Where is hgtv home town filmed

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: HGTV's Home Town is filmed primarily in Laurel, Mississippi, where hosts Ben and Erin Napier restore historic homes and revitalize the community. The show premiered on January 24, 2016, and has filmed over 100 home renovations across multiple seasons, focusing on properties built between the late 1800s and mid-1900s.

Key Facts

Filmed in Laurel, Mississippi, population approximately 17,000
Premiered January 24, 2016 on HGTV
Over 100 homes renovated across 7+ seasons
Focuses on historic homes from 1880s-1950s
Hosts Ben and Erin Napier own Laurel Mercantile

Overview

HGTV's Home Town is a popular home renovation series that showcases the transformation of historic properties in Laurel, Mississippi. The show follows husband-and-wife team Ben and Erin Napier as they restore homes while preserving the architectural heritage of this Southern community. Premiering in 2016, the series has become one of HGTV's most successful programs, blending home improvement with community revitalization.

The Napiers, both Laurel natives, leverage their local knowledge and craftsmanship to breathe new life into neglected properties. Each episode typically features one complete home renovation, with projects ranging from modest bungalows to larger historic homes. The show emphasizes authentic restoration techniques while incorporating modern amenities, creating a unique blend of preservation and contemporary living.

How It Works

The production follows a structured approach to home renovation while maintaining authenticity to Laurel's character.

Location Selection: The team identifies properties primarily within Laurel's historic districts, focusing on homes built between 1880 and 1950. They typically work with budgets ranging from $150,000 to $300,000 per renovation, with each project taking approximately 3-4 months from start to finish.
Design Process: Erin Napier leads the design aspects, emphasizing period-appropriate materials and colors while incorporating modern functionality. She often sources materials locally, including from their own Laurel Mercantile store, and focuses on preserving original features like hardwood floors, moldings, and fireplaces.
Construction Approach: Ben Napier oversees the construction aspects, working with a team of local contractors who specialize in historic restoration. They prioritize structural integrity while updating electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems to meet modern standards, typically completing 8-10 major renovations per season.
Community Integration: Each episode includes segments highlighting local businesses, artisans, and community events in Laurel. The show has directly contributed to the town's economic revitalization, with tourism increasing by approximately 40% since the series began airing.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Home Town (Laurel, MS)	Fixer Upper (Waco, TX)
Primary Location	Laurel, Mississippi (population ~17,000)	Waco, Texas (population ~140,000)
Architectural Focus	Historic homes (1880s-1950s)	Various styles including modern farmhouse
Renovation Budget Range	$150,000-$300,000 per project	$200,000-$400,000 per project
Season Production Timeline	3-4 months per renovation	4-6 months per renovation
Community Impact Focus	Historic preservation & local business support	Property value enhancement & design trends

Why It Matters

Economic Revitalization: Since Home Town premiered in 2016, Laurel has seen a significant economic boost with over 50 new businesses opening downtown and property values increasing by approximately 25% in historic districts. The show has generated an estimated $10 million in tourism revenue for the community.
Historic Preservation: The series has directly preserved over 100 historic structures that might otherwise have been demolished or severely altered. This preservation effort maintains Laurel's architectural heritage while demonstrating how historic homes can be adapted for modern living.
Community Model: Home Town provides a blueprint for how media can positively impact small towns, showing that thoughtful renovation and community engagement can create sustainable growth. The Napiers' approach has inspired similar initiatives in other communities across the United States.

The success of Home Town demonstrates how television programming can extend beyond entertainment to create tangible community benefits. As the series continues into its seventh season and beyond, it serves as a model for how media, craftsmanship, and community spirit can combine to preserve heritage while building for the future. The ongoing renovations and community projects in Laurel suggest this positive impact will continue growing, potentially inspiring similar initiatives in other historic towns across America.