Celebrities Who Ditched Hollywood To Live In Austin
Over the past decade, Austin has become one of the country’s most desirable places to live, with celebrities moving to Austin from some of the biggest cities like New York and Los Angeles.
One of the major draws of this city is its lively music scene, mixed with an obsession for craft beer and food. However, it is not just regular folks who have switched to Austin. Several Hollywood A-listers have ditched Tinseltown to live in Austin, and in this blog post, we'll summarize some of the most notable ones. So, what celebrities live in Austin?
Stephen Amell
Best known for playing the role of Oliver Queen in Arrow, Stephen Amell and his family moved to Austin in 2020. The actor has posted multiple photos on Instagram exploring the city and is often seen embarking on bike rides through neighborhoods and parks.
Zachary Levi
The Shazam! actor has been living in Austin for several years now. Born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, his English, German and Welsh ancestry all contribute to the overall Zachary Levi ethnicity. He has invested in local businesses, including a food truck park and the Rooster Teeth animation studio. He is also part-owner of the popular downtown bar, The Goodnight.
Jared Padalecki
Supernatural star Jared Padalecki put down roots in Austin over a decade ago, where he lives with his wife and three children. The actor owns a popular bar in the city, The Family Business Beer Company, known for its exceptional craft beer and friendly atmosphere.
Matthew McConaughey
The Oscar-winning actor is a proud Austin resident who served as a professor at the University of Texas at Austin for several years. McConaughey often shares his love for Austin on social media, frequently posting videos of himself playing the bongos on the steps of the state capitol.
Joe Rogan
Formerly from Los Angeles, the comedian and podcast host moved to Austin in 2020, citing LA's high cost of living and chaotic atmosphere as his primary reasons. One of the growing list of celebrities in Austin TX, Rogan has been busy setting up his at-home studio, where he now films and records the Joe Rogan Experience podcast.
Jensen Ackles
Co-star of Jared Padalecki in Supernatural, Jensen Ackles chose Austin as the place to raise his family. He owns a bakery and brewery in Austin called the Family Business Beer Company, a top hangout spot for locals and tourists alike.
James Van Der Beek
The Dawson's Creek star moved to Austin with his family in 2019 after experiencing the city during SXSW. Van Der Beek has acted in many shows over the years, but he also has a passion for crypto-currency. He has invested in several blockchain-based companies in the city.
Sandra Bullock
Sandra Bullock is one of Hollywood's most successful actresses, with several accolades to her name, including an Academy Award. In recent years, though, the actress has left Hollywood behind to raise her two children, Louis and Laila, in Austin.
In an interview with People magazine, Sandra revealed that she loves the city's laid-back lifestyle and friendly locals.
Emma Stone
Emma Stone is another famous face who chose Austin over Tinseltown. The actress, famous for movies like "La La Land" and "Birdman," lives in a charming cottage in the city's hip East Austin neighborhood.
Emma enjoys riding her bike around the city, trying new restaurants, and staying active with yoga and hiking.
Haylie Duff
Haylie Duff, actress, singer, and sister to Hilary Duff, relocated from Los Angeles to Austin in 2019. The celebrity mom decided to make the move after visiting the city and falling in love with its friendly locals, delectable food scene, and outdoorsy lifestyle.
Haylie now runs a popular food blog, "Real Girl's Kitchen," and enjoys cooking and entertaining in her Austin home.
James Marsden
James Marsden, the actor best known for his roles in "Enchanted" and "Westworld," is a proud Austinite.
Marsden, who grew up in Oklahoma, enjoys the city's friendly locals, vast green spaces, and vibrant music scene. In an interview, the actor revealed that he loves listening to live music at local venues like the Continental Club and Antone's.
Kyle Chandler
Kyle Chandler, the Emmy Award-winning actor, moved to Austin in 2009 after falling in love with the city's vibrant music scene and laid-back lifestyle. He’s settled with his family on a 33-acre ranch in Dripping Springs.
Chandler, famous for his roles in hit shows like "Friday Night Lights" and "Bloodline," enjoys hiking and paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake. In an interview with Austin Monthly, the actor lauded Austin's "great sense of community" and "authentic food scene."
Adrian Grenier
Adrian Grenier, the actor, producer, and director, fell in love with Austin while filming the movie "Goodbye World" in 2013.
The "Entourage" star, who leads a sustainable lifestyle, appreciates the city's eco-friendly attitude, saying, "Austin seems to be the perfect place for people who want to make the world a better place." Grenier currently resides in the city's charming Westlake Hills neighborhood.
Elijah Wood
Elijah Wood, most famous for his portrayal of Frodo Baggins in the "Lord Of The Rings" trilogy, moved to Austin in 2015 to escape Hollywood's craziness. The actor-producer loves Austin's cultural diversity, saying that he enjoys the city's "strong cultural identity that it wears loud and proud." Elijah is also a huge fan of the local eateries, which he describes as "phenomenal."
Other celebrities who have moved to Austin include Scott Eastwood, Owen Wilson, Willie Nelson, Gary Clark Jr, and Chris Harrison, and where does James Vanderbeek live? On a ranch joust outside Austin.
Conclusion
Austin has become more than just another city in Texas, it has become a hotspot for celebrities looking for an escape from the madness of Hollywood life.
These are just a few examples of the A-listers who have decided to make Austin their permanent home. The cultural attractions, delicious food, and endless sunshine will keep these stars happy and content for many years to come.
