Drew Starkey lives in Los Angeles, California, a city he moved to in 2019 to pursue acting full time. Despite his breakout fame as Rafe Cameron in Netflix’s Outer Banks, Starkey has kept his personal living situation notably private. He has not publicly shared details about his specific apartment or residence.
What makes his story stand out is the contrast between his on-screen portrayal of Charleston wealth and his real-world approach to housing. His father, Todd Starkey, a college basketball coach, has openly shared that Drew slept on couches and worked side jobs during his early career. That grounded background still shapes how he approaches life in Hollywood today.
From his childhood in Hickory, North Carolina, to the Lowndes Grove estate in Charleston where Outer Banks films, Starkey’s connection to real estate tells a story of ambition, restraint, and southern roots. This article breaks down everything confirmed about where he lives, where he grew up, and the properties tied to his career.
TLDR: Where Drew Starkey Lives
Drew Starkey currently resides in Los Angeles, California. He relocated there in 2019 after starting his career in Atlanta, Georgia. Born in Hickory, North Carolina, his family moved around the Blue Ridge Mountains area during his childhood. Starkey has not disclosed his exact address or property details in LA. His estimated net worth falls between $750,000 and $1.5 million, which positions him as a modest spender relative to Hollywood standards. The Cameron house from Outer Banks is filmed at Lowndes Grove in Charleston, South Carolina, not at Starkey’s personal residence.
Quick Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Joseph Andrew Starkey |
| Born | November 4, 1993 |
| Birthplace | Hickory, North Carolina |
| Current Residence | Los Angeles, California |
| Known For | Rafe Cameron in Outer Banks (Netflix) |
| Education | Western Carolina University (B.A.) |
| Net Worth (Est.) | $750,000 – $1.5 million |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Career Active | 2014 – present |
| Brand Partnerships | Loewe, YSL Beauty, Acne Studios |
Where Does Drew Starkey Live Now?
Drew Starkey currently lives in Los Angeles, California. He moved to the city in 2019 after spending his early post-college years in Atlanta, Georgia. In Atlanta, he joined two friends who were forming a production company and began auditioning for roles.
Los Angeles became the logical next step as his career accelerated. After landing Outer Banks in 2020, followed by the Luca Guadagnino film Queer in 2024 and the Apple TV+ series Lucky in 2026, LA offered the proximity to studios and industry events that his schedule demands.
Why the Privacy Around His Home
Starkey has not disclosed his specific address, apartment building, or rental details. This is consistent with a pattern among actors who prefer to keep their living arrangements out of public discussion. Given the intense fan interest in Outer Banks, maintaining privacy around his residence is a practical choice.
His public appearances around LA include events in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica, but these do not confirm a specific neighborhood. Without verified property records or confirmed reports, any claims about his exact location would be speculation.
From Hickory, North Carolina to Hollywood
Drew Starkey was born on November 4, 1993, in Hickory, North Carolina. His family moved around the Blue Ridge Mountains area, but he mostly grew up in Hickory. Drew Starkey’s father, Todd Starkey, is a college women’s basketball coach currently at Kent State University. His mother, Jodi Ballard Hutto, works as a school counselor.
Hickory sits in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina. The region is known for its modest residential architecture, with homes reflecting practical, working-class values rather than luxury design. This environment shaped Starkey’s perspective on housing and lifestyle long before he encountered Hollywood real estate.
Early Life in the Blue Ridge Area
As a child, Starkey played baseball and basketball, and learned guitar and piano. He attended St. Stephens High School in Hickory before enrolling at Western Carolina University. He graduated magna cum laude in 2016 with a double major in English and Theater Performance.
The homes in the Hickory area are typically single-family structures built with practical materials. Vinyl siding, brick exteriors, and conventional floor plans define much of the local housing stock. This is a far cry from the grand estates viewers associate with the Cameron family on Outer Banks.
The Journey: Atlanta to Los Angeles
After graduating from Western Carolina University, Starkey moved to Atlanta. He joined two friends who were starting a production company and began auditioning steadily. His father Todd has described this period with striking honesty.
“There were times when he wasn’t making any money, sleeping on couches, and working side jobs. Most people don’t see that part,” Todd Starkey shared in a public statement. This detail matters because it explains why Starkey’s approach to housing in LA has remained measured.
Actress Rae Dawn Chong discovered him and cast him in her directorial debut, which eventually led to his move to Los Angeles. The transition from sleeping on couches in Atlanta to establishing himself in one of the country’s most expensive housing markets reflects both career growth and careful financial management.
Inside the Real Estate Picture
Los Angeles has some of the highest housing costs in the United States. The median home price in the LA metro area consistently exceeds $900,000, with desirable neighborhoods reaching well into the millions. Rental rates for a standard one-bedroom apartment in central LA typically range from $2,500 to $4,000 per month.
A Modest Approach by Hollywood Standards
With an estimated net worth between $750,000 and $1.5 million, Starkey’s financial position does not support the kind of luxury property purchases that make real estate headlines. Many actors at his career stage rent rather than buy, especially when filming schedules require extended travel.
His brand partnerships with Loewe, YSL Beauty, and Acne Studios indicate rising cultural influence. However, these deals supplement rather than replace acting income. The financial reality of a working actor in their early thirties, even one with a hit Netflix series, rarely aligns with celebrity real estate speculation.
What Public Appearances Reveal
Starkey’s presence at fashion events, red carpets, and industry gatherings shows a polished personal style. His association with high-end fashion brands like Loewe for their Spring/Summer 2025 campaign suggests refined taste. But personal style and residential real estate are separate matters entirely.
From a design perspective, the Los Angeles apartments and rentals typically available to someone at his income level tend to feature modern finishes, open floor plans, and neutral color palettes. Mid-century modern influences are common in LA rentals, with hardwood floors, clean lines, and large windows that prioritize natural light.
The Outer Banks Connection: Inside the Cameron House
One of the most searched properties connected to Drew Starkey is the Cameron family home from Outer Banks. The show films primarily in Charleston, South Carolina, not in the actual Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Lowndes Grove: The Real Cameron Estate
The fictional Tannyhill Plantation from Outer Banks is actually Lowndes Grove, a historic estate located at 266 St. Margaret Street in Charleston. The property was built in 1786 and sits on 14 acres along the Ashley River, near the Citadel and Hampton Park.
From an architectural standpoint, Lowndes Grove is a significant example of 18th-century Southern design. The main house features classical proportions with a symmetrical facade, wide porch columns, and hand-milled woodwork that reflects the craftsmanship of the period. The property includes a private dock that appears prominently in the show.
Architectural Details Worth Noting
- Built in 1786 with Georgian and Federal style influences throughout the main structure
- 14-acre riverfront property along the Ashley River with mature oak trees and formal gardens
- Operates as a wedding and event venue, offering public tours of the grounds
- The private dock visible in the show provides direct water access, a rare feature in Charleston historic properties
The interior spaces shown on screen combine the home’s original architectural character with production design elements. The production team enhanced existing rooms with period-appropriate furnishings to convey the Cameron family’s old-money aesthetic. These are set pieces, not reflections of any cast member’s actual home.
Other Outer Banks filming locations in Charleston include the Secessionville Historic District, Mount Pleasant, and various waterfront properties throughout the area. The show’s production has contributed to tourism interest in Charleston’s historic real estate.
Career Momentum and What It Means for His Future
In February 2025, Deadline confirmed that Starkey joined the cast of Lucky, an Apple TV+ limited series headlined by Anya Taylor-Joy. The series also stars Annette Bening, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Timothy Olyphant. As of recent reports, Lucky is set to premiere on July 15, 2026, with filming split between Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
This project marks a significant step beyond Outer Banks. A high-profile Apple TV+ series positions Starkey for broader recognition and, potentially, increased earning power. As his career scales, his real estate options in Los Angeles will expand accordingly.
Outer Banks is heading into its final seasons. The show’s conclusion will free Starkey from the long-term commitment that has anchored his schedule since 2020. Whether he chooses to remain in LA long term or explore other markets remains to be seen.
