You’d think a guy who wrote "Running on Empty" would be hard to pin down, right? But honestly, Jackson Browne is a lot more settled than his early road-warrior lyrics might suggest. While he was born in Germany and did that famous stint in Greenwich Village back in the sixties, the man is California through and through.
If you're looking for a simple answer to where does jackson browne live now, the reality is that he splits his time between a few iconic properties. He isn't living in a glass box in the Hollywood Hills or a generic McMansion. His homes are extensions of his soul—rugged, eco-friendly, and deeply tied to the land.
The biggest part of his life currently centers around two main spots: a legendary ranch in the Santa Barbara area and a secluded retreat near the coast in Aptos.
The Crown Jewel: Hollister Ranch
Most people who follow his career know about the "Ranch." He bought into the Hollister Ranch community way back in the late 70s, against the advice of his business manager who thought land was a "terrible investment." Browne didn't care about the ROI. He wanted to preserve something.
Today, that property is a massive 100-acre estate. It’s located just outside Santa Barbara, and it’s basically a fortress of environmentalism.
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- Off the Grid: It’s famous for being one of the first major celebrity homes to go fully wind and solar-powered.
- The Vibe: Think rugged coastline, private surf breaks (at the famous Rincon nearby), and lots of quiet.
- Activism: He actually uses the location to host fundraisers, recently fighting against state efforts to turn the private preserve into a public park.
It's not just a house; it’s where he lived with Daryl Hannah back in the day and where he’s spent decades refining his sound. It's probably worth somewhere between $10 million and $20 million now, but to him, it's clearly priceless.
The Drama in Aptos
Then there's the Aptos property. This one has been in the news lately for reasons Jackson probably hates. It’s a 5-acre "rustic retreat" on Porter Gulch Road, tucked away in the redwoods of Santa Cruz County.
For the last few years, he was locked in a nasty legal battle with his neighbors. Basically, they wanted to use his private, paved driveway to access their own land and build a house. Jackson fought it hard—his lawyers argued they should use an old logging trail instead.
The Verdict? He lost. Well, mostly. In late 2023 and early 2024, a judge ruled that the neighbors could use his driveway. It was a rare public glimpse into his private life, revealing how much he values the seclusion of that redwood sanctuary. Despite the legal headache, the Aptos house remains a primary creative hideaway for him.
A Heavy Heart in 2026
It’s impossible to talk about his current living situation without mentioning the tragedy that hit his family recently. In late 2025, Jackson’s son, Ethan Browne, passed away. Ethan had been living on one of the family properties—specifically the one involved in that Aptos driveway dispute.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner recently confirmed (as of January 2026) that it was an accidental overdose. It’s a devastating blow for Jackson, who has always been a private but devoted father. It’s likely he’s been spending more time away from the spotlight lately, grieving at his more secluded Santa Barbara estate.
Why He Doesn't Live in L.A. Anymore
Jackson used to be the face of the Laurel Canyon scene. He lived in the middle of the L.A. folk-rock explosion. But these days? He's done with the city.
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He did buy a $2.7 million home in Los Angeles around 2010, and he still keeps a footprint there for work—most likely near his recording studio, Groove Masters, in Santa Monica. But he doesn't live there in the sense of waking up and getting coffee on Sunset Blvd. He’s a "land" guy now. He wants the trees, the ocean air, and the wind turbines.
Quick Snapshot of His Current Life:
- Primary Base: Hollister Ranch, Santa Barbara (100+ acres).
- Northern Retreat: Aptos, CA (Redwood forest setting).
- Work Hub: Santa Monica/Los Angeles (Groove Masters Studio).
- International: He’s been spotted in New York (Casa Cipriani) while touring, but it's never home.
Honestly, if you're trying to find him, you won't. He’s spent forty years making sure his homes are as inaccessible as possible. Whether he’s surfing at the Ranch or hiding out in the redwoods, Jackson Browne has successfully transitioned from a "pretender" in the city to a steward of the California coast.
If you're looking to follow in his footsteps, maybe start by checking out the Hollister Ranch Shoreline Preserve (from a distance) or visiting Santa Barbara, which he calls his "second home." Just don't expect to see him at the grocery store; he's likely miles behind a locked gate, powered by the sun.
Next Step: You should look into the history of Groove Masters Studio in Santa Monica if you want to understand where the actual "work" of his music happens today.