North Carolina, known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene, has become a haven for many celebrities seeking a quieter, more relaxed lifestyle. While the state may be famous for its picturesque beaches, rolling mountains, and thriving arts communities, it also serves as a retreat for some of the entertainment industry’s biggest names.
From sports legends to Hollywood stars, several high-profile figures have chosen to call North Carolina home. Whether it’s the tranquil settings, the warm Southern hospitality, or the state’s unique blend of urban and rural living, North Carolina offers an appealing refuge for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of more crowded locales. Let’s explore the most famous celebrities who call North Carolina their home, embracing the beauty and charm that North Carolina has to offer.
Top Celebrities That Live In North Carolina
Michael Jordan
Born on February 17, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York, Michael Jordan is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Jordan’s illustrious career includes six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and two Olympic gold medals. He is married to Yvette Prieto, with whom he has twin daughters, Victoria and Ysabel.
He played college basketball at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, leading the Tar Heels to an NCAA championship in 1982. His net worth is estimated to be over $2 billion, largely from his lucrative endorsement deals and ownership of the Charlotte Hornets.
Jordan’s decision to live in North Carolina is influenced by his long-standing ties to the state and his investment in local sports. His residence in Charlotte reflects his commitment to the area, providing inspiration and economic benefits to the community.
Luke Combs
Country music star Luke Combs was born on March 2, 1990, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Known for hits like “Hurricane” and “Beautiful Crazy,” Combs has quickly risen to fame with his soulful voice and relatable lyrics. He is married to Nicole Hocking, and the couple recently welcomed their first child.
Combs’ connection to North Carolina is profound; he attended Appalachian State University in Boone, where he began performing in local bars. With a net worth of around $5 million, Combs continues to maintain strong ties to his home state, often performing there and mentioning it in his songs. His love for the state’s scenic beauty and friendly atmosphere makes North Carolina an ideal place for him to live and raise a family.
Zach Galifianakis
Comedian and actor Zach Galifianakis was born on October 1, 1969, in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Best known for his role in “The Hangover” trilogy, Galifianakis has established a successful career in Hollywood. He is married to Quinn Lundberg, and they have two sons. With a $20 million net worth, he enjoys the peace and simplicity of rural life. Galifianakis’ choice to reside in North Carolina underscores the state’s appeal for those seeking a tranquil and grounded lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood.
Steph Curry
Born on March 14, 1988, in Akron, Ohio, Stephen Curry is a renowned NBA player known for revolutionizing the game with his exceptional shooting skills. He is married to Ayesha Curry, and the couple has three children.
Curry’s connection to North Carolina is significant; he played college basketball at Davidson College, where he led the Wildcats to the Elite Eight in the 2008 NCAA tournament. His net worth is estimated to be around $160 million, stemming from his successful basketball career and numerous endorsements.
Although Curry currently plays for the Golden State Warriors, he maintains a strong bond with North Carolina, often visiting and contributing to local causes. His ties to Davidson and the state’s supportive community play a crucial role in his continued connection to North Carolina.
J. Cole
Jermaine Lamarr Cole, known professionally as J. Cole, was born on January 28, 1985, in Frankfurt, Germany, but was raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina. A highly influential rapper and producer, J. Cole has released several critically acclaimed albums, including “2014 Forest Hills Drive” and “KOD.”
He is married to Melissa Heholt, and they have two children. Cole’s connection to North Carolina is central to his identity, often reflected in his music and philanthropic efforts. With a net worth of $60 million, he founded the Dreamville Foundation, which supports underprivileged youth in Fayetteville.
J. Cole’s choice to live in North Carolina highlights the state’s nurturing environment for creativity and its deep sense of community, making it an appealing home for the artist and his family.
Luke Combe
Born on March 2, 1990, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Luke Combs is a celebrated country music star known for chart-topping hits like “Hurricane” and “Beautiful Crazy.” With a net worth of around $5 million, Combs has swiftly ascended the ranks of country music with his powerful voice and heartfelt lyrics.
Combs is married to Nicole Hocking, and they recently welcomed their first child. He often references his North Carolina roots in his music, reflecting his deep appreciation for the state’s scenic beauty and welcoming atmosphere, which make it an ideal place for him to live and raise his family.
Steve Martin
Steve Martin, born on August 14, 1945, in Waco, Texas, is a multifaceted entertainer renowned for his work as a comedian, actor, writer, and musician. With an impressive net worth of around $140 million, Martin’s career spans several decades and includes iconic films such as “The Jerk” and “Father of the Bride.” Martin’s connection to North Carolina is primarily through his residence in Brevard, where he enjoys the serene surroundings of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
He is married to Anne Stringfield, and they have one daughter. Martin’s love for North Carolina’s natural beauty and tranquility provides him with a peaceful retreat away from the bustling entertainment industry, highlighting the state’s appeal for those seeking a quieter, more relaxed lifestyle.
Nicholas Sparks
Born on December 31, 1965, in Omaha, Nebraska, Nicholas Sparks is a prolific author known for his romantic novels, many of which have been adapted into successful films. With a net worth estimated at $40 million, Sparks has penned beloved works like “The Notebook” and “A Walk to Remember.”
Sparks resides in New Bern, North Carolina, a location that frequently serves as the setting for his stories. He was previously married to Cathy Cote, and they have five children. Sparks’ choice to live in North Carolina is influenced by the state’s picturesque coastal landscapes and small-town charm, which provide both inspiration and a serene environment conducive to his writing.
Gladys Knight
The “Empress of Soul,” Gladys Knight was born on May 28, 1944, in Atlanta, Georgia. With a career spanning over six decades, Knight has amassed a net worth of about $28 million, earning acclaim for timeless hits like “Midnight Train to Georgia.” Knight and her husband, William McDowell, reside in Fairview, North Carolina, where they are actively involved in community and philanthropic efforts. Her presence in North Carolina underscores the state’s appeal to artists seeking a harmonious balance between public and private life.
James Taylor
Born on March 12, 1948, in Boston, Massachusetts, James Taylor is a legendary singer-songwriter known for classic hits such as “Fire and Rain” and “Carolina in My Mind.” With a net worth of approximately $80 million, Taylor’s career has been marked by numerous awards and accolades.
Taylor’s connection to North Carolina is personal and profound; he grew up in Chapel Hill and often credits the state’s landscapes and culture as significant influences on his music. He is married to Caroline “Kim” Smedvig, and they have twin sons.
Taylor’s choice to live in North Carolina reflects his enduring love for the state’s vibrant arts scene and its supportive, tight-knit communities, making it a perfect place for an artist of his stature to call home.
David Holt
Born on October 15, 1946, in Gatesville, Texas, David Holt is a renowned musician, storyteller, and television host known for his dedication to preserving traditional American folk music and culture. He moved to North Carolina drawn by the rich musical heritage of the Appalachian Mountains, which profoundly influenced his work. Married to Ginny Callaway, with whom he shares two children, Holt’s net worth is estimated at $1.5 million, primarily from his extensive career in music and television.
Key milestones in his career include winning multiple Grammy Awards and hosting the popular PBS series “David Holt’s State of Music.” Holt’s commitment to North Carolina’s musical traditions highlights the state’s role as a vibrant center for folk arts.
Nicholas Sparks
Nicholas Sparks, born on December 31, 1965, in Omaha, Nebraska, is an acclaimed author celebrated for his emotionally evocative romantic novels, many of which have been adapted into successful films. Sparks resides in New Bern, a picturesque town that often serves as the backdrop for his stories. His decision to live in North Carolina stems from the state’s serene coastal landscapes and its small-town charm, which provide a perfect setting for his writing. Sparks, who was previously married to Cathy Cote, has five children.
With a net worth estimated at $40 million, Sparks’ notable works include “The Notebook” and “A Walk to Remember,” both of which significantly impacted his career and popular culture. His choice of residence underscores North Carolina’s allure for creative individuals seeking inspiration and tranquility.
Adam Copeland
Born on October 30, 1973, in Orangeville, Ontario, Adam Copeland, better known by his ring name Edge, is a retired professional wrestler and actor. Known for his storied career in WWE, where he won numerous championships, Copeland has a net worth of around $14 million.
Copeland and his wife, Beth Phoenix, who is also a retired professional wrestler, live there with their two daughters. They chose North Carolina for its family-friendly environment and the tranquility it offers away from the public eye.
Significant events in Copeland’s career include his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame and his successful return to wrestling after a serious neck injury. North Carolina provides a perfect backdrop for his family life and post-wrestling career pursuits.
Ashley Christensen
Renowned chef and restaurateur Ashley Christensen was born on August 31, 1978, in Greensboro, North Carolina. She has made a significant impact on the culinary scene with her award-winning restaurants in Raleigh, including Poole’s Diner and Death & Taxes. Christensen’s connection to North Carolina is both personal and professional; she has dedicated her career to elevating Southern cuisine and supporting local agriculture. Her decision to stay in North Carolina stems from her deep roots in the state and her commitment to its culinary traditions.
Christensen, who keeps her personal life private, has a net worth estimated at $2 million, primarily from her successful restaurant ventures. Key milestones in her career include winning the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southeast. Her presence in North Carolina highlights the state’s emerging status as a culinary destination and its supportive community for chefs and restaurateurs.
Ric Flair
Born on February 25, 1949, in Memphis, Tennessee, Ric Flair is a legendary professional wrestler known for his flamboyant style and charismatic persona. Over his illustrious career, Flair has won numerous championships, including 16 recognized world titles, making him one of the most celebrated figures in wrestling history. He has resided in North Carolina for many years, specifically in Charlotte. He chose to live there for its vibrant wrestling community and supportive fan base.
Flair, married multiple times, has four children, including Charlotte Flair, who has followed in his footsteps as a professional wrestler. His decision to call North Carolina home underscores the state’s strong ties to the wrestling industry and its welcoming environment for sports icons.
MrBeast
Jimmy Donaldson, known online as MrBeast, was born on May 7, 1998, in Wichita, Kansas. He is a pioneering YouTuber famous for his high-budget stunts and philanthropy, significantly impacting the online entertainment world. From his successful YouTube career and various business ventures, MrBeast’s net worth is estimated at $100 million.
His connection to North Carolina is through his residence in Greenville, where he has built his content creation empire. Donaldson chose North Carolina for its lower cost of living and the opportunity to reinvest more into his videos and charitable efforts. He remains private about his personal life but has mentioned the supportive community in Greenville as a significant reason for staying. MrBeast’s presence in North Carolina highlights the state’s appeal to digital innovators and entrepreneurs.
DaBaby
Born Jonathan Lyndale Kirk on December 22, 1991, in Cleveland, Ohio, DaBaby is a prominent rapper and songwriter known for hits like “Suge” and “Rockstar.” With a net worth of around $5 million, DaBaby has significantly impacted the music industry with his energetic style and catchy lyrics.
He moved to Charlotte at a young age, where he started his music career. DaBaby chose to stay in North Carolina due to its supportive music scene and the influence it had on his artistic development. He is a father of three children and often mentions his family as a motivating factor in his career. His decision to live in North Carolina underscores the state’s nurturing environment for artists and its vibrant cultural landscape.