The phrase “home is where the heart is” means that the home (not necessarily the physical structure) will remain the place for which you feel the deepest love, no matter where you are.
If you are looking for an alternative phrase to use in place of this idiom, it has to mirror the message of the expression, without deviating from the central context. So what is the best alternative phrase to “Home is where the heart is”?
“Wherever you find joy and belonging, there lays your true home” is a perfect replacement for “home is where the heart is,” as both expressions emphasize that home is not just a physical place, but a state of mind and a feeling of comfort and happiness.
For variety, you can also use “Wherever I lay my hat, that’s my home,” or “Home is not a place, it’s a feeling.”
As a radio presenter on a weekly family program, I find myself using a group of idiomatic expressions that connect with finding a home with loved ones, a favorite hobby, or a favorite city.
Over time, it appears that “Home Is Where The Heart Is” is an overused expression. When you’re writing or speaking, and you want to use this expression more than once, there are other juicy alternative phrases to try out. I’ll show you fifteen of the best in this article – many of which I keep in my back pockets.
But before we dive into this list, It’s quite integral that we are on the same page regarding what this phrase means.
“Home is where the heart is” meaning
As you probably know already, “Home is where the heart is” is an idiomatic phrase that means the home is beyond where you have a roof over your head.
Wherever you feel the foundation of love, warmth, and happy memories, you can call that home.
The origin of this idiomatic phrase traces back to the written works of J.J. McCloskey titled Davy Crockett and Other Plays in 1870. But there are other stories about the origin of this phrase such as the Bear and Hare co-existence.
So whenever you find yourself using “home is where the heart is” more than once, try substituting it with these thoughtful similar phrases:
15 phrases similar to “home is where the heart is.”
1. Wherever you find joy and belonging, there lies your true home
If you’re looking for a similar phrase to “home is where the heart is,” I recommend using “Wherever you find joy and belonging, there lies your true home” hundred percent, as both expressions are identical and effortlessly carry the same expression.
Also, it sits well for any flow of communication or context.
For example:
- Some friends are more loyal than brothers. Ultimately, home is where the heart is
- Some friends are more loyal than brothers. Ultimately, wherever you find joy and belonging, there lies your true home.
2. Home is where the family gathers.
The gathering of a family symbolizes the core unity of a home, where individual members are connected heart to heart.
The phrase “home is where the heart is” underlines this phenomenon, and so does the expression “home is where the family gathers.” So feel free to use both idioms interchangeably.
For example:
- Though their house was gutted by fire, they are still close-knitted. Home is where the heart is
- Though their house was gutted by fire, they are still close-knitted. Home is where the family gathers.
3. Home is a reflection of the heart
“Home is a reflection of the heart” is another smart way you can say “home is where the heart is.”
This option will best suit a context where you attempt to drive home (pun intended) the importance of having one mind with one’s family and the bliss of a united home where members (not necessarily blood-related) communicate heart to heart.
For example:
- My heart is with my lacrosse team. They are my family. Home is where the heart is
- My heart is with my lacrosse team. They are my family. Home is a reflection of the heart
4. I call home wherever I get to lay my hat
When you use this phrase, it means the home is wherever you find yourself comfortable and at ease. It doesn’t necessarily matter where you were born or brought up.
For example:
- I’m born in Africa. But I find peace in Dallas. Home is where my heart is.
- I’m born in Africa. But I find peace in Dallas. Wherever I lay my hat, that’s my home.
5. Home is not a place, it’s a feeling
Another way you can grammatically express the phrase “home is where the heat is” is to say “home is not a place, it’s a feeling.”
The heart feels closeness, warmth, love, affection, and unity. Not any other part of the body. So this reference sits so well in replacing the original expression.
For example:
- Home is where the heart is. I’m happy where I am right now
- Home is not a place, it’s a feeling. I’m happy where I am right now.
6. Love and dreams are what constitutes a home
If you are writing a creative piece and find yourself using the phrase “home is where the heart is” often, you can spice up your writing voice and evoke some deep precision in your expression.
Instead of the overused, bland “home is where the heart is” give it an exact description using the right words.
For example:
- I don’t have to travel to my family’s house. Home is where the heart is.
- I don’t have to travel to my family’s house. Love and dreams are what constitutes a home.
7. Home is where you are surrounded by familiar faces
A true sense of belonging and comfort comes from being around people you know well and love.
“Home is where you are surrounded by familiar faces” is best used when you’re emphasizing the importance of relationships and community in creating a feeling of home.
For example:
- Home is where the heart is
- Home is where you’re surrounded by familiar faces
8. Home is a sanctuary for the soul
Your home provides a place of refuge, peace, and comfort from the outside world. That explains why it’s the place that has the heart
I like to use “Home is a sanctuary for the soul” as an alternative to “Home is where the heart is” because it helps to effortlessly reflect the emotional value of a home and the sense of security and tranquility it can provide.
For example:
- Home is where the heart is
- Home is a sanctuary for the soul
9. Home is where memories are made.
Significant moments in life are experienced and shared with loved ones at home. This is the central idea of home is where the heart is.
So an alternative phrase like “home is where memories are made” is a wonderful replacement.
But it is best used when highlighting the sentimental value of a home and the importance of family and relationships in creating lasting memories.
For example:
- I enjoyed my stay back at home. Home is where the heart is.
- I enjoyed my stay back at home. Home is where memories are made.
10. Home is where you find yourself.
Beyond the physical space, a home is a place where cherished memories are formed among a group of people. So it suffices to say that home is where you find yourself since it’s where your heart is.
So you can use this phrase as a brilliant substitute for variation.
For example:
- I’ve been living the best of my life outside of the home but I knew something was missing. Home is where the heart is.
- I’ve been living the best of my life outside of the home but I knew something was missing. Home is where you find yourself
11. Home is the place where memories are created and cherished.
The basic explanation for home is that the heart is centered around home being where we create memories and cherish them for a lifetime.
You can use this phrase as a replacement when discussing the importance of having a home that provides a sense of belonging and emotional attachment.
For example:
- After recounting the years she spent with her family, Emily concluded that home is where the heart is
- After recounting the years she spent with her family, Emily concluded that home is the place where memories are created and cherished.
12. There’s no place like home
Well, “There’s no place like home” unless you’re talking about a luxury hotel with a 24-hour spa and room service, am I right?
Just kidding, but seriously, there’s something special about the familiarity and comfort of one’s own home.
Sure, hotels are nice, but they don’t have your cozy couch, your favorite mug, or your dog who greets you with unconditional love. Home is where the heart is, indeed.
For example:
- Long time since I came here. Home is where the heart is.
- I can’t remember the last time I stepped my feet on this land. There’s no place like home.
13. Home is where you make it.
“Home is where you make it” means that a sense of belonging and comfort can be created anywhere, as long as you make an effort to personalize your space and surroundings.
Whether it’s a tiny apartment or a camper van, it’s all about making it feel like your own.
For example:
- We may not be in our old family house for the Easter celebrations, but home is where the heart is.
- We may not be in our old family house for the Easter celebrations, but home is where you make it.
14. Home is where love resides
The phrase “Home is where love resides” emphasizes that home is not just a physical structure, but a place where one feels loved and connected with others. It’s where you can be yourself without any pretense or judgment.
Your family, friends, and loved ones create an environment of warmth, safety, and support that makes it feel like home.
15. Home is a haven from the world
You can say “Home is a haven from the world” to express the idea that a home is a place where one can escape from the stresses and chaos of the outside world.
It’s a refuge where you can unwind, relax, and recharge your batteries.
Your home provides a sense of comfort, familiarity, and security that shields you from the outside world.
I recommend you use this alternative in a context where you attempt to talk about the importance of having a safe space where you can decompress and take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life – especially when your haven even has a fully stocked fridge and a big, comfy couch to curl up on.
Before you go…
The crux of finding an alternative to the phrase “home is where the heart is” is that the substitute must effectively convey an identical idea to the original expression.
So, you can task yourself to be creative with word usage, beyond the list I’ve provided for you. Just be sure that the phrases you coin do not stray from the central idea.
But since you’re working with idiomatic expressions, you won’t want to lose that figurative ingredient in the expression. Again, make sure the alternative phrase you use fits the context.
In the words of Elvis Presley, “Home Is Where the Heart Is.”
Thanks for reading and I hope this helped.