In some ways, it's the story of modern urbanization across America. But when Musk gets involved, there's always an unusual twist. Read it here: fortune.com/2024/11/18/e...

I try to paint a picture of all of it: the excitement, wonder, suspicion, and apprehension about how this small, historic piece of Texas is changing—both because of Austin, and because of Musk.

Musk's companies have already run into lots of issues (especially when it comes to permits). But they are also making an attempt to give back to the community--offering up land for soccer fields and opening up the Boring Bodega to the public.

In a county where the average salary is $48,774, people say locals are being pushed out of their homes and into RV parks due to rising home prices. Gravel pits are replacing beautiful ranch land. And—most of all—there's fear over what will happen to the beloved Colorado River.

SpaceX and the Boring Company are already in the broader County. Now X is going to break ground, and Musk's school, Ad Astra is expected to open up soon. The Tesla Gigafactory and Neuralink offices are nearby, too.

There's a lot going on in this town right now: A political scandal with the Mayor, the upcoming opening of a 546-acre studio center to produce Westerns and other films. Bastrop's first Chipotle. And, of course: Elon Musk.

While I was reporting on Boring Company, I kept hearing from sources that I needed to visit Bastrop County and the R&D facility for myself. So I did—and was immediately captivated by the personality of the town and the broader county, and all the people I met who call it home.