Chris Harrison: New Life in Austin After The Bachelor

Former "Bachelor" host Chris Harrison is absolutely loving his new life in Austin, Texas, embracing fresh opportunities and meaningful charity work alongside his wife, Lauren Zima.

TL;DR

Chris Harrison moved from Los Angeles to Austin, Texas, in 2020 and married Lauren Zima in October 2023.
He's found immense relief and a rekindled creative spark in Austin, even calling it "the new Hollywood."
Harrison recently hosted a successful fundraising gala for Experience Camps and has no plans to return to "The Bachelor."

From the Rose Ceremony to a Texas Welcome

It's been a few years since Chris Harrison, the face of "The Bachelor" franchise for nearly two decades, stepped away from the spotlight. In 2021, after defending contestant Rachael Kirkconnell following controversy over past photos, Harrison exited the show, leaving many fans wondering what was next for the beloved host. Well, wonder no more, because Harrison has found a new home and a new lease on life in Austin, Texas, and he couldn't be happier about it!

He recently shared that the move from Hollywood, along with finding love, has brought him a "wonderful break and relief." It wasn't always easy, though. Harrison admits there was an initial "angst" after leaving a job that had him under a constant "spotlight and microscope" for so long. The pressure of being on that "merry-go-round" for two decades was something he didn't fully realize until he got off. He even opened up on his podcast, "The Most Dramatic Podcast Ever," about losing 20 pounds and struggling to sleep during the ordeal. But now? He's definitely found his footing.

Why Austin is Chris Harrison's "New Hollywood" Hub

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Chris and his wife, entertainment reporter Lauren Zima, made the big move to Austin in 2020. Harrison, a Texas native from Dallas, always wanted to return to his home state, and Zima quickly fell in love with the vibrant city. For Harrison, Austin isn't just a change of scenery; it's a hub of opportunity.

"What I love most about the new chapter is the fact that Austin is the new Hollywood, which means the opportunities are a plenty here. There is so much tech, music, food, entertainment, theater. It's all happening here. And it reminds me of what Hollywood was built on, which is anything and everything is possible if everybody will just come in with an honest, open heart and mind and just wanna do some fun work together."

— Chris Harrison, in a recent interview with People Magazine

This energy, he says, is "truly palpable," and he's excited to "jump in and go with the flow." It sounds like he's found a creative community that feels a lot like the early days of Hollywood, where collaboration and genuine passion reign supreme.

A New Chapter: Love, Marriage, and Creative Sparks

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A huge part of Harrison's happiness clearly comes from his relationship with Lauren Zima. The couple started dating in August 2018 and got engaged in October 2021, just months after his "Bachelor" departure. They officially tied the knot in October 2023, with a beautiful ceremony at Ranch Austin, their wedding venue.

Zima, a former "Entertainment Tonight" host and producer herself, is credited by Harrison for helping reignite his creative fire. They've hinted at a new project they're working on together, though they're keeping the details under wraps for now. It's clear that their shared passion and supportive partnership are fueling exciting new ventures for both of them.

Giving Back: A Gala for a Heartfelt Cause

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Beyond new career opportunities, Chris and Lauren are also dedicating their time to meaningful causes. On Thursday, October 23, they hosted a sold-out fundraising gala, "Experience: Austin," for Experience Camps, a national nonprofit that provides free grief support to children who have lost a parent or sibling or primary caregiver. This cause is deeply personal to Lauren, whose father, Gary, passed away 15 years ago. She's been a counselor with the organization for three years.

The event, held at their wedding venue, Ranch Austin, was a huge success, raising over $800,000 to help launch Experience Camps' first Texas location. It was a true "Bachelor Nation family" affair, with many familiar faces showing up to support the Harrisons:

Ben Higgins
Kelley Flanagan
Andrew Firestone (who served as auctioneer)
Catherine Giudici Lowe
Zach Shallcross
Kaity Biggar
Connor Saeli
Raven Gates and Adam Gottschalk

Even Chris's children, Josh and Taylor, and his mother, Mary Beth, were there, along with Lauren's family. It’s heartwarming to see that despite his professional separation from the franchise, many of the friendships forged through "The Bachelor" have stood the test of time, showing up when it truly matters.

Closing the Door on Bachelor Nation, For Good

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With all this newness, many fans still wonder if Chris Harrison would ever consider returning to "The Bachelor." His answer is a definitive no, and for "a very good reason." He explained on a podcast that while he'll always have fondness and love for the show and the experiences it gave him, trying to go back would mean he "wouldn't be there for the right reasons."

He views his time with the show as an "amazing love affair for a very long time" that served a "season for a reason." Now, he's embracing a different path, proving that there's indeed "a whole other world out here to dive into" beyond the mansion.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered About Chris Harrison's Current Life

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Is Chris Harrison coming back to The Bachelor franchise?

No, Chris Harrison has stated definitively that he has no interest in returning to "The Bachelor" franchise, believing that trying to go back wouldn't be "for the right reasons."

Where does Chris Harrison live now?

Chris Harrison moved from Los Angeles and currently resides in Austin, Texas, with his wife Lauren Zima. They purchased a home there in 2020.

When did Chris Harrison marry Lauren Zima?

Chris Harrison and Lauren Zima got married in October 2023 after getting engaged in October 2021.

What is Experience Camps and why are Chris Harrison and Lauren Zima involved?

Experience Camps is a national nonprofit that provides free grief support to children who have lost a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver. Lauren Zima is a counselor for the organization, a cause that is deeply personal to her after losing her own father. Chris Harrison and Zima recently hosted a successful gala for the charity in Austin, raising over $800,000.