Where do the Duggars – specifically the maligned Anna – actually live nowadays? It’s a frequently asked question lately.
For fans of the famous family, the Duggar homestead is a familiar sight, dating back to simpler, less controversial times.
Jim Bob and Michelle built a 7,000-square foot Arkansas pad with the money from their first TLC specials back in the day.
Many years, kids and scandals later, the house served as the setting for two shows – and some large family gatherings.
Of course, much of the younger Duggar generation has grown up and moved out … some more successfully than others.
Before he got nabbed by the feds, Josh Duggar’s living arrangement in particular had been the subject of much debate.
His accomodations, along with wife Anna and their many children, were not what you’d expect given his parents’ wealth.
The confines of the main house have also been under renewed scrutiny, given that it’s where Josh’s first scandal arose.
With TLC canceling Counting On at long last, it’s unlikely that living conditions will improve for any of the above soon.
Below, we go inside the compound and the modest digs where the 33-year-old likely spent his last days of freedom.
The Compound
Every Counting On fan is familiar with the massive Tontitown property known as the Duggar compound. But these days, several of Jim Bob and Michelle’s kids have left the nest to establish homes of their own.
The Beginning …
The Duggars’ story begins here, in this much more modest home in nearby Springdale, Arkansas. Not the kind of place in which you would want to raise 19 kids.
A Humble Start
When the Duggars made their TV debut on Discovery Health, the network helped them with construction costs for their new home in Tontitown. Execs also filled up the family’s pantry, something Jim Bob and Michelle had difficulty doing in those days.
The Living Room
The Duggars love the great outdoors (especially their big backyard) but when they’re inside the compound, this sprawling living room – with its sky-high ceilings – serves as the site of more Counting On scenes than any other.
The Master Bedroom
And this – as they used to say on MTV’s Cribs – is where the magic happens. Jim Bob and Michelle’s bedroom has been the site of an awful lot of baby-making.
The Master Bath
And this is the bathroom off of Jim Bob and Michelle’s room. We’re guessing this was roughly the size of the living room in their first house.
The Girls’ Room
One of the downsides of life in such a large family? Even in such a large house, there’s very little privacy. The “girls’ room” at the Duggar compound has often been shared by four sisters at one time. Of course, in light of recent events, this living arrangement has come under scrutiny once more.
Jana’s Nook
No one has called the Duggar compound home longer than 30-year-old Jana, and while she still doesn’t have her own room, at least she’s been given a “nook” for her various projects.
The Boys’ Room
The boys’ room was often equally crowded, but on the plus side, at least it had a trap door that led down to the playroom. On the down side, well …
Josh and Family
The first Duggar child to leave the compound was Josh, who infamously molested his sisters when he was a teenager. His parents tried to keep a lid on that and handle the matter in house. That didn’t work out so well, and things haven’t worked out so well in all the years since, either. So where are they living?
New Accomodations
Well, Josh might soon be cooling his heels at the Federal Correction Institution in Forrest City, Arkansas. The 33-year-old was arrested on child pornography charges in April of 2021.
The Slammer
Josh will probably be kept in protective custody, as prison is generally not a safe place for those who prey on children. So at least he’ll have some privacy.
Temporary Arrangement
As he awaits trial, Josh is living in the home of Maria and Lacount Reber, family friends who agreed to put him up for the summer, as Josh is not allowed to live in the same house as minors.
Reluctant Hosts
Insiders say the Rebers aren’t exactly thrilled with the arrangement, but Jim Bob is a hard man to say no to in their community!
Hard Times
As for the rest of Josh’s family Anna, and her six kids (with a seventh on the way!) are living in a small utility shack on his parents’ property. Some have described this as a windowless warehouse. Either way, her digs are looking pretty ramshackle given her in-laws’ wealth – and with TLC finally pulling the plug on Counting On, the situation is unlikely to improve anytime soon.
Anna’s House
Fans were able to confirm the rumors by comparing interiors during a recent episode of Counting On. As you can see, the place could use some work.
Josh’s House on Counting On
When the Duggars threw a surprise baby shower for Abbie Duggar, they did so in what was described as a “guest house.” Fans were quick to determine that it was actually Josh and Anna’s home.
Inside Josh and Anna’s House
The floors, walls, countertops and decor all matched with photos posted on Instagram by Anna.
Josh and Anna’s Kids at Home
Anna never posted any exterior shots of the home, but by comparing her interior pics with scenes shot for Counting On, fans were able to confirm that she’s been living in a warehouse.
Just For Now
The warehouse was supposed to be a temporary arrangement, but with Josh headed for the slammer, and Anna raising seven kids (and not allowed to work under the Duggar family rules) this situation might become more permanent.
From the Penthouse to the Warehouse
Anna has taken a lot of flak for remaining married to Josh, but in fairness, her options are extremely limited. She’s reportedly not welcome in the main house and vice versa, but where else is she going to go?
South of the Border
Anyway, after Josh left the nest, it was Jill’s turn. Her first longterm non-compound home was in El Salvador, where she and husband Derrick Dillard worked as missionaries.
Back to Arkansas
These days, Jill and Derick are living in much more spacious quarters. The couple built a home for themselves and their two sons in Lowell, Arkansas last year.
Jessa and Ben
Jessa married Ben Seewald not long after her older sister left the nest. These days, the couple calls these cozy quarters their home.
Jessa’s Living Room
It may not be as big as the compound, but it’s got plenty of space for Jessa, Ben, and their three kids.
Streets of Laredo
After starting their married life in a Houston apartment, Jinger Duggar and Jeremy Vuolo moved into this spacious home in Laredo, Texas.
On the Road Again
These days, the couple has moved to Los Angeles along with their daughter, Felicity. Jeremy attends divinity school, and the Vuolos live in a free home provided by benefactors.
It’s a Start
Joy-Anna and Austin had similarly inauspicious beginnings, starting their married life in a small trailer.
Moving On Up
These days, the couple has moved into a home not far from Jim Bob and Michelle. Renovations to the place were mostly done by Austin — as you can see, it’s still a work in progress.
It Happens Fast
The Duggars are moving out and starting families so quickly these days it can be hard to keep up. Joseph and Kendra have already filled their new home with two kids of their own.
Maybe Too Fast
According to a new report in July 2021, Joe and Kendra are living with her parents – who have nine kids of their own. If money gets tight, you might see more of this happening.
Not Wasting Any Time
The same can be said of Josiah Duggar and Lauren Swanson, who also purchased their home with the help of Jim Bob’s house-flipping business.
Starting Off Young!
As for Justin Duggar, who just got married to Claire Spivey at the ripe old age of 18, he wasn’t forced to jump through all the hoops that come with filling for a mortgage.
A Leg Up
While Justin was mysteriously able to afford a lavish engagement ring despite having never held a job, his housing expenses have been covered by Jim Bob.
Playing Ball
Yes, Papa Jim Bob bought his 14th child a house a wedding present. The elder Duggars might be feeling a bit jealous, but they know the score — this is a family that rewards breeding, and Justin is set to be a dad several times over before he can legally buy a drink!
Just Sayin’ …
Justin will probably never drink, as alcohol is strictly forbidden in the Duggar clan, but you know what we mean.
On His Own
And then there’s Jed, who recently became the TENTH married Duggar kid when he tied the knot with Katey Nakatsu in April of 2021 after a brief, five-month courtship.
Trail-Blazer
Interestingly, Jed was the first Duggar of his generation to live on his own before marriage.
The Carpetbagger
Last year, he moved into a house owned by Jim Bob because it’s located in the district in which he hopes to win a seat in the Arkansas State House of Representatives.
What the Future Holds
Now that Jed is married to out-of-stater Katey (she’s a native of Arizona) will he follow Justin’s lead and leave Arkansas?
Born and Bred
Quite the opposite! In fact, Katey’s family recently purchased a house in Arkansas so that they can be close to her as she starts a new life with Jed. Talk about putting down roots!
Jana’s Turn
While she hasn’t made any official announcement yet, Jana might be next to leave the nest, thanks to her courtship with Stephen Wissmann.
Fleeing the Nook
Neither Jana nor Stephen has responded to the rumors yet, but all signs point to a budding romance. An insiders have stated that they think Wissmann will pop the question in the VERY near future.
Are Congratulations In Order?
And that’s if he hasn’t already! Eagle-eyed fans have noticed that Jana has been concealing her left hand in recent pics. Could she be hiding an engagement ring?!
Making Up For Lost Time
Jana might have bucked tradition by living at home into her thirties, but she might soon be leaving the compound far behind her!
Goodbye to All That!
The Wissmanns hail from Nebraska, where Stephen helps run the family business. So don’t be surprised if Jana relocates to Omaha!
No Place Like Home
But while they may be far-flung these days, the Duggars are always welcome back at the compound. The girls in the family designed this guest room where the kids often lay their heads on their visits to Jim Bob and Michelle.
More to Come
There’s no telling what’s next for the Duggars. But you can bet it will involve expanding into even more property!