Ask anyone who’s always visited L.A. what’s most memorable on their list of things to do or see, and generally, “spot a celebrity” is at the top. Yet, throughout the long term, seeing celebs in their native environment has become somewhat of a challenge. Why? Well, many of them don’t want to live in a city that’s all about the industry and networking all day, every day. For other people, major tax breaks have moved numerous productions beyond L.A., so stars choose to relocate to any place they have some work. Rent.com has quite recently released its list of the main 10 celebrity cities beyond L.A. and NYC, based on television and film locations, celebrity vacations, and regular visits.
Here is the list:
1. Wilmington, N.C.
Of course, I was a little shocked, however when you consider that Wilmington has earned the title of “Hollywood East” having filled in as the filming site of more than 300 motion pictures and Programs, like Weekend at Bernie’s, Matlock, Dawson’s Creek, and One Tree Hill, everything starts to make sense. Average rent in Wilmington: $943.
2. Boston
Also called Ben Affleck’s favorite place on earth — consider all the films that have been shot there: Kindness Hunting, The Departed, The Thomas Crown Affair, etc. And don’t fail to remember that you can run into Gisele by simply visiting the grocery store—the average rent in Boston: is $2,323.
3. Austin, Texas
I have yet to meet one person who isn’t charmed by the home of the Texas Longhorns. And if Sandra Bullock loves it, we do as well. Consider all the music and television festivals held in the city (South by Southwest, Austin City Limits, and the Austin Film Festival), and you have yourself a center point of celeb activity. Average rent in Austin: $1,288
4. Chicago
My favorite city (aside from my hometown of St. Louis), Chicago is the New York of the Midwest. It’s home to numerous film and television locations (Home Alone, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Chicago Fire, The Dark Knight), and you’re almost always guaranteed a celeb sighting. Pay a visit to RPM Italian (that’s right, Giuliana and Bill’s place), Pal City for barbecue, RL (you know, to see Oprah), or Three Specks and a Dash, and prepare to say, “Hello, isn’t that…?” Average rent in Chicago: $1,566
5. Seattle
Most popular for its plethora of coffee shops, indie music scene, and rainy weather, Seattle is also one of the most popular cities for celebrities to escape from the commotion of L.A. Be prepared to see tons of Gray’s Anatomy memorabilia. After all, occasionally the cast films on location. Average rent in Seattle: $1,736
6. New Orleans
Known as “Hollywood South,” New Orleans attracts celebrities who love the charming city (the tax breaks proposed to the entertainment industry are a colossal help). Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have a home there, along with Sandra Bullock, Harry Connick Jr., and others. And then there’s Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and amazing beignets. Average rent in New Orleans: $1,137.
7. Miami
Miami, Miami…you have style. (Apologies, I’ll quit singing Dorothy and Rose’s song on The Golden Girls). Celebs flock to Miami year-round (especially New Year’s Eve) for events like Art Basel Miami Beach, Ultra Music Festival, South Beach Food and Wine Festival, and Mercedes-Benz Swim Week. Average rent in Miami: $1,859.
8. Atlanta
Drop Dead Diva shoots in Atlanta, the epicenter of the hip-bounce recording industry. Atlanta is also home to major networking including CNN, Cartoon Network, TBS, and Tyler Perry Studios, many of which film shows in the city. It also has become a top city for filming everything from the zombie blockbuster show The Walking Dead to the upcoming The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Average rent in Atlanta: $1,142.
9. Honolulu
I’ve had more luck spotting celebs at resorts in Maui or Kauai, however considering that most Network programs shoot in Honolulu, the capital city may be your smartest choice (especially if you want to run into Hawaii Five-0’s Alex O’Loughlin or Scott Caan). Average rent in Honolulu: $1,748. (That’s a lot of tropical drinks!)
10. Las Vegas
Nothing unexpected here. The real city that never sleeps sees celebs all week long, whether it’s an awards show, a film, or for unadulterated fun. Heck, hang out at the airport and you’ll see them. Average rent in Las Vegas: $1,006.