Unpacking The Truth: Do Ben And Erin Napier Still Live In Laurel, Mississippi?

For fans of HGTV's heartwarming hit show, Home Town, the names Ben and Erin Napier are synonymous with charming Southern hospitality, incredible design transformations, and, of course, the quaint, historic town of Laurel, Mississippi. Their genuine approach to home renovation and community revitalization has captivated audiences worldwide, leading many to wonder about the couple's personal life. A frequently asked question that pops up in online forums and fan groups is: "Do Ben and Erin Napier still live in Laurel, Mississippi?" Let's unpack the truth behind this power couple's journey and their enduring connection to the town that made them household names.

The short and definitive answer is a resounding yes: Ben and Erin Napier unequivocally still live in Laurel, Mississippi. Their lives, their family, their business, and the very essence of their television show are deeply rooted in this small Southern city. Far from being just a backdrop for their show, Laurel is their beloved home, the place where their dreams took root and continue to flourish.

Laurel: More Than Just a Filming Location, It's Home

The story of Ben and Erin Napier is inextricably linked to Laurel, Mississippi. It's a tale of college sweethearts who chose to build their life in a place they cherished, long before the cameras ever rolled. Their commitment to Laurel is not just a professional one; it's profoundly personal.

The Genesis of Their Laurel Love Story

Erin and Ben's journey began in Laurel, Mississippi, even before their HGTV fame. College sweethearts Erin, an artist and graphic designer, and Ben, a woodworker, craftsman, and former minister, made a conscious decision to return to Erin's hometown after their wedding in 2008. While Erin admitted in 2022 that they had "talked about living in Memphis or Birmingham, maybe going to Nashville," their hearts ultimately led them back to Laurel. This decision laid the groundwork for everything that followed.

It was in Laurel that Erin and Ben Napier launched their design careers, initially by restoring historic properties. Their early work and their own historic home in Laurel were even featured in Southern Weddings Magazine in 2014. This feature, unbeknownst to them at the time, would become the genesis of their television fairy tale. They weren't seeking fame; they were simply "just trying to build a beautiful life in their beloved hometown of Laurel, Mississippi, one house, one neighbor, one main street at a time." This authentic desire to nurture their community is precisely what resonated with television producers and, eventually, millions of viewers.

Their Iconic 1925 Craftsman Home

A testament to their deep roots in Laurel is their own home. Ben and Erin live in the historic district of Laurel with their daughter, Helen, and their two sweet Great Pyrenees pups, Chevy and Baker. Their personal residence, a charming 1925 craftsman, is as much a character in their story as the couple themselves. The house was originally spotted by the couple while they were on a walk, and according to Erin's blog (via Country Living), they loved it so much they knew it had to be theirs.

This home is not just where they live; it's a living embodiment of their design philosophy and their commitment to preserving history. It's a space that reflects their impressive design skills, and if you haven't seen it, it's time you check out their home in Laurel, Mississippi. Fans often get glimpses of their personal haven on the show, and it's a constant reminder that their work begins right in their own backyard. Furthermore, the data indicates that Ben and Erin Napier will even "do a house for themselves on 'Home Town' season 6," suggesting an ongoing personal connection to renovating and living within Laurel.

The Heart of Home Town: Ben and Erin's Enduring Commitment to Laurel

Their residency in Laurel is not just about where they sleep; it's the foundation of their entire professional endeavor. Home Town isn't just a show they host; it's a reflection of their lives and their mission to uplift their community.

Revitalizing a Community, One House at a Time

The core of Ben and Erin's work on HGTV's Home Town involves restoring homes within Laurel, Mississippi. They have renovated more than 100 houses in their hometown, each project contributing to the town's revitalization and showcasing its inherent charm. Among these, certain ones hold special meaning to their family, such as the cottage they restored on the fifth season for Ben's younger brother, Jesse, and his family. The fact that this cottage was recently up for sale (as of January 19, 2025) further illustrates the tangible impact of their work within the community.

Beyond the show, Ben and Erin also design and manufacture heirloom wares and durable goods, a business venture that is undoubtedly rooted in their Laurel base. Their commitment extends beyond just houses; it's about fostering local craftsmanship and creating lasting products, all from their beloved hometown.

Laurel as a Destination

Thanks to Ben and Erin Napier and Home Town, tiny Laurel, Mississippi, has transformed into a national, and even international, destination. Visitors from all over the country (and beyond) now flock to Laurel, drawn by the town's charm, Southern hospitality, and special blend of charisma that the Napiers have so beautifully showcased. The show encourages viewers to "discover the charm of Laurel, Mississippi, through its unique shops and experiences featured on the show," even offering guides on "how to spend a weekend in Laurel."

The couple has also welcomed HGTV fans to their "new 'Home Town Takeover'," an expansion of their community-focused mission that still originates from their Laurel base. The genesis of their story is truly "the stuff of TV fairy tales," a narrative that began with their simple desire to build a beautiful life in Laurel and blossomed into a movement that has inspired countless others to appreciate small-town living and historic preservation.

Why Laurel Remains Central to the Napier Narrative

The special connection Ben and Erin have to Laurel, Mississippi, is palpable. It's where they met, where they married, where they started their family, and where their careers unexpectedly took off. The authenticity that viewers adore about Ben and Erin stems directly from their genuine love for their town. It's not just a set for them; it's their real life, their community, and the place where their daughter, Helen, is growing up.

Their story is a heartwarming example of what happens "when our plans fall apart and something even better takes root," as Erin has often reflected. For them, that "something even better" was building a life rooted deeply in their hometown, allowing their passion for historic homes and community to organically evolve into a beloved television phenomenon. The very fabric of their brand and public persona is interwoven with the streets, homes, and people of Laurel. As a TikTok video from Landon (@landontalks) humorously puts it, using hashtags like "#laurel #laurelmississippi #thesouth #hgtvhometown #hgtv #erinnapier #iliveinlaurel,” their presence is a defining characteristic of the town itself.

Final Summary

In conclusion, the answer to whether Ben and Erin Napier still live in Laurel, Mississippi, is an emphatic yes. Laurel is not merely the setting for their popular HGTV show, Home Town; it is their genuine home, the place where their family resides, where their businesses operate, and where their personal and professional lives are deeply intertwined. Their decision to return to Erin's hometown after college, their personal restoration of their 1925 craftsman home, and their tireless work in revitalizing over a hundred properties in the area all underscore their unwavering commitment to Laurel. The town's charm, now famous worldwide thanks to their efforts, is a direct reflection of the Napiers' dedication to building a beautiful life, one house and one neighbor at a time, in the heart of Mississippi.