9 Celebrities Who Have Left LA in Recent Years
Introduction
Over the past several years, Los Angeles has seen a wave of high-profile departures, not just from everyday residents but from the very celebrities who once made Hollywood the epicenter of the entertainment world. Ongoing protests, rising crime rates, housing unaffordability, and political polarization have all contributed to a growing sense of instability. Simultaneously, the pandemic normalized remote work and shifted priorities toward quality of life, privacy, and safety—especially for public figures raising families or seeking creative inspiration. This movement away from LA isn't just about changing addresses; it marks a cultural redefinition of what it means to live and work in the entertainment industry. Here's a look at nine notable celebrities who’ve packed their bags and left LA behind in recent years.
1. Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson officially left Los Angeles in the summer of 2022, choosing to relocate to New York City. The move followed her high-profile divorce and was largely motivated by a desire for a fresh start and improved mental health. Clarkson has openly discussed how the pressures of LA and constant visibility were taking a toll on her. New York offered not only a change of scenery but also a new beginning for both her personal life and professional career. Since the move, she’s continued to host The Kelly Clarkson Show, which is now based in NYC, marking a significant shift in her daily life and work rhythm.
2. Sylvester Stallone
Action star Sylvester Stallone moved out of Los Angeles and settled in South Florida in early 2025. His departure was driven by a desire for a quieter life, especially after his children left home, and a more favorable tax environment. Stallone has been candid about how LA no longer held the same appeal for him, and Florida’s blend of sunshine and privacy proved more attractive. Despite relocating, he remains active in the industry, wrapping recent episodes of his reality series The Family Stallone and continuing work on upcoming film projects from his new base.
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3. Jessica Biel & Justin Timberlake
Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake have gradually distanced themselves from LA since 2018, prioritizing the privacy and safety of their children. Concerned with the constant media scrutiny and the stress of raising a family in the spotlight, the couple now divides their time between Montana and Tennessee. The quieter, nature-focused environments of these locations provide a stark contrast to the hustle of Hollywood. Biel recently starred in The Employer on Amazon Prime, and Timberlake is gearing up for new music releases, proving that creative momentum doesn’t require a permanent LA address.
4. Mark Wahlberg
Mark Wahlberg left Los Angeles in 2022, citing his desire to provide his children with a better quality of life and stronger community values. He chose to settle in Summerlin, a suburb of Las Vegas, Nevada, where the cost of living is more reasonable and life is less chaotic. Wahlberg has spoken openly about the benefits of raising his family outside of Hollywood. Despite the move, his work hasn’t slowed—he’s currently filming a sequel to Spenser Confidential and continues to grow his business ventures, including a fitness empire, all from his new Nevada home.
5. Amanda Seyfried
Amanda Seyfried quietly relocated to a rural farm in upstate New York, solidifying her move in 2024 after spending years splitting time between coasts. Her decision stemmed from a desire for privacy, mental wellness, and a stronger connection to nature. The serene environment contrasts sharply with the noise and pressure of LA, and Seyfried has noted how it helps her stay grounded. Professionally, she remains active, starring in the limited series A Murder at the End of the World on Peacock and lending her voice to upcoming animated films.
6. Richard Gere
Veteran actor Richard Gere moved to Madrid, Spain, in 2024, largely to support his wife Alejandra Silva’s connection to her home country and to raise their family in a more grounded environment. The relocation reflects his personal values around family and cultural identity. Gere has continued his career in more selective ways, recently completing a European arthouse film and staying involved in philanthropic endeavors, particularly those based in Spain and the surrounding region.
7. Eva Longoria
Eva Longoria has increasingly divided her time between Spain and Mexico in recent years, distancing herself from Los Angeles as she voiced concern over the social and political climate in the U.S., which she described as "dystopian." Her move, finalized in 2024, allows her to stay connected to her cultural roots and focus on more meaningful creative projects. Longoria has embraced directing and producing, especially in Spanish-language television, where she’s building a robust body of work away from traditional Hollywood.
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8. Rosie O’Donnell
Rosie O’Donnell made headlines in January 2025 when she relocated to Ireland. Her decision was driven by a mix of political disillusionment and a desire to live in a country where she felt safer and more at peace. O’Donnell cited Ireland’s inclusive culture and progressive politics as major draws. She has since focused on creating children’s content and developing a documentary series centered on Irish-American history and identity, continuing her career from across the Atlantic.
9. Courtney Love
Courtney Love has been based in the UK since 2019, but in early 2025, she officially became a British citizen, marking her full transition away from the U.S. Love has expressed deep concerns about the political direction of America, calling it "frightening," and has found a renewed sense of belonging in Britain. She continues to work on creative collaborations with UK-based artists and is reportedly working on a memoir that will reflect on her transatlantic life and evolving views.
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Conclusion
The departure of these nine celebrities from LA marks more than just individual moves—it reflects a broader cultural transformation. With the allure of Hollywood dimming for many, especially amid political unrest, rising crime, and shifting values, these stars are forging new paths that prioritize peace, purpose, and personal well-being. As the entertainment industry becomes increasingly decentralized, expect to see more familiar faces opting for lives far away from Sunset Boulevard.
