15 Celebrities Who Left Los Angeles – Where They Moved and Why

Los Angeles, once the ultimate playground for the rich and famous, has seen a surprising shift. It’s not just regular folks who are packing up; even some of the world’s biggest celebrities have decided the City of Angels isn’t for them anymore. Between sky-high taxes, the rising cost of living, and an overwhelming spotlight, many stars are seeking quieter, more comfortable lives elsewhere.

Let’s take a closer look at 15 celebrities who left Los Angeles, where they moved, and what pushed them to make the change.

Why Are Celebrities Leaving Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has always been a magnet for celebrities, but recent years have shaken things up. From the constant attention of paparazzi to the heavy tax burden and concerns about safety, stars are rethinking what “home” means to them.

Key reasons include:

– Rising property prices and living expenses
– A desire for privacy and a slower pace of life
– Political and social changes
– Concerns about crime and natural disasters
– Better opportunities for family life

Celebrities Who Have Moved Out of Los Angeles

1. Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake

Instagram | jessicabiel | Protecting their children’s privacy led Jessica and Justin to mostly reside in Tennessee and Montana.

Longtime targets of the paparazzi, Jessica and Justin chose to relocate mainly to protect their kids’ privacy. They’ve spent most of their time between Tennessee and Montana since 2018. Biel recently said they moved to create “a little more normalcy” for their family, away from the “constant hammering” of life on both coasts.

2. Dean Cain

Dean Cain, famous for his role in “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” couldn’t handle California’s business climate anymore. “The taxes are insane, and the regulations are even worse,” he shared. Now living in Las Vegas, he says he owns a house ten times nicer than his old Malibu property—proof he feels his money goes much further outside California.

3. Kelly Clarkson

After her divorce, Kelly Clarkson moved her family and her daytime talk show to New York City. Opening up about the move, she said, “I was incredibly down for years. I really needed a fresh start — for me and my kids. It’s been the best decision for our family.”

4. Jesse Eisenberg

The “Social Network” star took a different route during the pandemic. He and his family packed up an RV and drove to Bloomington, Indiana. Jesse said being away from the entertainment industry’s chaos gave him a sense of peace he’s long craved, stating he feels more grounded in Indiana.

5. Walton Goggins

Rather than running from Los Angeles, Walton Goggins saw New York’s Hudson Valley as a chance to chase something better. “The pandemic gave us a window to reimagine things,” he said, highlighting the joy of living in a rustic 1920s home far from Hollywood’s glitz.

6. John Goodman

John Goodman left Los Angeles way back in the late ’80s after falling in love with New Orleans. It wasn’t a business move — it was about heart. “I felt something missing whenever I wasn’t there,” Goodman said, and he’s been happily living in Louisiana ever since.

7. Josh Hartnett

After troubling encounters with stalkers during his early Hollywood years, Josh Hartnett and his wife moved to the English countryside during the pandemic. Raising four kids in a peaceful village, he finds life quieter and safer away from the glaring public eye.

8. Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban

The couple chose Nashville in 2007, aligning with Keith’s country music roots. Nicole explained, “There’s something so warm and protective about the country music community — it’s truly home for us.”

9. Hilary Swank

The two-time Oscar winner made her dream come true, living on 168 acres in Telluride, Colorado. “Nature and animals are where I find real happiness,” Hilary said, thrilled to finally have a home surrounded by everything she loves.

10. Eva Longoria

After years in Los Angeles, Eva now splits her time between Mexico and Spain. She described her new life as feeling like a different chapter, enjoying a lifestyle filled with beachside cafés and local culture.

11. Matthew McConaughey

Matthew McConaughey and his family returned to Austin, Texas, years ago, initially prompted by a family crisis. Reflecting on the move, he shared, “Rituals like Sunday dinners and storytelling nights came back — things that made life feel whole again.”

12. Glen Powell

Instagram | glenpowell | Seeking a better balance Glen Powell moved to Texas in 2024.

After finding success with “Top Gun: Maverick,” Glen Powell moved back to Texas in 2024. He feels he’s earned the freedom to live closer to his family while finishing his degree at the University of Texas, saying it’s better for his “head, heart, and soul.”

13. Amanda Seyfried

Choosing the Catskills over Hollywood glamour, Amanda Seyfried has found joy on her farm. She feels a deep sense of fulfillment working the land and raising animals, telling the New York Times, “I feel more accomplished here than any film role could ever give me.”

14. Sylvester Stallone

After decades in LA, Sylvester Stallone made a big announcement in early 2024—he and his wife moved to Florida. Stallone said they needed a “real change” now that their children had grown up and left home.

15. Rod Stewart

Rod Stewart decided to return to England after nearly 50 years in Los Angeles. Though selling his Beverly Hills mansion was bittersweet, he’s now focusing on family life back home after completing his world tour.

The Bigger Picture

When celebrities move, it says a lot about broader lifestyle trends. Privacy, family, affordability, and peace of mind are taking priority over red carpets and paparazzi. States like Texas, Tennessee, and Florida are now attracting stars who once considered Los Angeles the only option.

Whether it’s the rolling hills of Tennessee or the countryside in England, these celebrities prove that sometimes, a quieter life away from the spotlight is the ultimate luxury.