Living next door to a millionaire might seem like something out of a Hollywood movie, but the truth is millionaires are all around us. They live inconspicuously, blending seamlessly into the fabric of our neighborhoods. While they may not flaunt their wealth with extravagant displays, there are subtle signs that could indicate your neighbor is secretly a millionaire.
From their lifestyle choices to how they maintain their property, here are 17 ways to tell that your neighbor lives a life of luxury behind closed doors.
Impeccably Maintained Property
Millionaires understand the importance of maintaining their property’s curb appeal. They don’t have junky cars in their front yard or a lawn overgrown with weeds. They take pride in the way their property looks.
Suppose your neighbor’s lawn is meticulously manicured. In that case, their house is freshly painted, and their landscaping is impeccable, which is probably a sign that they have the means to invest in the upkeep of their home without cutting corners, even if that means hiring a landscaping company to do the heavy lifting.
Mysterious Work Schedule
Their mysterious work schedule is one telltale sign that your neighbor might be a secret millionaire. While commuting to your 9-to-5 job, you notice that their comings and goings are erratic, with no discernible pattern. In other words, they probably aren’t hamstrung by someone else’s work schedule.
They might be involved in lucrative business ventures that allow them to work on their own terms, or they could already be retired and enjoying the fruits of their labor.
Luxurious Vehicles Parked in the Garage
Catching glimpses of high-end vehicles like a Tesla, Porsche, or BMW in your neighbor’s garage could signify their hidden wealth (although not always!). While some millionaires prefer to keep a low profile by driving modest cars, others indulge in their love for luxury automobiles behind closed doors.
Note: Expensive cars are also driven by high-income people who aren’t millionaires because they spend most of their money. Don’t feel fooled. While pricey cars can signify wealth, it’s also not a tell-tale sign.
Frequent Home Renovations
Do you notice frequent renovations or upgrades happening at your neighbor’s house? From adding a pool to installing state-of-the-art kitchen appliances, these renovations could mean you’re living next to a millionaire because they have the resources to improve their home.
If you’re curious, make friends with the neighbor; hopefully, you’ll see the inside of their home. Does it look like a millionaire lives there? Or, maybe someone who is living beyond their means?
Fancy Parties
While your neighbor might not throw extravagant parties every weekend, the occasional lavish soirée could be a clue to their hidden wealth. This is especially true if party guests drive expensive cars, wear nicer clothing, and seem well put-together.
If you notice caterers, valets, and live entertainment at their gatherings, they’re likely accustomed to a luxurious lifestyle. Just try not to be a creeper as you watch what’s going on!
Traveling in Style
Keep an eye on your neighbor’s travel habits. Do they frequently fly off to exotic destinations or arrive home in style with limousine or airport transfer services? And when they do, are they dressed nicely? Do you notice “First Class” printed on the boarding pass?
Their penchant for luxurious travel experiences could hint at their millionaire status.
Membership to Exclusive Clubs
Membership to exclusive clubs such as country clubs, golf clubs, or private social clubs often comes with a hefty price tag. If you suspect your neighbor is a secret millionaire, discovering that they’re a member of one or more of these elite establishments could confirm your suspicions.
Some country clubs allow members to bring guests, so if you want to hit the links at a ritzy place, make friends with that neighbor. 🙂
Minimal Debt
While it’s common for average households to carry some debt (especially mortgage), a lack of visible debt could indicate that your neighbor is financially well-off. Millionaires don’t carry credit card debt. They never take out payday loans. They also pay cash for many of the discretionary items they buy.
If they own their home outright, drive luxury cars without financing, and rarely mention financial struggles, they might be concealing significant wealth.
Generous Charitable Contributions
You may not realize it, but secret millionaires often quietly support charitable causes without seeking recognition or accolades. They make anonymous donations. Sometimes, they even volunteer their time for causes they care about.
While this can be difficult to observe sometimes, seeing your neighbor making substantial donations to local charities or volunteering their time and resources to help others could be a sign of their philanthropic nature and financial stability.
Unassuming Wardrobe
Contrary to popular belief, not all millionaires dress in designer clothing from head to toe. Many millionaires who value “stealth wealth” prefer to blend in with their neighbors by choosing understated and classic wardrobe choices. If your neighbor’s clothing choices are modest yet high-quality, it could be a subtle indicator of their wealth.
Next time you see your neighbor, pay attention to what they are wearing.
Well-Traveled Pets
Many households have pets as part of the family, but millionaire pet owners often spare no expense when it comes to their furry companions. If your neighbor’s pets receive top-notch veterinary care, dine on gourmet pet food, and have their own designer accessories, or someone who walks them in the middle of the day while they are working, it could be a clue to their affluent lifestyle.
Hint: Want to start a side hustle to make extra money? Dog walking can be very lucrative because people pay a lot of money to have their pets cared for in their absence.
Tech Savvy Gadgets
Watch for the latest tech gadgets in your neighbor’s home. From smart home devices to high-end entertainment systems, computers, electric blinds, and other niceties, their penchant for cutting-edge technology could hint at their financial capability to indulge in these luxuries.
Exclusive Hobbies
While everyone has hobbies, secret millionaires may pursue exclusive or expensive pastimes that are out of reach for the average person. Whether they collect rare artwork, fly private planes, go out on their yacht regularly, or participate in high-stakes poker games, their hobbies could provide insight into their wealth.
Multiple Properties
Your neighbors are financially well-off if they own multiple properties or vacation homes. After all, homes are definitely not cheap! While they may keep their primary residence low-key, their real estate portfolio could reveal the extent of their wealth and investment savvy.
“Vacation home,” “second house,” or “beach condo” can all be clear signs that your neighbor is a millionaire.
High-Level Connections
Secret millionaires often move into elite social circles and have connections to influential individuals in business, politics, or entertainment. If your neighbor frequently hosts or attends gatherings with prominent figures, it could signify their elevated social status and financial success.
Private Staff
While it’s common for affluent individuals to hire household staff, secret millionaires might keep their employees out of sight to maintain their privacy. If you notice discreet housekeepers, gardeners, or personal assistants coming and going from your neighbor’s property, it could be a clue to their hidden wealth.
Financial Independence
Above all, the most telling sign that your neighbor is a secret millionaire is their financial independence. They might be free to pursue their passions, travel the world, and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the constraints of traditional employment or financial worries.