The difference between Wang Yangming's hometown and Wang Yangming's former residence lies in the content and scope they refer to.

Wang Yangming's hometown refers to the place where he was born and once lived, which has a wider geographical scope. The former residence of Wang Yangming was built by him personally, which has more specific architectural significance.

Therefore, Wang Yangming's hometown includes not only the place where he lived, but also other places he once visited, and Wang Yangming's former residence refers to the residence he built and lived in himself.