Amid the intense polarization of the current political climate, many wealthy Americans are quietly crafting a “Plan B”: purchasing luxurious bunkers as a safeguard against worst-case scenarios.
Ron Hubbard, CEO of Atlas Survival Shelters—a company specializing in the production of “doomsday homes”—has observed a surge in demand, particularly following the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump in July. “People are worried about the prospect of a civil war,” he remarked.
Atlas’s “ultra-luxury” bunkers are equipped with cutting-edge features such as bulletproof hatches, airtight doors, tamper-resistant air filtration systems, and decontamination rooms. These bunkers are not just functional; they are designed with aesthetic touches like granite countertops and oak hardwood floors. Escape tunnels are a standard feature in larger models, which can cost up to $200,000.
A YouGov poll conducted the day after the shooting at Trump’s campaign rally revealed that 67% of American adults believe the current political environment increases the likelihood of politically motivated violence. Meanwhile, a Reuters-Ipsos poll conducted at the same time found that 79% of respondents agreed that the situation in the U.S. is “out of control.”
“Right now, the world is teetering on a seesaw. The question is which way it will tip,” said Geoffrey Toledo, a 37-year-old real estate investor in Tampa.
Toledo is eyeing an apartment in the Survival Condo complex, a 15-story-deep bunker repurposed from a missile silo in Kansas. This facility boasts a swimming pool, a cocktail lounge, and a food supply that can last up to five years.
Toledo recently toured a 172-square-meter apartment priced at $2.4 million as he weighs his options. The perks include armed guard protection and access to a 20,000-square-meter fenced area above ground, where residents often take their dogs for walks.
A 29-year-old real estate investor from Arlington, Virginia, is also considering purchasing an 88-square-meter unit at the Survival Condo, listed at $1.3 million, as a safe haven for him and his girlfriend.
“Everyone views the election as an existential crisis. If the candidate they support doesn’t win, they’re thrown into a state of despair,” he said. “I’m looking for something I can move into quickly and without hassle.”
Larry Hall, the developer behind the condo project, noted that interest in their property has surged as the November election draws near.
Scott Bowman, a partner at McDermott Will & Emery—a firm that frequently advises families with net assets exceeding $500 million—notes that for America’s wealthy elite, the primary concern is how to be best prepared when disaster strikes.
Atlas Survival Shelters, a company specializing in custom bunker installations, has reported a threefold increase in sales since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and the chaotic protests of 2020.
A lawyer in Kentucky revealed his plans to purchase a $250,000 Atlas shelter, equipped with a solar power system, to protect his wife and four children in the event of nuclear war, civil unrest, terrorism, or any other catastrophic event. This steel bunker will be buried approximately 6 meters underground on his property in the Appalachian Valley.
For those seeking a suburban refuge, Vivos Group, headquartered in California, offers a compelling option. The company leases underground bunkers in locations such as South Dakota and Indiana. Demand has reached an all-time high,” says company president Robert Vicino. “Every time something significant happens, interest spikes again.
Vivos owns around 600 concrete bunkers scattered across the rolling plains near the Black Hills of South Dakota. Measuring 8 by 24 meters, each bunker is available for lease with an initial fee of $55,000 and an annual rental cost of $1,091. Residents have the flexibility to customize their spaces with various options, including large living areas, private bedrooms, and even gyms.
The company markets its offerings as providing a “luxurious and comfortable 5-star survival environment.
Philippe Briggs, a 56-year-old retired police detective from Southern California, has been leasing a Vivos bunker in South Dakota since the pandemic hit, using it as a safe haven for his wife and four children. Briggs notes that the bunker also doubles as a summer retreat and a gathering spot for friends. Several of his former colleagues have also secured spaces there.
“We invested in a place where we can bring our family if things go south,” he explained.
Vivos’s Indiana facility, designed to accommodate up to 80 people, comes fully furnished and equipped. “It’s like a cruise ship underground,” Vicino remarked.
However, Scott Hunt, an advisor for the reality TV show “Doomsday Preppers” on National Geographic, remains skeptical about the practicality of underground bunkers, citing the significant challenges associated with maintaining them.
Meanwhile, Montreal-based immigration lawyer Jean-Philippe Brunet notes that many Americans are exploring alternative options in the face of potential unrest. His office has seen a surge in inquiries from clients looking to move to Canada, at least temporarily, following the November election.
“Both Democratic and Republican voters are concerned about post-election scenarios,” Brunet explained. “Canada offers a sense of peace and security that many find reassuring.”
The number of Americans seeking citizenship or permanent residency in other countries through investment programs, which often require six- to seven-figure commitments, has skyrocketed, according to Henley & Partners USA, a firm that specializes in these types of programs.
Judi Galst, a representative at Henley, shared that clients have voiced a wide range of concerns: rising antisemitism, vaccine mandates, school shootings, and political instability.
However, few clients are looking to leave the U.S. permanently. Most hope they’ll never need to utilize their new citizenship. “It’s like buying insurance for your home—you hope it never catches fire,” she said.
