building Amazon when the company was a far cry from the e-commerce giant it is today. Bezos began his caption by expressing his deep-rooted attachment to Seattle, where he has resided since 1994, when he launched Amazon from his garage.
Bezos took a moment to acknowledge his parents, Miguel and Jacklyn Bezos, who have been unwavering pillars of support throughout his journey. Notably, they recently moved back to Miami, where Jeff spent part of his younger years, including his high school days at Miami Palmetto High School.
The motivations behind Bezos’ upcoming move are as personal as they are practical. He shared, “I want to be close to my parents, and [fiancée] Lauren and I love Miami.” It’s clear that family and love play a central role in this decision. Moreover, Bezos noted that his aerospace company, Blue Origin, is increasingly shifting its operations to Florida’s Cape Canaveral, making Miami an ideal choice.
Reflecting on his decades in Seattle, Bezos couldn’t help but reminisce about the city he’s called home for so long. He fondly mentioned, “I have so many amazing memories here,” adding that the decision to leave is not just exciting but also an emotional one. He concluded by saying, “Seattle, you will always have a piece of my heart.”
The Instagram post also included a rare glimpse into Bezos’ early days as a budding entrepreneur. The clip from 1994 showcases a younger Bezos giving a tour of the Amazon office, located in his three-bedroom Seattle home. The video highlights the humble beginnings of the now-tech giant, featuring loose papers, books, a giant whiteboard, fax machines, and older computers in his home office.
Bezos’ announcement comes on the heels of his significant real estate investments in the Miami area. He recently purchased a seven-bedroom mansion on a small private island in Biscayne Bay for $79 million in September. This acquisition followed his purchase of a neighboring home in June, which he bought for $68 million. These two properties occupy approximately 1.8 acres on the exclusive Florida island.
Prior to his real estate ventures, Bezos proposed to his girlfriend, Lauren Sánchez, in late May. Their engagement marked a significant step in their relationship, which became public in 2019 following Bezos’ divorce from his wife of 25 years, MacKenzie.
As Jeff Bezos prepares to bid farewell to Seattle and embrace a new chapter in Miami, his journey continues to be a source of inspiration, demonstrating the significance of family, love, and the pursuit of dreams.