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One of the most respected and successful American filmmakers in history left California for New York.
Steven Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw, officially became New York residents on January 1, according to the Los Angeles Times. The couple moved into the San Remo co-op on Central Park West in Manhattan, previously home to celebrities including Bono, Mick Jagger, Warren Beatty and Tiger Woods.
On the same day Spielberg reportedly set up residency, his production company Amblin Entertainment opened an office in New York City, marking a significant shift away from Hollywood.
Spielberg has had homes on the East and West coasts since at least the mid-1990s.
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Speculation about the timing of the move could be linked to a proposed one-time 5% wealth tax on California residents worth $1 billion or more. Although it’s not up for a vote in November, the proposal — backed by the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West — would go into effect in 2027, and taxpayers could spread payments over five years, at an additional cost, according to the Legislative Analyst’s Office.
Steven Spielberg arrives on the red carpet for the Oscars Nominees Luncheon at The Beverly Hilton on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. (Getty Images)
If the measure is approved by voters, anyone who was a California resident on Jan. 1, 2026, will owe taxes, according to the proposal.
However, Spielberg’s representative said the move was not connected to the potential tax.
“Steven’s move to the East Coast is a long-term plan and is driven by his and Kate Capshaw’s desire to be closer to their New York-based children and grandchildren,” spokesperson Terry Press told the Los Angeles Times.
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The media declined to comment on Spielberg’s position on the wealth tax plan.
If the measure passes, determining who qualifies as a California resident would be difficult. The state’s Franchise Tax Board considers many factors when evaluating residency, including voter registration, time spent in California, driver’s license issuance, vehicle registration, location of spouse and children, and community affiliations such as religious institutions or country clubs.
It’s not publicly known how Spielberg’s move will affect any potential exposure if the measure passes, but with Forbes’ estimated net worth of $7.1 billion, he can be expected to pay Golden State about $355 million.
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Spielberg, who was born in Ohio, lived in several states before moving to California and attended California State University, Long Beach, where he later left to take a contract with Universal Studios.
His most influential films include titles such as “Schindler’s List,” “Jaws,” “Jurassic Park,” the “Indiana Jones” franchise, “Saving Private Ryan” and “Catch Me if You Can,” among others.
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