Overview of HGTV Home Town
HGTV Home Town is a long-form renovation and design series that follows interior designers Ashley Bell, Ben Napier, and Erin Naas as they transform family homes in and around their hometown of Laurel, Mississippi. The show focuses on collaborative remodels, community, and thoughtful design within real family budgets. This article explains where the series is filmed, how production aligns with the hometown concept, and what that means for the show’s structure and on-screen locations.
Primary Filming City: Laurel, Mississippi
The show is anchored in Laurel, Mississippi, a city in Jones County known for its historic downtown, oak-lined streets, and mix of older and newer neighborhoods. The producers intentionally chose homes that reflect real local families, many of whom are long-term residents. This creates a grounded, relatable setting rather than a staged showcase. Because the series highlights neighborhood context and long-term relationships, filming primarily occurs within this identifiable Southern community rather than at a remote studio backlot.
Why Laurel Matters for the Show
Laurel provides the hometown authenticity that the show markets. By designing within familiar streets and working with families who live there, Home Town preserves a sense of continuity and place. The location also allows the series to feature a range of architectural styles, from historic homes to mid-century builds and modest family residences. This reinforces the show’s focus on improving real life rather than staging luxury fantasy.
How Production Uses Multiple Locations
While Laurel is the symbolic and narrative center, production frequently uses additional addresses throughout Jones County and nearby areas. Crews may move a short distance to neighboring towns or rural properties when a family’s home or a specific design opportunity fits the episode’s vision. These choices are guided by family needs, architectural potential, and the story arc the producers aim to tell. The broader service area allows for varied design challenges while maintaining the show’s community-focused identity.
Typical Property Sourcing Process
Homes are generally selected through a combination of resident applications, local agent partnerships, and outreach from HGTV’s casting and production teams. Families must be willing to participate in a multi-day shoot schedule and open their homes to cameras and contractors. Because the series emphasizes real budgets and genuine family dynamics, properties are chosen based on resident stories, spatial potential, and design challenges rather than on extreme luxury or staged settings.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Primary City | Laurel, Mississippi | Show credits and production statements |
| Service Area | Jones County and adjacent neighborhoods | Production location notes |
| Designers | Ashley Bell, Ben Napier, Erin Naas | Official series credits |
| Typical Shoot Days | Multi-day schedule per home (exact days vary) | Industry practice and show descriptions |
| Home Selection Basis | Family stories, design potential, budget realism | Show premise and production descriptions |
On-Screen vs. Off-Screen Locations
Viewers see primarily residential interiors and carefully staged outdoor areas, such as driveways, porches, and backyard spaces where design work is visible. Some scenes related to planning, sourcing, and client meetings may occur in local businesses, offices, or short visits to design centers, but the overwhelming majority of content remains tied to the families’ actual properties. This approach maintains the show’s intimate, neighbor-focused tone.
Sourcing Properties and Vetoes
Producers generally avoid turning the series into a showcase for high-end, spec-style builds. Instead, they prioritize homes where families can stay during and after the renovation. This vetting process helps ensure the transformations are practical, budget-conscious, and aligned with the show’s identity. Designers also consider structural integrity, layout potential, and the ability to address real lifestyle needs within the renovation.
Visits and Community Reaction
Because the series films in and around residents’ homes, neighborhood awareness is often high. Crews coordinate with homeowners, local authorities, and neighbors to minimize disruption. The visible presence of cameras, trucks, and workers becomes a short-term fixture in each location, and many residents report positive community engagement as a result of participating in the series.
Seasonal and Weather Considerations
Filming can be affected by seasonal weather, particularly in Mississippi, where summer heat, humidity, and occasional severe storms may influence scheduling. Exterior work and certain material selections are planned around these conditions. Indoor filming and detailed interior work typically proceed regardless of weather, helping keep the production on track across the year.
Travel and Remote Episodes
While Home Town is rooted in Laurel and surrounding areas, the production may occasionally feature projects that require brief travel within Mississippi or nearby states when a compelling design opportunity and family align with the show’s values. These episodes remain exceptions rather than the norm, ensuring the series maintains its hometown-centered narrative.
How to Confirm Filming Details for a Specific Episode
Individual episodes list specific addresses and neighborhoods in end credits and brief on-screen location tags. For the most accurate information about a particular home, refer to episode credits, official show recaps, and statements from the production company. These sources reflect real locations rather than generalized references.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Home Town filmed entirely in Laurel?
Most primary filming occurs in Laurel and Jones County, with occasional nearby locations when a family or design scenario justifies a short move. The show remains centered on its Mississippi roots.
- Do designers ever bring in outside elements?
Yes, materials and fixtures may be sourced regionally or shipped when necessary, but the focus stays on adapting existing homes rather than building entirely new structures far from the families.
- Are the homes staged or actually lived in?
Homes featured are real residences occupied by families. Renovations are designed to be livable and budget-conscious, preserving the practical nature of the series.
Conclusion
Most primary filming occurs in Laurel and Jones County, with occasional nearby locations when a family or design scenario justifies a short move. The show remains centered on its Mississippi roots.
Yes, materials and fixtures may be sourced regionally or shipped when necessary, but the focus stays on adapting existing homes rather than building entirely new structures far from the families.
Homes featured are real residences occupied by families. Renovations are designed to be livable and budget-conscious, preserving the practical nature of the series.
HGTV Home Town is filmed primarily in Laurel, Mississippi, and surrounding areas in Jones County. The series’ identity depends on anchoring design within an authentic hometown context, using real families and practical renovations. This approach explains the consistent location strategy, the mix of neighborhood properties, and the enduring appeal of the show. Viewers interested in specific addresses can consult episode credits for exact neighborhoods and street-level details.