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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are reportedly considering moving to a new zip code in Santa Barbara – but residents in the exclusive neighborhood are ‘concerned’ that the royal couple will bring a ‘circus’ to the area.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have reportedly outgrown their idyllic Montecito mansion – and are looking to move to Hope Ranch, Santa Barbara, about 10 miles away.
They currently live in the sprawling $14 million home with their two young children – Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet – who took their royal titles in September when their grandfather Charles III became king.
But rumors of their move have shocked the locals in Hope Ranch, TMZ reported.
The Sussexes currently have a collection of elite A-list neighbors, including Katy Perry, Adam Levine, Ellen DeGeneres and Jennifer Aniston. However, Hope Ranch is a quieter, more exclusive area.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry (pictured in Windsor Castle in September 2022) are reportedly thinking about moving out of their $14 million mansion – but locals in their alleged new preferred zip code are concerned about the move, TMZ reported
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are reportedly planning to ditch their Montecito home (above), just as police reported the installation of new security cameras to fight the rampant crime
The affluent Hope Ranch boasts a slew of luxurious amenities, including a country club, golf club, tennis court, horseback riding trails, and its own private beach.
And with a population of about 2,200, the elite village is home to wealthy Californians who are not in the public eye like the Sussexes.
According to TMZsources close to the Hope Ranch Owners Association say residents are concerned about Meghan and Harry’s alleged move because of the “luggage” they will be taking with them.
The royal couple may bring a ‘circus’ to the idyllic setting, TMZ reports.
Meghan and Harry’s presence at Hope Ranch could also increase traffic in the area – as photographers flock to take pictures of the family, sources told the news station.
Their home in Montecito ‘isn’t right for them’ and rumors are already circulating that the Sussexes may have already bought a new home, reports The Santa Barbara News Press.
Harry and Meghan – who resigned their royal duties in 2020 – are pictured in New York City in 2021
The small but affluent community of Hope Ranch (above) has a country club, golf club, tennis courts, picnic areas, and a network of member-only horse trails.
Former Suits actress Meghan, 41, married Prince Harry, 38, in 2018 at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, but less than two years later, the couple retired as working royals and retired to America.
They bought their existing home in June 2020, four months after the so-called ‘Megxit’ deal that saw them leave the royal family.
Since then, they’ve signed deals with Netflix and Spotify for a total reportedly $135 million, with Harry also queuing for an additional $20 million to publish his autobiography.
The reason for their alleged move to Ranch Hope may also be for security reasons, it is alleged.
Harry and Meghan were reportedly shocked in May when police were alerted to two intruders at their home over a 12-day period when the family was believed to be home.
According to police records, an intruder was reported to Meghan and Harry’s home on their wedding anniversary, May 19, at 5:44 p.m.
Less than two weeks later, on May 31 at 3:21 p.m. – just hours before the couple was due to take a private jet to Britain for the Queen’s platinum jubilee, another intruder was reported.
Given the crime wave in the area, Harry and Meghan may instead choose to move to a safe neighborhood while staying in Santa Barbara.
Former Suits actress Meghan, 41, married Prince Harry, 38, in 2018 at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle – but less than two years later, the couple stepped back as working royals and retired to America
Hope Ranch has mansions worth up to $22 million in affluent community
Hope Ranch residents also have access to their own private beach along the shoreline