It’s No Surprise That Shaquille O’Neal Loves Living in North Texas

You can live large, but you don’t have to always actually live large.

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has purchased vast residences through the years, including a 31,000-square-foot, 12-bedroom mega-mansion known as “Shaq-apulco” in Orlando.

But he still appreciates the modest things, too.

In an interview with The Dallas Morning News last year, O’Neal said that when he was a youngster in San Antonio he was used to smaller homes, but “it was OK to have a [big house], a five-bedroom house with a person who’s living by myself, I think that’s fine. I think that’s plenty.”

That was in reference to his 5,269-square-foot gated community home in Carrollton. It’s small by Shaq standards.

However, according to recent reports, he’s added to his square footage in North Texas with another home —a 4,670-square-foot, six-bedroom house in Heath in Rockwall County.

Home is Where The Shaq Is

CandysDirt.com’s Brenda Masse had the news in April, reporting that O’Neal is moving into the Ridge Lakes community. Investment management firm Chexy Trust purchased the Heath home in April, according to Rockwall County property records.

Chexy Trust is also listed as the owner of Shaq’s home in Carrollton.

Zac Gideo, an agent for Rogers Healy and Associates Real Estate, trumpeted on Instagram in 2022 that he helped O’Neal purchase his Carrollton home.

“I found him the perfect home, and most of the process was done virtually — Facetime calls, videos of the property, etc.,” Gideo said in a statement.

Such a cool experience. My son and I stopped at @raisingcanes in Rockwall Texas. I turnaround from ordering and I say oh “Your Shaq” I’m glad I wore my @Gruntstyle shirt. My son was so pumped thanks @SHAQ you made his day pic.twitter.com/Xzpxx5rvOw

— RG | Mac_House (@Mac_House21) July 1, 2024

Shaq in Rockwall hanging out with customers and employees at Walmart pic.twitter.com/PteUBxtXLy

— Dallas Texas TV (@DallasTexasTV) July 1, 2024

https://twitter.com/DallasTexasTV/status/1808287375082377356

Gideo reportedly was the same agent in the Heath deal. The Realtor did not respond to messages for comment.

According to reports, O’Neal’s home in Heath was built in 2017 and described as a “harmonious blend of contemporary modern Mediterranean architecture.” It includes a saltwater pool with a waterfall complete with a 500-square-foot guest house, a tight fit for a 7-foot-1 big guy.

O’Neal made no secret that he’s set up a place in Heath. Nearby, Rockwall residents posted photos of O’Neal visiting Walmart, The Home Depot, and Raising Cane’s. O’Neal loves fried chicken and stays close to North Texas to monitor the Big Chicken restaurant chain he fronts.

O’Neal, who longed to play for the Dallas Mavericks and Mark Cuban, listed North Texas as a place to retire when the time comes. He’s about a decade away from qualifying for Social Security.

“When I get close to retirement, I’m looking to go down to the Southlake area,” he said. “So I’ll definitely get me a monster there.”