What Happened To David Ridley From 'Fixer Upper'? The Latest On His Life After Fame

Hey there, fans of Fixer Upper! You might remember David Ridley, the charming client who caught everyone's attention back in one of the show's most memorable episodes. Dubbed “Waco’s Most Eligible Bachelor,” David worked with Chip and Joanna Gaines to transform a lakefront property into his dream home. Keep reading to find out what's happened to David since that unforgettable episode aired.

David Ridley’s ‘Fixer Upper’ Story: A Dream Home Comes to Life

Back in February 2016, David Ridley made history as the first single man to have his home renovated on Fixer Upper. Before returning to his hometown of Waco, Texas, David had carved out a successful career as a model in the bustling city of New York. But when he spotted a stunning Lake Waco home, he knew it was time to come back home. The 1969 ranch house, while perfect for gatherings, needed some serious updates to match David’s vision. With a budget of $272,000, the Gaines crew was ready to make magic happen.

Chip rolled up his sleeves and got to work, tearing down walls and expanding the kitchen. The team installed two kitchen islands, complete with rustic concrete countertops, creating a space that was both functional and stylish. Clint Harp, the woodworking wizard, crafted a custom dining room table and wooden chairs that added a touch of elegance to the already impressive design. The result? A home that was not only practical but also exuded masculinity and charm.

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When it came time for the big reveal, Chip and Joanna went above and beyond by adding outdoor volleyball and basketball courts in the backyard. David, a self-proclaimed sports enthusiast, was thrilled with the unique touches that turned his house into the ultimate bachelor pad. Joanna later reflected on the Magnolia blog, saying, "David Ridley’s house was definitely one of the most unique and masculine style homes we’ve done in Season 3. It truly is the ultimate bachelor pad, and David loved it. We hope he continues to love it for years to come."

After the episode aired, David found himself in the spotlight, gaining newfound fame. "I don’t go anywhere without people saying something," he told Country Living in September 2016. "Airports, out to eat in Waco, I get it everywhere. But people have been super nice about it. I’ve had to be really careful on social media. I gained about 8,000 followers on social media. I’ve even had moms and grandmas who write in or call my office and want to set me up with their daughter or granddaughter!"

Where Is David Ridley Now? Life Beyond the Bachelor Pad

Fast forward a few years, and David is no longer living the bachelor lifestyle. Shortly after the show, he met Rachel Rich, an Alabama-based teacher, through a mutual friend. Love blossomed quickly, and the couple tied the knot in July 2017. Since then, they’ve welcomed two beautiful daughters, Ayla and Georgia, into their lives, filling their home with laughter and joy.

These days, David is busy juggling family life with his career as a realtor. He also runs Waco Tours, a business that allows him to share his love for his hometown with others. In August 2022, David gave his Instagram followers a peek into his life more than six years after his Fixer Upper episode aired. In a video filmed outside his famous property, he shared, "I lived here with all my single buddies, then got married, and my wife and I lived here for a little while before moving to Alabama. Yes, we still own the house, and we use it for family get-togethers and hangouts. We love coming back here to stay with our family when we visit Texas."