Additional Coverage:
- 22 celebrities who have left Los Angeles on where they moved and why they did it (businessinsider.com)
California Exodus: Celebrities Lead the Pack in Leaving the Golden State
A recent census revealed a staggering statistic: over 817,000 people bid farewell to California between 2021 and 2022. The reasons?
A soaring cost of living, escalating wildfire threats, and for some, a desire for greener pastures. Surprisingly, it’s not just everyday Californians making the move.
A growing list of celebrities, who theoretically could afford to live anywhere, are also trading their California digs for locales across the country and even internationally. Popular destinations include Arizona, Florida, and Texas, with some stars opting for a complete change of scenery in different countries.
While many celebrities remain tight-lipped about their motivations, some cite high taxes, exorbitant housing costs, and challenging socio-political conditions as key factors. Others point to the relentless pressure cooker of Hollywood as a driving force behind their departure.
Los Angeles, in particular, is experiencing a significant outflow of wealthier residents seeking better value for their money. This sentiment is echoed by Gus Lira, a private jet charter company managing partner, who recently swapped his Malibu condo for a Nevada residence, citing California’s high taxes as the primary reason.
Here are just a few of the celebrities who have recently left California:
- Family Matters: Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake prioritized their children’s well-being by relocating to Tennessee and Montana, seeking refuge from the ever-present paparazzi. Similarly, Matthew McConaughey moved his family to Austin, Texas, initially to support his family but ultimately choosing to stay for the sense of community and normalcy it provided. James Van Der Beek also chose Texas, specifically Austin, prioritizing nature and space for his six children.
- Seeking Serenity: Lindsay Lohan found peace and privacy in Dubai, escaping the stresses of Los Angeles and New York. Amanda Seyfried traded the Hollywood Hills for a farm in the Catskills, embracing a simpler life. Josh Harnett sought refuge from stalkers and the pressures of Hollywood, finding solace in the English countryside with his family.
- Back to Their Roots: Sylvester Stallone chose a fresh start in Florida after decades in Los Angeles. Rod Stewart returned to his native England after a long and successful career in California. Glen Powell also returned to his roots, moving back to Texas to be closer to family and finish his degree.
- Financial Freedom: Dean Cain left Los Angeles for Las Vegas, citing high taxes and burdensome regulations as his primary reasons. Mark Wahlberg also chose Nevada, relocating his family to Las Vegas for a fresh start and better opportunities.
- New Beginnings: Kelly Clarkson sought a new chapter after her divorce, moving to New York City and bringing her talk show along with her. Eva Longoria left Hollywood behind, feeling her time there was complete, and now splits her time between Mexico and Spain.
Eric Stonestreet left Los Angeles for a more authentic life in Kansas City, leaving behind what he described as the “douchebaggery” of Hollywood. Hilary Swank pursued her lifelong dream of living on a ranch, settling down in Telluride, Colorado with her rescue dogs.
And after a whirlwind romance, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively quickly eschewed Los Angeles for a quieter life on a farm in New York. Even Julia Roberts, decades ago, found solace away from the Hollywood spotlight, establishing her home in Taos, New Mexico.
This celebrity exodus underscores a larger trend of Californians seeking a better quality of life, whether it be for financial reasons, family needs, or simply a desire for a change of pace. It remains to be seen whether this trend will continue, but for now, it’s clear that California’s allure is fading for some, including some of its most famous residents.
Read More About This Story:
- 22 celebrities who have left Los Angeles on where they moved and why they did it (businessinsider.com)