Introduction
Shaquille O’Neal — “Shaq” to fans — is more than just one of the dominant big men in NBA history. He’s a savvy businessman, philanthropist, media personality, and real estate mogul. Over the years, he has owned dozens of properties across the U.S., from massive mansions with indoor basketball courts to lakeside mega‐homes. As his professional and personal life shifts, so has his real estate portfolio. With frequent sales, purchases, and transitions, the question many ask is: Where does Shaq live today? Let’s take a tour of his most recent homes and how they reflect his current lifestyle.
Current Residences & Where Shaq Is Based
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North Texas – Rockwall County / Heath / Carrollton
In recent years, Shaq has made North Texas a key part of his residential map. He first bought a home in Carrollton, a city in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, in 2022. This home is about 5,200-square feet, with multiple bedrooms, a modern layout, and amenities that balance comfort, privacy, and style. homesofcelebs.com+1
More recently, in 2024, he acquired another home in Rockwall County, specifically in the Heath area. This new house is about 4,670 square feet, has six bedrooms, and includes outdoor space with a pool and a casita. It seems to be a move toward having a more permanent base in this region. CandysDirt.com+1
The move to have multiple properties in North Texas appears to align with his growing business interests there — including his restaurant chain Big Chicken — and the convenience North Texas offers in terms of travel when splitting time between different parts of the country. wfaa.com+2San Antonio Express-News+2
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Former Mega-Home in Florida: Windermere / Isleworth
One of Shaq’s most famous properties was his Florida mega-mansion in Windermere, in the Isleworth Golf & Country Club community, near Orlando. The estate featured a massive 31,000 square feet of living space, a basketball court, a 95-foot long resort pool (“Shaqapulco”), a huge garage/showroom for his car collection, lake frontage, and many extravagances tailored to his size and lifestyle. WESH+3Forbes+3ELLE Decor+3
However, he sold that property. The 33,000-square-foot Isleworth mansion was sold in 2021 for about $11 million after being on and off the market for several years. West Orange Times Observer+2Architectural Digest+2
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Los Angeles Area – Bell Canyon
Shaq has owned property in Southern California, specifically a house in Bell Canyon, which he listed in recent years. It’s a more modest home by Shaq’s historic standards, but located in a very private, gated community. The Bell Canyon home has five bedrooms, and a design that features modern and classical touches. Architectural Digest+1
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Other Estates, Investments, and Part-Time Homes
Shaq’s real estate holdings have been diverse. Over time, he has owned properties in Massachusetts (Sudbury), Georgia (McDonough), Florida (other homes beyond the mega-mansion), and California. Some of these are sold, some rented, some part of his investment portfolio. Architectural Digest+1
For example, the two-house compound in McDonough, Georgia includes a large main house plus a secondary home, barn/workshop, open acreage. It’s less about showmanship and more about space. amlu.com
What These Residences Say About Shaq’s Lifestyle Now
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Downsizing & practicality: The shift from a massive mansion in Florida to more practical, well-size homes in Texas suggests Shaq is prioritizing comfort and mobility. He still lives lavishly, but perhaps with less extravagance, and more awareness of travel time, maintenance, and usefulness.
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Strategic location: Texas, especially around Dallas/Fort Worth, gives him a central hub for business expansion (e.g. Big Chicken), media appearances, and travel between East and West coasts. Having multiple homes in one region gives flexibility and comfort. wfaa.com+2CandysDirt.com+2
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Portfolio diversity: Even as he sells off some properties, he retains others and continues to acquire in desirable areas. Some properties are homes, others are investment/resale or part-time homes. This diversification is common among high-net-worth individuals.
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Privacy & personalization: The homes he owns or recently acquired show that privacy, custom design, and amenities still matter. Whether it’s gated communities, security, or luxury finishes, these features are consistent with his persona and needs. His size also demands custom proportions, high ceilings, large garages/showrooms, etc.
Recent Moves & Sales
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In 2024, Shaq listed his Carrollton, Texas home (about 5,270 square feet) for approximately $1.7 million. The Real Deal+2homesofcelebs.com+2
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Around the same time, he purchased a house in Rockwall County (Heath area), roughly 4,670 square feet, through the same trust as the Carrollton home purchase. San Antonio Express-News+1
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Meanwhile, his Florida mega-mansion was sold in 2021. West Orange Times Observer+1
Conclusion
Shaquille O’Neal’s real estate journey over the past decade shows a shift from ultra-lavish, large-scale estates toward more manageable, strategically located homes. While he once housed his ambitions in sprawling mega-mansions like the Isleworth property in Florida, his current living situation is more decentralized — anchored in North Texas, with homes that allow for privacy, business efficiency, and comfort.
So, where does Shaq live today? Likely in Rockwall County / Heath area of North Texas, splitting time between his newer home(s) there, maybe occasionally using his Carrollton home (if still owned), alongside occasional stays elsewhere for business or personal needs. It reflects his evolution from athlete to businessman, from homeowner to property strategist.
