You’ve probably seen the videos. Matthew McConaughey, wearing a burnt orange vest, pacing the sidelines at a Texas Longhorns game like he’s about to call the next play. He’s not just a fan; he’s the "Minister of Culture" for the University of Texas. But that title isn't just a marketing gimmick. It’s a reflection of a massive life shift he made over a decade ago.
If you’re wondering where does Matthew McConaughey live now, the answer is pretty simple, yet most people still picture him surfing in Malibu. He lives in Austin, Texas.
Honestly, he didn't just move there. He escaped there. Back in 2012, McConaughey and his wife, Camila Alves, packed up their life in California and headed for the Texas Hill Country. They weren't looking for a vacation spot. They were looking for a "reset button." After years of being the king of romantic comedies, Matthew felt like he was losing his grip on what made him, well, him.
The Old Oak Mansion: A Texas-Sized Sanctuary
The centerpiece of his life today is a sprawling estate known as the Old Oak Mansion. It’s located in the Rivercrest area of Austin, right near Lake Austin.
This isn't your typical glass-and-steel Hollywood box. It’s a massive, 10,800-square-foot Spanish-Mediterranean style home that feels more like a historic villa than a celebrity pad. It was actually designed by architect Addison Mizner back in 1997. Think limestone, rich wood details, and a vibe that feels "Texas rugged" but extremely high-end.
- Space for the whole crew: The house has seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms.
- The boat life: It includes seven private boat slips on the lake. If you see someone wake-surfing at sunrise near Rivercrest, there’s a decent chance it’s the Oscar winner himself.
- Multigenerational living: One of the coolest details? Matthew’s mom, Kay, moved in with them. He’s talked openly about how having her there has changed the family dynamic for the better.
The property sits on about nine acres of land. It’s gated, obviously, but it’s not isolated in a "keep away" kind of way. It’s nestled among massive oak trees that give the place its name.
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Why He Really Left California
People often think celebrities move to Texas just for the tax breaks. While the lack of state income tax is a nice perk, for McConaughey, it was deeply personal. He recently told tennis pro Nick Kyrgios on a podcast that in Austin, "an hour feels like 60 minutes."
In Malibu, he felt like he was always "ahead of time," constantly chasing the next thing. Moving back to his home state—he was born in Uvalde—allowed him to slow down. He actually stopped working for almost two years after the move. He turned down a $14.5 million offer for an action-comedy because it didn't fit the "new" him.
That "no" eventually led to the "McConaissance" and his Oscar for Dallas Buyers Club. He credits the literal soil of Texas for giving him the backbone to hold out for better work.
The Hawaii Connection and Other Properties
While Austin is "home base," Matthew hasn't completely sworn off the beach. In late 2020, he dropped about $7.8 million on a vacation home in Hawaii.
Specifically, it’s in the Kukio Beach and Golf Club on the Kona Coast. This place is the definition of "barefoot elegance." It’s a six-bedroom spread with an infinity pool that looks like it merges directly with the Pacific Ocean. He uses it as a getaway when the Texas heat gets a bit too intense or when the family needs some serious Zen time.
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He also owns a significant amount of ranch land in West Texas. He’s been known to retreat to these "secret" ranches to write—much of his book Greenlights was born out of solo trips to the desert and the woods.
Does he still have the Airstream?
You can't talk about McConaughey’s living situation without mentioning his Airstreams. For years, he lived out of a 28-foot Airstream nicknamed "The Canoe." While he doesn't live in it full-time anymore, he still owns a fleet of them. They’re parked at some of his properties and used for road trips. He’s a guy who likes his "mobile office."
What Most People Get Wrong About His Life Now
The biggest misconception is that he’s "retired" or just "chilling."
He’s actually more embedded in the Austin community than most local politicians. He’s a professor of practice at UT Austin’s Moody College of Communication. He’s a co-owner of the Austin FC soccer team. He’s frequently seen at local spots, but he’s treated like a neighbor, not a statue.
"I live in Austin, which is a liberal city in a very conservative state. I like that push and pull. I like the structure of the red around the freedom of the blue." — Matthew McConaughey
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That "blueberry in the tomato soup" analogy is how he describes his current life. He’s found a balance that Hollywood just couldn't offer him.
How to Live Like McConaughey (Without the Mansion)
You might not have $6 million for a lakefront mansion, but the "McConaughey way" of living is actually pretty accessible. It’s basically about "living your legacy" now instead of waiting for later.
- Prioritize the "No": He only started winning when he stopped saying yes to things that didn't matter.
- Get Outside: Whether it's Lake Austin or a local park, he’s a firm believer that being near water or trees keeps you sane.
- Family First: Bringing his mother into his home wasn't just a duty; it was a choice to keep his roots close.
If you're ever in Austin, keep your eyes peeled near the University or the lake. He’s there, he’s settled, and he’s definitely not moving back to L.A. any time soon.
To stay updated on his latest projects or his work with the Just Keep Livin Foundation, you can check out his official social media channels, where he frequently posts "McConaughey-isms" directly from his backyard in the Hill Country.