Almost always, the main way to display or show off wealth is where one lives and the house (or mansion) one has. Interestingly, not all millionaires and multi-millionaires live in palatial homes; many opt to live in run-of-the-mill homes in nice neighborhoods but far from being affluent neighborhoods. Warren Buffett is a famous example with his Omaha home. Yes, it’s nice but it’s nothing compared to what he could own.
And yes, there are many multi-millionaires living in unassuming neighborhoods. The question is… how can you tell if you’re living in a neighborhood surrounded by millionaires?
There’s no single tell but there are signs to watch out for and if a neighbor checks enough boxes, you can reasonably assume they’re well off.
Here’s the list.
1. Consistently Maintain Immaculate Landscaping
These yards aren’t necessarily extravagant or showy, but they’re meticulously maintained year-round. The grass is always perfectly cut, hedges precisely trimmed, and seasonal plantings refreshed at exactly the right time. You’ll rarely see the homeowners doing this work themselves—it’s typically handled by professional landscaping teams who arrive in unmarked trucks during weekday hours when most neighbors are at work.
2. Enjoy Discreet But High-End Renovations
Look for subtle but expensive touches that the average homeowner might not recognize as luxury items. Custom doors made from exotic woods, architectural windows, premium siding materials, copper gutters, or slate roofs are investments that wealthy homeowners make without drawing attention. These upgrades often cost tens of thousands of dollars but don’t scream “expensive” to the untrained eye.
3. Have Understated but High Calibre Home Security Systems
While less affluent neighborhoods might have visible alarm company signs or obvious camera systems, wealthy homeowners opt for sophisticated, nearly invisible security. Hidden cameras disguised as landscaping features, advanced motion detection systems, and perimeter monitoring don’t announce their presence but provide comprehensive protection. You might notice subtle architectural choices that enhance security—strategically placed fencing or privacy hedges that look decorative but serve a protective function.
Vehicles
4. Drive Understated Luxury Cars
The driveways contain high-quality vehicles that blend into everyday surroundings rather than flashy sports cars. Look for higher-end BMWs, Audis, Mercedes, Lexus models, or Teslas—particularly in neutral colors without custom features that draw attention. The cars are always clean and well-maintained, but not necessarily brand new. Many wealthy people prefer quality vehicles in the $50,000-90,000 range rather than exotic supercars that attract unwanted attention.
5. Have Multiple Vehicles per Household
Affluent families often maintain several vehicles for different purposes—perhaps an SUV for family use, an electric vehicle for commuting, and perhaps a classic car or specialty vehicle kept in the garage. These additional vehicles aren’t parked ostentatiously in driveways but stored in multi-car garages or strategically placed to avoid creating visual clutter in the neighborhood.
Lifestyle Indicators
6. Go On Frequent Yet Discreet Trips (often first class all the way)
Residents seem to disappear regularly for trips, particularly during off-peak seasons when travel is less crowded. Their mail might be held frequently, lights programmed on timers, and you’ll notice professional house-sitters or property managers checking on homes while owners are away. Rather than broadcasting vacation plans, these travelers quietly slip away to second homes or international destinations multiple times per year.
And it’s worth noting most will pay for first or business class. Luxury hotels, usually suites, are also their go-to accommodation. These are indicators of some serious money that you’d never notice unless you travel with them.
What’s interesting about travel is the cost between budget and first class travel is massive. First class flights from North America to Europe will easily cost $5,000 or more vs. $1,200 for economy. When it’s a family of four or five going, that’s huge. Then there’s the cost of hotels – budget might cost $100 to $200 whereas 5-star luxury suites can easily top $1,500 per night or more. Then there’s restaurants and the list goes on. When the smoke clears, the difference in a two week vacation for a family of four could be $10,000 vs. $100,000.
7. Are Members of Exclusive Club Memberships
You might notice neighbors regularly dressed for golf, tennis, or equestrian activities, heading out to private clubs rather than public facilities. Car decals or bag tags might subtly indicate membership in exclusive clubs. These memberships often cost tens of thousands annually but provide privacy and networking opportunities that wealthy individuals value. And that doesn’t include the often extravagant initiation fee one pays to join these clubs.
8. Hire Personal Trainers & In-Home Services
Regular visits from professionals who provide in-home services—personal trainers arriving with equipment, massage therapists, private tutors for children, housekeepers who come several times weekly, or catering staff for regular dinner parties. These service providers often arrive in higher-end vehicles and are treated more as respected professionals than as service staff.
Toys & Recreation
9. Own Boats, RVs, or Luxury Recreation Equipment
Rather than prominently displaying expensive toys, wealthy homeowners store them discreetly in oversized garages or at private marinas and storage facilities. You might catch glimpses of high-end bikes, kayaks, ski equipment, or other recreational gear being loaded for weekend trips. The equipment is top-quality but not flashy—think carbon fiber racing bikes rather than blinged-out motorcycles.
10. Own Private Recreational Property (Perhaps Several Airbnbs)
Neighbors frequently mention weekend homes, lake houses, mountain cabins, or beach properties. These second (or third) homes serve as private retreats rather than status symbols. Conversations might casually reference “heading to the lake” or “spending the weekend at our place in the mountains” without specific details—a subtle indicator of additional property ownership.
Community & Education
11. Enroll their Kids in Elite Private Schools
School buses from prestigious private institutions make regular stops, or you’ll notice patterns of carpooling to exclusive educational facilities. Car decals might subtly indicate affiliations with elite schools that can cost $20,000-50,000 annually per child. Children’s schedules often include extensive enrichment activities, international travel experiences, and high-end summer programs rather than typical local activities.
12. Give Plenty to Charities
Residents are actively involved in fundraisers, charity boards, or quietly generous donations to community causes. Rather than flashy displays of generosity, they might serve on foundation boards or host understated fundraising gatherings in their homes. Their philanthropic activities focus on impact rather than recognition—you might only learn about major donations through community announcements rather than from the donors themselves.
13. Buy Expensive Groceries
They don’t balk at organic food or grocery prices generally. You’d never really know someone spends a fortune on groceries because it’s not something that’s done for status or showing off. It’s done because people prefer healthier food and/or have a taste for the very best.
14. Spend on Convenience Such as Delivery
Regular deliveries from specialty or upscale grocery stores, meal preparation services, or gourmet food subscriptions. Delivery vehicles from high-end retailers arrive frequently, but packages are promptly retrieved rather than left visible. Wine deliveries, specialty food boxes, and catering services make regular appearances, indicating sophisticated tastes and the means to indulge them.
Personal Appearance & Habits
15. Wear Dcreet Designer Clothing
Residents wear understated, high-quality apparel rather than flashy, heavily branded items. The trained eye might recognize Brunello Cucinelli sweaters, tailored pieces from small European designers, or perfectly fitted basics that cost hundreds but look simple. Clothing fits impeccably because it’s often custom-tailored, but doesn’t announce its price tag through visible logos or trendy designs.
16. Buy Luxury Accessories That Go Unnoticed
Expensive watches, eyewear, or subtle jewelry pieces are worn casually rather than showcased. A $30,000 watch might look like a simple timepiece to the untrained eye, while hand-crafted leather goods and accessories reflect quality without flash. These items represent significant investments but are chosen for craftsmanship and longevity rather than status signaling.
It all adds up to a millionaire lifestyle without the show
It’s super interesting because people can live very well in ways you’d never really know just how wealthy they are. And I’m not talking about the wealthy miser; I’m talking about folks who have millions but opt to live in an unassuming home and instead use their money for other conveniences and experiences.
Do Millionaires Really Live in Regular Neighborhoods and If So, Why?
Yes, many millionaires absolutely do live in regular neighborhoods. This phenomenon is actually quite common, especially among those who practice a low-key approach to wealth.
“Millionaire Next Door” Phenomenon
Many millionaires intentionally choose modest homes in typical neighborhoods to maintain privacy, avoid attention, and keep their wealth discreet. They prioritize financial security and low-key lifestyles over flashy displays of wealth.
The famous book “The Millionaire Next Door” by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko documented this phenomenon extensively, revealing that most American millionaires deliberately live modest lifestyles in ordinary neighborhoods.
Why This Happens:
Stealth Wealth
Many wealthy individuals prefer privacy and avoid showing off their money openly. Living in a regular neighborhood helps them maintain a normal life without the scrutiny or expectations that come with visible wealth.
Financial Prudence
Millionaires often understand that homes can be liabilities rather than investments and choose affordable comfort over ostentatious luxury. By not tying up excessive capital in real estate, they can maintain greater financial flexibility.
Sense of Community
Wealth doesn’t necessarily mean isolation; many enjoy blending in and being part of a normal, vibrant community. Regular neighborhoods often offer authentic relationships not colored by wealth differences.
Family Stability
Often millionaires settle where their kids can attend great public schools, enjoy normal social lives, and avoid the pressures of wealthier enclaves. This helps ground their children and provides a more typical childhood experience.
Many millionaires live quietly comfortable lives in standard suburban neighborhoods—often completely unnoticed by neighbors, who might be surprised to learn about the significant wealth residing next door.
