14 Celebrities Who Have Called Texas Home

It is well-known that everything in Texas tends to be bigger, including the list of celebrities connected to the Lone Star State. This includes local heroes, Texas-born icons, and stars who either grew up in the area or have strong ties to its vast landscapes, rich culture, and unique spirit. These notable figures include Grammy winners, Oscar winners, Hollywood stars, and legendary performers. An in-depth look will be taken at fourteen key personalities with Texas roots or homes, showing the lasting impact of the state on their careers.

George W. Bush

The former U.S. president has made Texas his home, enjoying its southern hospitality and remaining engaged in community life.

Upon leaving office, George W. Bush took up residence at his Prairie Chapel Ranch in Crawford, Texas, as reported by Miller Center. His post-presidential years in Texas reflect a quieter side of life, steeped in tradition and service. He also purchased a home in Dallas near Southern Methodist University, where Bush became deeply involved with the George W. Bush Institute, per the source.

50 Cent

Chart-topping rapper and entrepreneur 50 Cent has made Texas his new home, settling in Houston, where he actively participates in the local community and music scene. The New York native announced his relocation on social media, as reported by Fox News.

Known for his business acumen, 50 Cent finds the vibrant energy of Texas ideal for both his personal and professional pursuits. He also continues to support charitable causes, such as unexpectedly donating toys at Houston’s Christmas Eve Super Feast, according to KHOU 11.

Emma Stone

Oscar-winning actress Emma Stone has chosen the tranquility of Texas to enjoy life outside of Hollywood’s glare. Her appreciation for the arts and Southern comfort has made the state a welcoming retreat.

Stone has received two Academy Awards for Best Actress, for La La Land (2016) and Poor Things (2023), establishing her as one of Hollywood’s most celebrated performers, according to Variety. She remains active in creative pursuits while enjoying her tranquil Texas life.

James Van Der Beek

Famed for his starring role in Dawson’s Creek, James Van Der Beek moved to Texas to focus on his family before his death in February 2026. He and his wife, Kimberly, relocated their family from Los Angeles to a 36-acre property in Austin, Texas, in 2020, according to E! News.

Away from the demands of Hollywood, he embraced a more grounded routine, inspired by Texas traditions. His social media often showcased the joys of raising his children amidst scenic Texas backdrops.

Elon Musk

Entrepreneur Elon Musk moved to Texas to support large-scale innovation, from SpaceX rockets outside Brownsville to new Tesla facilities. Tesla relocated its headquarters to Austin, Texas, in 2021, and SpaceX shifted its operational hub to the Starbase facility in Texas in 2024, as reported by The Texas Tribune.

The business titan cites Texas’s openness to growth and frontier spirit as motivators for planting roots in the state. Musk’s primary Texas home is a modest house in Boca Chica, near the SpaceX Starbase facility close to Brownsville, according to Fortune.

Sandra Bullock

Oscar-winning Sandra Bullock fell in love with Texas’s warmth and diversity, choosing Austin as a part-time home. Her contributions to local arts and her beloved eatery keep her closely tied to the city. She owns Walton’s Fancy and Staple, a popular bakery, deli, and flower shop on West 6th Street in Austin, as reported by Mashed. Bullock treasures the privacy and sincerity she finds in her Texas community.

Willie Nelson

Texas is synonymous with country legend Willie Nelson, who has spent decades on his scenic ranch near Austin. His Luck Ranch in Spicewood, Texas, about 30 miles west of Austin, spans approximately 500 acres and hosts the annual Luck Reunion music festival.

Celebrated for his activism and distinctive sound, Nelson is a vital part of Texas’s musical legacy. His ranch continues to be a hub for fans and musicians, and also functions as a safe haven for more than 70 rescue horses.

Beyoncé

Global superstar Beyoncé is from Houston, Texas, and frequently honors her origins in her music and public events. She was raised in Houston’s Third Ward, where she attended Parker Elementary School, a music magnet school, before moving on to the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts., as reported by Click2Houston.

She credits her upbringing in Texas for shaping her artistry, strength, and work ethic. Even as she commands stages worldwide, Beyoncé’s Texas connection is at the heart of her legacy, and she holds a record 35 Grammy Awards.

Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson, America’s original Idol, maintains strong Texas roots from her childhood in the Lone Star State. Born in Fort Worth and raised in Burleson, Texas, she gained fame by winning the first season of American Idol in 2002.

Her strong voice, relatable personality, and charitable work connect with fans across the country. Clarkson keeps bringing authenticity to her work and life, which she credits to her Texas roots.

Owen Wilson

Beloved for his laid-back charm and comedic chops, Owen Wilson was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, and remains a fixture in the Texas creative community.

The actor’s authentic, friendly manner closely mirrors his Texan roots. He attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he met filmmaker Wes Anderson, a meeting that helped kickstart his Hollywood journey. He frequently visits for family gatherings and community activities, valuing his origins..

Matthew McConaughey

Matthew McConaughey’s Texas pride is well-known, from his alma mater to supporting local Austin causes. The Oscar-winning actor graduated with a film degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1993 and became a faculty member at UT Austin’s Moody College of Communication as a practice professor in 2019, according to UT Austin Moody College.

McConaughey’s “alright, alright, alright” catchphrase is only outmatched by his visible passion for Texas culture and education. He and his wife, Camila Alves, moved their family from Los Angeles to Austin in 2011, according to CBS News.

Eva Longoria

Actress and advocate Eva Longoria has turned her Texas roots into a platform for philanthropy and business. Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, she earned her degree in kinesiology from Texas A&M–Kingsville before heading to Hollywood, as reported by Texas Cultural Trust.

She highlights the diverse communities of South Texas and was honored as Philanthropist of the Year in 2009 by The Hollywood Reporter for founding the Eva Longoria Foundation, which supports Latinas in pursuing education and entrepreneurship.

Kyle Chandler

Friday Night Lights star Kyle Chandler decided to settle in Texas with his family, attracted by the state’s friendly vibe and stunning scenery. Since 2007, the family has called a 33-acre property in Dripping Springs, southwest of Austin, their home, as reported by My San Antonio. He balances his celebrated acting career with outdoor adventures, embodying the spirit of small-town Texas.

George Strait

The legendary George Strait, often called the “King of Country,” is among Texas’s most influential musicians. In June 2024, he set a new U.S. record for concert attendance, drawing more than 110,905 fans to Texas A&M’s Kyle Field in College Station for his headline performance, as reported by Texas A&M University.

Strait’s strong bond with Texas is deeply rooted, recognized by fans of all ages, and he holds the record for the most number-one singles by any artist in country music history, according to PopCulture.com.