13 Comedians Who Settled in Quiet College Towns

Comedians are known for their quick wit and sharp observations, but some have chosen to settle in quieter places to find inspiration. College towns, with their relaxed atmosphere, often serve as the perfect backdrop for creative minds. These areas provide a balance of calm and youthful energy, making them ideal for comedians to hone their craft. There’s something about the simplicity of life in these towns that allows for reflection and growth. 

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Steve Martin – Paonia, Colorado

Steve Martin, known for his brilliant stand-up comedy and acting, chose to live in the small town of Paonia, Colorado. This picturesque area is known for its natural beauty and peaceful environment. Martin’s decision to settle in a quieter location was driven by his desire for creative freedom and a break from the bustling city life. The slower pace in Paonia gave him the space to explore his love for music and writing, away from distractions.

In Paonia, Martin found a balance between solitude and inspiration. The town’s close-knit community allowed him to connect with nature, which he has often credited as an important source of his creativity. His choice of location reflects his preference for quiet over the chaos that often surrounds celebrities in bigger cities. Despite the town’s size, Martin has continued to thrive creatively, proving that a calm setting can sometimes offer the best environment for artistic growth.

John Mulaney – Chicago, Illinois

John Mulaney, known for his sharp writing and impeccable comedic timing, grew up in Chicago and later returned to live in the college town of Evanston. Evanston, home to Northwestern University, provided Mulaney with a vibrant intellectual atmosphere, perfect for his observational humor. The town offered an escape from the distractions of larger cities while still providing access to the comedy scene in nearby Chicago. Mulaney has often spoken about the influence of his time in Evanston on his comedy.

While Evanston is not as quiet as some towns, it offered Mulaney a balance of academic energy and a small-town vibe. It was here that he honed much of his storytelling, often referencing his experience growing up in the area. The combination of a calm environment and proximity to Chicago’s comedy clubs helped shape his unique voice. This setting allowed Mulaney to focus on refining his craft while staying grounded in a community that appreciated humor.

Bill Hader – Tulsa, Oklahoma

Bill Hader, known for his work on Saturday Night Live and Barry, chose to return to his roots in Tulsa, Oklahoma. A self-described lover of small-town life, Hader found that living in Tulsa allowed him to stay connected to his family and keep a low profile. Despite his Hollywood success, Hader has always appreciated the slower pace of life in Tulsa, which he credits for helping him stay grounded. Tulsa offers him a calm space to recharge while still being close enough to major production centers when needed.

Hader’s decision to live in Tulsa reflects his desire to escape the pressures of living in a major city. He has often expressed that being in a quiet, familiar environment helps him stay creative and focused on his work. Living in Tulsa also allows him to stay close to his roots, which is important to him as he navigates the entertainment industry. Hader’s connection to Tulsa has become a key part of his identity, allowing him to find inspiration in the simplicity of everyday life.

Sarah Silverman – Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, New York

Sarah Silverman, known for her edgy humor, chose to live in Brooklyn’s historic neighborhood of Bed-Stuy. Though Brooklyn is a part of New York City, Bed-Stuy offers a quieter, more relaxed environment compared to other parts of the borough. Silverman has praised the neighborhood for its creative energy and community vibe, which have helped fuel her comedy. The location allowed her to immerse herself in the vibrant culture of Brooklyn while avoiding the hustle and bustle of Manhattan.

Bed-Stuy’s combination of quiet streets and artistic energy offered Silverman the perfect environment for reflection and creative work. The area is known for its historical significance and diverse community, making it a perfect backdrop for Silverman’s comedic voice. Though she continues to work in entertainment, Silverman has often cited her neighborhood as a key inspiration in her comedic journey. The town’s calm energy provided her with the space to explore new creative outlets while staying connected to her roots.

Jim Gaffigan – Chesterton, Indiana

Jim Gaffigan, known for his clean and observational humor, chose to live in Chesterton, Indiana, a quiet town near the shores of Lake Michigan. Chesterton offers Gaffigan a break from the chaos of the entertainment industry, giving him space to focus on his family and creative projects. The town’s peaceful nature and small-town charm allowed him to keep his personal life private while maintaining his public career. Gaffigan often reflects on the benefits of living in a place that prioritizes family life and community.

The relaxed atmosphere of Chesterton has proven to be ideal for Gaffigan’s work-life balance. While he regularly travels for shows and projects, he appreciates returning to the calm of his Indiana home. The town’s location also gives Gaffigan a sense of perspective, which is important for someone who often jokes about his family life and the absurdities of everyday experiences. His time in Chesterton has allowed him to stay grounded, both personally and professionally.

David Cross – Tbilisi, Georgia

David Cross, known for his work in comedy and as a creator of Mr. Show, chose the quiet city of Tbilisi, Georgia, as his base. Tbilisi is far removed from the major comedy hubs of the U.S. but provides a rich cultural environment that Cross found inspiring. He has often spoken about the importance of living in a place that feels removed from the pressures of the entertainment industry. In Tbilisi, Cross found the solitude and inspiration he needed to create his unique brand of humor.

Cross’s time in Tbilisi allowed him to focus more on personal growth and less on the demands of Hollywood. The city’s history and cultural richness offered Cross a fresh perspective that he could incorporate into his work. While living abroad, he enjoyed the opportunity to engage with different cultures, which influenced his comedy. The quiet pace of life in Tbilisi gave him the space to reflect on his career and expand his creative horizons.

Ellen DeGeneres – Montecito, California

Ellen DeGeneres, known for her daytime talk show, chose to live in Montecito, California, a serene coastal town that offers peace and privacy. Montecito is home to several celebrities, but it retains a small-town feel that provides a calm atmosphere. DeGeneres has spoken about how important it is to have a tranquil environment where she can recharge. The beauty of the surrounding mountains and ocean contributed to her decision to settle in Montecito.

Living in Montecito allowed DeGeneres to focus on her creative projects while enjoying the slower pace of life. The town’s proximity to Los Angeles allowed her to stay connected to the entertainment industry without being overwhelmed by it. Montecito has become known as a celebrity haven, offering a peaceful environment for those looking to escape the pressures of fame. For DeGeneres, it has provided a perfect balance between work and personal life.

Aziz Ansari – Nashville, Tennessee

Aziz Ansari, a comedian known for his work on Parks and Recreation and his stand-up specials, chose to live in Nashville, Tennessee. Nashville offers Ansari a blend of Southern charm and cultural vibrancy while remaining quieter than Los Angeles or New York. The city’s artistic community, combined with its calm atmosphere, made it an ideal choice for Ansari, who sought to focus on his writing and comedy without the distractions of bigger cities. Nashville has allowed him to stay grounded while still being in a thriving creative hub.

The city’s growing entertainment scene and rich musical history influenced Ansari’s decision to settle there. While he continues to work in television and film, Nashville provided him with a home base where he could reflect and take his time with new projects. Ansari’s connection to the city is evident in his comedy, where he often draws on his experiences living there. Nashville’s balance of calm and creativity made it a perfect fit for his personal and professional life.

Rachel Bloom – Venice, California

Rachel Bloom, known for her role in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, chose Venice, California, as her home. While Venice is part of Los Angeles, it offers a much quieter, more laid-back atmosphere compared to the heart of the city. Bloom has often mentioned how much she values the relaxed vibe of Venice, which allowed her to focus on her creative work. The eclectic, artsy neighborhood provided Bloom with the inspiration and calm she needed to work on her comedy and music.

Living in Venice allowed Bloom to keep her personal life private while still being close enough to Los Angeles for work. The community’s artistic energy and quiet streets provided the perfect environment for her to create and unwind. Venice’s blend of beach culture and artistic influence has been a perfect backdrop for Bloom’s comedic style. Her time in the area helped shape her work and stay true to her creative vision.

Kevin Hart – Devon, Pennsylvania

Kevin Hart, known for his stand-up comedy and film career, has roots in Devon, Pennsylvania. This small suburban town offered Hart the peace and stability he sought during his early career. Growing up in Devon provided Hart with a strong sense of community, which he credits for keeping him grounded as he rose to fame. The quiet surroundings allowed him to focus on his craft while staying connected to his roots.

Hart has often discussed how the values he learned growing up in Devon influenced his comedic style. The town’s close-knit atmosphere helped him build a strong sense of work ethic and community, which became central to his comedy. Despite his success, Hart has maintained a connection to Devon, returning frequently to recharge. The town’s tranquility provided him with a perfect escape from the pressures of the entertainment industry.

Jerry Seinfeld – Telluride, Colorado

Jerry Seinfeld, known for his observational humor, chose Telluride, Colorado, as his home. Telluride is a small mountain town known for its natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere. Seinfeld has often spoken about his love for the town’s serenity, which provides him with the ideal environment to work on his comedy. The town’s slow pace allowed Seinfeld to reflect and find inspiration, away from the distractions of major cities.

Living in Telluride gave Seinfeld the space to focus on his stand-up and other creative projects. The town’s peaceful setting and scenic views were perfect for someone who values quiet moments of reflection. Telluride’s small-town charm and connection to nature influenced many of Seinfeld’s comedic observations. The town became an integral part of his creative process, allowing him to keep his comedy grounded in reality.

Tina Fey – South Pasadena, California

Tina Fey, the iconic comedian and writer, chose South Pasadena, a quiet suburb of Los Angeles, as her home. South Pasadena offers a peaceful setting with a tight-knit community, providing a calm environment for Fey to focus on her work and family. Fey has praised the town for its sense of security and its creative energy, which has been instrumental in her writing. The neighborhood’s proximity to Hollywood gave her the perfect balance of privacy and access to the entertainment industry.

Fey’s time in South Pasadena allowed her to stay connected to her creative roots while enjoying a quieter lifestyle. The town’s charm and family-friendly atmosphere gave her the perfect backdrop for raising her children while still being able to focus on her work. South Pasadena’s combination of peace and proximity to Los Angeles was key to Fey’s ability to maintain a balance between her personal life and career. The town became a sanctuary for her, where she could recharge and stay grounded.

Patton Oswalt – Port Townsend, Washington

Patton Oswalt, known for his stand-up and acting, chose to settle in Port Townsend, Washington, a small town located along the Puget Sound. The quiet, scenic town offered Oswalt a break from the frenetic pace of larger cities. In Port Townsend, he found the peace and solitude needed to focus on his writing and creative endeavors. The town’s charming atmosphere, with its historic buildings and coastal beauty, provided Oswalt with the perfect environment to reflect and create.

Oswalt has often spoken about how Port Townsend has allowed him to slow down and think more deeply about his work. The town’s serene setting, combined with its artistic community, made it the perfect place for Oswalt to recharge and continue developing his unique comedic voice. Living in such a quiet place allowed him to balance his personal life with his high-profile career. Port Townsend’s calm energy continues to inspire his comedy and writing.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.