HOLLYWOOD, CA — The glitz and glamour of Hollywood have long been the siren call for aspiring stars and industry veterans alike. But for an increasing number of A-list celebrities, the Golden State is losing its luster. Data from the most recent census shows a significant outflow of residents from California, with over 817,000 people packing their bags between 2021 and 2022. This "California Exodus" isn't limited to the average citizen; it's a trend embraced by some of the biggest names in entertainment, who are trading the fast-paced life of Los Angeles for new pastures across the country and the globe.
The Allure of Simplicity: Why They're Leaving
The reasons for this celebrity migration are as varied as their destinations. Many cite the high cost of living, steep taxes, and the ever-present threat of wildfires as key motivations. Yet, for Hollywood's elite, who can seemingly afford to live anywhere, the decision often goes deeper. For some, it’s a quest for privacy and a return to normalcy. For others, it's a desire to escape the industry's relentless "douchebaggery," as actor Eric Stonestreet so bluntly put it.
The sentiment is clear: they are looking for a fresh start.
Actress Amanda Seyfried, who lives on a farm in upstate New York, perfectly encapsulates this desire for a different kind of success. "It's insane how much I can feel so accomplished and successful here without having to be in a successful movie," she told The New York Times.
For others, the move is driven by the need to protect their families. Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake relocated to Tennessee and Montana to shield their children from the constant presence of the paparazzi. Similarly, Lindsay Lohan found her peace in Dubai, where she feels safe and has the privacy to be a mom without the stress of being constantly photographed.
New Homes, New Horizons
The destinations of these famous ex-pats reveal a pattern. Many are flocking to states with lower taxes and a more relaxed lifestyle, particularly Texas and Florida.
Matthew McConaughey and his wife Camila Alves moved to his home state of Texas back in 2012 to be closer to family. He credits the move with bringing a sense of ritual back into his life, including family dinners and storytelling. Glen Powell, following his breakout role in "Top Gun: Maverick," also returned to Texas, calling it a move that's "going to be good for my head, heart, and soul." James Van Der Beek and his family also made the move to Austin for more space and a life in nature.
Florida is also a popular choice. Action star Sylvester Stallone recently announced his family's "permanent" move to South Florida, citing a desire for a fresh start after his children left home.
But not everyone is staying within the U.S. Some are heading back to their roots or seeking out entirely new cultures. Rod Stewart, a long-time LA resident, is making England his permanent home again, while Julia Roberts has been a resident of Taos, New Mexico, since the mid-90s, where she says she can live a more "clear" life away from the celebrity "beast." John Goodman has been a fixture in New Orleans since the 1980s, a city he told "Today" he feels "very lucky to be here."
The pandemic also served as a catalyst for change. Actor and director Jesse Eisenberg and his family moved to his wife’s hometown of Bloomington, Indiana, during the pandemic and found a comfortable, stable life away from the "unstable" industry scene. Similarly, “The White Lotus” star Walton Goggins moved to New York’s Hudson Valley, not to escape LA, but to "run toward something different."
A Different Kind of Success
The high-pressure environment of Hollywood is a significant factor. Josh Hartnett left LA for the English countryside after dealing with stalkers. He now cherishes a quiet village life where "nobody cares" who he is. For Chrissy Metz, who moved to Nashville after 21 years in LA, the Southern hospitality was a welcome change from the "dog eat dog" mentality of Hollywood.
The list of Hollywood departures is growing, with each celebrity adding a unique chapter to the story of the great Los Angeles exodus. From Mark Wahlberg seeking a "fresh start" for his family in Las Vegas, to Dean Cain leaving due to California's "incredible taxation," the message is clear: the pursuit of happiness and a fulfilling life is taking priority over the demands of celebrity culture.
This shift signals a broader cultural change, one where even the most privileged are re-evaluating what truly matters. It's a testament to the idea that a life of quiet anonymity, family, and community can be more appealing than the constant spotlight of Hollywood.
As Ryan Reynolds, who left LA for a farm in New York with his wife Blake Lively, put it: "We don't lead a wild and crazy life. It's not that hard. It's not a big deal." And for these celebrities, that's exactly the point.
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