James Van Der Beek grew up in Cheshire, Connecticut , and as an adult he lived for many years in the Los Angeles/Beverly Hills area before relocating with his family to a river ranch property near Austin, Texas (Spicewood area) in 2020.

Quick Scoop: Where did James Van Der Beek live?

  • He was born and raised in Cheshire, Connecticut , where he also attended Cheshire Academy.
  • During his Hollywood peak (Dawson’s Creek and later work), he lived in Los Angeles , including a luxury home in the 90210 (Beverly Hills) area , purchased in 2013.
  • He also previously owned an investment property in Valley Village, California , which he bought in 2005 and later sold after renting it out for years.
  • In 2020, he and his family left Hollywood and relocated to Texas , moving onto a multi‑acre waterfront ranch outside Austin , with Pedernales River views, main house plus cabins, pool, and a “party barn.”
  • The Texas property has been described as a place to channel a “hippie cowboy” vibe, with lots of space, nature, and a tram down to the river.

In recent coverage (2025–2026), that Texas ranch is often described as his family sanctuary , where he focused on health, nature, and time with his children away from the LA spotlight.

Mini timeline

  1. Childhood/teens: Cheshire, Connecticut (birthplace and schooling).
  1. Young stardom era: Los Angeles area, including Beverly Hills and Valley Village properties during and after Dawson’s Creek.
  1. Later years: 36‑acre ranch near Austin/Spicewood, Texas, starting in 2020, which became his primary home and retreat with his family.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.