Ever wondered about the lives of Ben and Erin Napier, the dynamic duo behind the hit HGTV shows Home Town and Home Town Takeover? These two are famous for breathing new life into old homes, but fans are often curious about where they hail from and where they live now. Let’s dive into their story and find out more about this incredible couple's journey.
Roots of a Renovation Powerhouse: Where Are Ben and Erin Napier From?
Ben and Erin Napier, the heart and soul of Laurel's restoration scene, both trace their roots back to the heart of Mississippi. Erin, the creative half of the duo, grew up on her family's farm, located just a stone's throw from Laurel, Mississippi. She spent her childhood surrounded by nature, building forts with her grandparents, creating art projects with her mom, and exploring the parks in town. “I had never lived anywhere else before going to college,” Erin reminisced in 2018. “My childhood was filled with simple joys—working on art projects, camping out in tents, and exploring parks. But as a young girl, I dreamed of escaping the confines of south Mississippi and seeing the world.”
On the other hand, Ben's journey was a bit different. Born in Collins, Mississippi, about half an hour away from Laurel, Ben moved around quite a bit due to his father's career as a United Methodist minister. “We lived in several places, but I finished high school in North Carolina,” Ben revealed. Despite his wanderlust-filled youth, Ben eventually found his way back to Mississippi, where his story with Erin would begin.
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Life in Laurel: Where Do Ben and Erin Napier Live Today?
After tying the knot in 2008, Ben and Erin made the bold decision to move back to Erin’s hometown, Laurel. While many might have considered moving to bustling cities like Memphis, Birmingham, or even New York City, the couple chose a different path. “We discussed living in these big cities, but there’s this stigma about returning home—it’s like you’ve given up,” Erin confessed in 2022. “But the truth is, going back home can be the most rebellious thing you do. When you're young, you think the grass is greener elsewhere, but every place has its challenges. Laurel felt right for us.”
By 2018, Ben and Erin had fully embraced the small-town charm of Laurel. “Laurel is unique compared to other small southern towns I’ve lived in or visited,” Ben explained. “It’s an industrial town founded in the late 19th century by educated and cultured individuals, which gives it a special blend of blue-collar grit and artistic flair.”
In 2021, the couple added a new chapter to their story when they stumbled upon a listing for Erin’s dream home in Mississippi. They purchased the country home and embarked on a renovation project to make it their own. While they kept their original house in Laurel, the new property became a “hideaway” for the family, including their two daughters. “Growing up on a 40-acre chicken farm, I spent my days climbing trees, digging for arrowheads, and picking out baby chicks,” Erin shared. “I want my girls to experience that same kind of unfiltered playtime. Their bathwater should be dirty at the end of the day—it means they’ve been outside, exploring, and having real adventures instead of just staring at screens.”
A College Romance: Where Did Ben and Erin Napier Meet?
Ben and Erin’s love story began in 2004 at Jones County Junior College in Ellisville, Mississippi. Erin had always dreamed of attending Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, but fate had other plans when she was placed on the waitlist. Instead, she ended up at the college where she met the love of her life, Ben. “At first, I just wanted to get out of Mississippi,” Erin admitted. “But sometimes, the best things happen when plans don’t go exactly as expected.”
As their relationship blossomed, Ben and Erin transferred together to The University of Mississippi (better known as Ole Miss) in Oxford, Mississippi. Their college years were filled with laughter, learning, and love, culminating in an engagement during their final semester in 2007. The couple tied the knot on campus in 2008, creating a beautiful beginning to their life together.
