The allure of Hollywood is undeniable, a glittering beacon drawing countless aspiring talents to its fabled boulevards. For many, it’s the ultimate destination, the promised land where dreams of fame and fortune take flight, offering a lifestyle synonymous with glitz, glamour, and relentless public attention. Yet, paradoxically, for a significant number of those who have not only reached but surpassed the zenith of Tinseltown’s success, the brightest lights often lead them far away from the city of angels itself.
Indeed, while the entertainment industry remains a powerful magnet, a growing trend reveals that some of its most recognizable faces are deliberately choosing a different path. They are packing up their lives, their families, and their considerable influence, opting for destinations that promise a vastly contrasting existence to the one typically associated with celebrity. This shift isn’t about escaping failure; it’s about redefining success and well-being on their own terms, away from the constant scrutiny and demanding pace of Los Angeles.
This fascinating phenomenon speaks volumes about the human desire for authenticity, peace, and control over one’s personal narrative, even for those accustomed to living life in the public eye. These stars seek sanctuaries where they can pursue a sense of ‘normalcy’ and protect their private lives. We’re going to take a deep dive into the ‘why’ behind these high-profile relocations, exploring the diverse and deeply personal motivations that drive some of Hollywood’s biggest stars to seek solace and stability far from the famous Hollywood Hills.
1. **Blake Shelton: The Call of the Countryside**Blake Shelton, the beloved country singer and a household name from NBC’s *The Voice*, presents a quintessential example of an A-lister whose heart truly belongs to the countryside. Despite his girlfriend Gwen Stefani’s Los Angeles residence and his commitments to filming *The Voice* in Hollywood, Shelton consistently makes it a point to return to his expansive 1,200-acre home in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. This isn’t just a preference; it’s a profound connection to a lifestyle that resonates deeply with his identity.
Shelton has openly articulated his discomfort with the urban environment, famously stating on American Country Countdown that he feels “a little bit like I’m in detention” when confined to a city. This sentiment highlights a common yearning among celebrities for a sense of freedom and space that the concrete jungles of Hollywood often cannot provide. His Oklahoma estate offers a stark contrast, providing the vastness and tranquility that a nature-loving individual like Shelton thrives upon.
His partner, Gwen Stefani, clearly understands this fundamental aspect of his personality. In an interview with *The Tonight Show* host Jimmy Fallon, Stefani shared an insightful observation: “he’s quite miserable when he’s not in the woods or somewhere in camo.” This paints a vivid picture of a man who finds genuine happiness and contentment not in the glitz and glamour of celebrity events, but in the simple, rugged embrace of nature, far from the relentless demands of the spotlight. His move, therefore, is a deliberate choice to align his daily life with his authentic self.
Read more about: From Red Carpets to Rustic Retreats: 15 Hollywood Stars Who Traded Glamour for a Simpler Life Away from the Spotlight
2. **Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively: Prioritizing a Normal Upbringing**Ryan Reynolds, the star of *Deadpool*, and Blake Lively, known for *Gossip Girl*, form one of Hollywood’s most admired power couples. While it might seem intuitive for them to raise their family in Lively’s hometown of Los Angeles, they made a conscious decision to depart from Hollywood’s intense limelight as early as 2012, even before their children were part of the picture. This proactive move underscores a fundamental desire to control the environment in which their family would grow.
They have since settled into a charming $2 million farmhouse located in the upscale town of Bedford, New York. This choice of residence is not merely about a change of scenery; it is deeply rooted in their commitment to providing a “normal” upbringing for their two children. The bustling, often artificial, environment of Hollywood can be challenging for celebrity children, who frequently face intense media scrutiny and a distorted sense of reality from a young age.
By choosing Bedford, the Lively-Reynolds couple has crafted a sanctuary where their children can experience a childhood far removed from the constant flash of paparazzi cameras and the pressures of their parents’ fame. This decision reflects a protective instinct, prioritizing the psychological well-being and grounded development of their family over the convenience or perceived necessity of living at the epicenter of the entertainment world. It’s a testament to their dedication to a grounded family life.
Read more about: From Red Carpets to Rustic Retreats: 15 Hollywood Stars Who Traded Glamour for a Simpler Life Away from the Spotlight
3. **Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban: Embracing the Southern Community**Australian-born actress Nicole Kidman and country music sensation Keith Urban made a definitive choice to trade the fast-paced Los Angeles lifestyle for the more tranquil and community-centric atmosphere of Nashville. While Urban originally hails from New Zealand, Nashville became his preferred city, and Kidman wholeheartedly embraced this decision, making it their primary family residence despite owning properties in various global hotspots including New York City, Australia, and Beverly Hills.
Their main focus remains on raising their two daughters at their sprawling 12,000-square-foot Southern estate. This extensive property provides ample space and privacy, but it’s the broader lifestyle that truly captivated Kidman. The family also possesses a 35-acre farm situated approximately 30 minutes south of Nashville in the rural town of Franklin, further cementing their commitment to a pastoral existence.
Kidman has been vocal about her profound affection for this community-oriented Southern lifestyle. In an interview with *People* magazine, the acclaimed actress passionately expressed her feelings for Nashville, declaring that she was “meant to go there.” This statement reveals a deep, almost spiritual, connection to the city and its way of life, emphasizing a search for belonging and a slower pace that stands in stark contrast to the high-pressure world of Hollywood. Their move signifies a deliberate embrace of a lifestyle that nourishes both their family and their individual well-being.
Read more about: From Red Carpets to Rustic Retreats: 15 Hollywood Stars Who Traded Glamour for a Simpler Life Away from the Spotlight
4. **Mark Ruffalo: The Quest for Simplicity in Upstate New York**Mark Ruffalo, a highly respected actor, followed a trajectory common to many aspiring performers by initially residing in Los Angeles, the heart of the entertainment industry, during his early career. However, his desire to escape the urban sprawl and find a more grounded existence eventually led him and his wife of nearly two decades, Sunrise Coigney, to make a significant life change. Approximately ten years ago, they permanently relocated to the serene, rural countryside of upstate New York.
Today, the couple continues to call the relaxed town of Callicoon, New York, their home, living on a generous 50-acre plot of land where they are raising their three children. This move was a deliberate pivot towards a simpler way of life, a conscious decision to distance themselves from the relentless demands and superficialities often associated with Hollywood. Ruffalo, in an interview with Nowness, reflected on this profound choice, stating, “Our goal was simplicity. We asked ourselves: why do we need so much stuff?”
The choice of Callicoon highlights a yearning for genuine connection to nature and a less complicated existence. It’s not just about a change of address but a philosophical shift in how they choose to live and raise their family. This commitment to their new environment is further evidenced by Coigney’s entrepreneurial venture, Sunny’s Callicoon Pop, a local shop selling unique clothing and home goods, which integrates them deeply into the fabric of their chosen community and away from the Hollywood machine.
Read more about: From Red Carpets to Rustic Retreats: 15 Hollywood Stars Who Traded Glamour for a Simpler Life Away from the Spotlight
5. **Chris Hemsworth: Escaping the Suffocating Suburban Shoulder-to-Shoulder**Chris Hemsworth, globally recognized as the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Thor, made a significant decision in 2014 to leave his Los Angeles residence with his wife, actress Elsa Pataky. Their motivation was clear: to escape the overwhelming “hustle and bustle” and the often “suffocating” environment of Hollywood. This sentiment, shared in an interview with *Modern Luxury*, underscores a common complaint among celebrities who find the intense focus and urban density of L.A. unsustainable for family life.
The couple relocated to the picturesque coast of Hemsworth’s native Australia, where they are now raising their three children. This return to his homeland offered not just a change of scenery, but a fundamental shift in their family’s daily life and values. Hemsworth articulated his concerns about their previous living situation, explaining, “We were living shoulder to shoulder in the suburbs and thought that’s not how we want our kids to grow up.” This reveals a deep parental desire to provide a more expansive, natural, and less constrained environment for their children.
Their move to a “kind of farm setup back here on the coast in Australia” has, according to Hemsworth, been “the best thing.” He paints a picture of a quiet paradise, emphasizing the simplicity and ease of their new life. “Here, we just walk out the door and head to the beach down the street. It’s a much more simple life.” This narrative powerfully conveys the appeal of trading Hollywood’s pressures for the peace and natural beauty of a coastal Australian farm, highlighting a deliberate choice for well-being and a more grounded upbringing for their children.
6. **Sandra Bullock: The Art of a Paparazzi-Free Existence**Sandra Bullock, an Oscar-winning actress, exemplifies the celebrity who actively seeks to live away from the constant glare of the spotlight when not actively involved in film promotion or new projects. Her lifestyle is a testament to a deliberate effort to maintain privacy, a preference that is underscored by her openly expressed distaste for social media. This aversion to online platforms reflects a broader desire for a life unburdened by public performance or incessant digital scrutiny.
Bullock strategically divides her time among various properties across the country, including residences in Austin, Texas; Georgia; New York City; and even Los Angeles. However, she has cultivated a more permanent sense of home in New Orleans, a city known for its vibrant culture but a distinctly different pace from Hollywood. Here, she resides with her two children and her boyfriend, Bryan Randall, in a beautiful, classic Victorian home, embracing a life that prioritizes personal space and family serenity.
Her choice of New Orleans, coupled with her multi-city living strategy, allows her to largely achieve the paparazzi-free existence she desires. Like other figures on this list, Bullock consciously manages her public visibility, ensuring that her personal life remains separate from her professional persona. This thoughtful approach to residency enables her to enjoy the fruits of her successful career while safeguarding her most cherished commodity: a private, unscripted life away from the pervasive reach of Tinseltown’s relentless media machine.
7. **Julia Roberts: Finding Peace on a Secluded New Mexico Ranch**Julia Roberts, a name synonymous with Hollywood stardom since her breakout role in *Pretty Woman* (1990), has navigated a remarkable career, becoming one of the highest-paid actresses throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Despite her immense fame, Roberts has consciously chosen to settle far away from the relentless spotlight, establishing a deeply personal sanctuary on a ranch in Taos, New Mexico. This decision marks a significant shift from the intense demands of her earlier, high-profile career.
Roberts and her husband, Danny Moder, meticulously selected this secluded spot with a clear purpose: to raise their three children in an environment where the constant presence of paparazzi is rarely an issue. The inherent privacy and natural isolation of Taos offer a stark contrast to the dense, media-saturated atmosphere of Hollywood, providing a haven where their family can experience a more authentic and unbothered existence, free from incessant public intrusion.
Years ago, Roberts purchased this ranch, and it has steadily become her preferred primary residence. While she still maintains a house in Malibu, closer to her professional obligations, her heart clearly lies with the peaceful life that Taos affords. This deliberate choice for a quieter, more grounded lifestyle underscores a profound desire for peace and normalcy, allowing one of Hollywood’s biggest stars to reclaim a significant measure of personal freedom and privacy for herself and her family.
While the domestic shift away from Hollywood highlights a powerful desire for privacy and normalcy, another significant trend sees stars venturing even further afield. These celebrities seek out international residences or distinctive remote lifestyles, driven by a blend of cultural affinity, political considerations, the ultimate pursuit of anonymity, or a deep, abiding connection to nature that even America’s vast landscapes can’t entirely satisfy. This deliberate global relocation or intensified remoteness speaks to a profound need to entirely redefine what ‘home’ means when you’re one of the world’s most recognizable faces.
Read more about: From Red Carpets to Rustic Retreats: 15 Hollywood Stars Who Traded Glamour for a Simpler Life Away from the Spotlight
8. **Neve Campbell: Embracing Anonymity in London**Neve Campbell, best known for her iconic roles in the *Scream* franchise and a beloved fixture of ’90s Hollywood, eventually made a profound decision to leave the constant glare of the entertainment capital. Following her early career successes, Campbell chose to relocate across the globe, seeking a sanctuary where her fame would not precede her every step. This wasn’t a retreat from her career, but rather a deliberate move to reclaim a sense of personal space that Hollywood rarely affords.
Her destination of choice was London, England, a bustling metropolis with a vibrant culture yet a distinct difference in how celebrity is perceived and handled. Campbell openly discussed this move during an interview on *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert*, articulating her search for complete anonymity away from the intense Hollywood scene. She yearned for an environment where her daily existence wasn’t defined by her profession or shadowed by media scrutiny.
The British experience, as Campbell described it to Colbert, was exactly what she had hoped for: “It’s just very different there,” she observed. She recounted a stark contrast to her life in Los Angeles, stating, “I literally did not get bothered once.” This newfound freedom extended to everyday interactions, with people asking her what she did for a living, and upon her reply of “I act,” simply responding with, “Oh, OK.” It was, she concluded, “so lovely.” This casual acceptance allowed her to live a life unburdened by her celebrity status, a luxury rarely found in the US.
Read more about: From Red Carpets to Rustic Retreats: 15 Hollywood Stars Who Traded Glamour for a Simpler Life Away from the Spotlight
9. **Sir Daniel Day-Lewis: The Art of Disappearing in Ireland**Sir Daniel Day-Lewis stands as a singular figure in the acting world, renowned not only for his unparalleled talent and method acting but also for his deeply reclusive lifestyle. Despite being universally considered one of the greatest actors of all time, Day-Lewis cultivated a powerful reputation for living largely off-the-grid. His career, marked by infrequent but monumental film appearances, was punctuated by long periods of withdrawal from the public eye.
Long before he announced his retirement from acting, Day-Lewis had already made a definitive choice to settle in Ireland’s picturesque County Wicklow. This move was not merely a change of address; it was a fundamental commitment to a life far removed from the noise and relentless demands of stardom. He deliberately shunned the typical Hollywood lifestyle, prioritizing a simple existence with his family over the constant spotlight.
For Day-Lewis, the allure of Hollywood’s glamour held little sway. He consistently worked only when a part genuinely fascinated him, allowing him to maintain extended periods of privacy and focus on personal pursuits. This selective approach to his craft, combined with his decision to establish a home in his ancestral country, underscored a profound desire for authenticity and control over his personal narrative, a rare feat for someone of his stature. His 2017 retirement further solidified his dedication to this quiet, unassuming life, proving that even at the pinnacle of success, true contentment can lie far beyond the industry’s reach.
10. **Richard Gere: A New Chapter Rooted in Spain**Richard Gere, a venerable Hollywood star, embarked on a significant life change, revealing in a November 2024 interview on *The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon* his decision to move to Spain. This relocation was deeply intertwined with his personal life, driven by a desire to accommodate his wife, Alejandra Silva Gere’s, cultural heritage and to foster a bicultural environment for their young children. It signifies a profound commitment to his family’s roots and a willingness to embrace a new global home.
Gere’s decision to establish his primary residence in Spain highlights a growing trend among celebrities to prioritize family and cultural connection over geographical proximity to their professional base. His humor during the announcement—”My wife is Spanish – is that a problem for anyone here?”—belied a serious intention to immerse himself fully in his new life. Having been married to Alejandra Silva since 2018, their move to Madrid represents a natural evolution of their shared life.
The family’s transition to Madrid also reflects a considered choice for their children’s development. Gere emphasized that their kids are bilingual, and growing up in Spain would allow them to truly flourish within that rich cultural context. This focus on providing an enriching, culturally diverse upbringing underscores a common motivation for stars who choose international moves—to offer their children a broader perspective than Hollywood alone might provide, ensuring they remain connected to both sides of their heritage.
11. **Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi: Seeking Serenity in the English Countryside**Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, a couple widely recognized for their significant presence in the entertainment industry and their keen eye for real estate, made a notable decision to leave their Montecito, California, residence for the tranquil allure of the English countryside. Their relocation to the picturesque Cotswolds in south-central England represents a striking shift from their previous high-profile Californian lifestyle, marking a distinct new chapter for the pair.
Reports indicate that their decision to establish a new home across the Atlantic was significantly influenced by the political climate in the United States. According to sources cited by *The Wrap* and *TMZ*, the results of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, particularly the re-election of Donald Trump, served as a primary motivation for their move. While the couple has not publicly confirmed these political reasons, the timing and context suggest a desire to distance themselves from an environment they found increasingly challenging.
This move underscores how deeply personal and political shifts can influence celebrity lifestyle choices. For some, the pursuit of peace and a stable environment extends beyond simply escaping the paparazzi to finding a broader societal context that aligns more closely with their values. The Cotswolds, known for its idyllic landscapes and quieter pace of life, offers a serene backdrop for a couple seeking a retreat from the intense political and social currents that prompted their departure from California. It offers a fresh start in a culturally rich yet less politically charged environment.
12. **Eva Longoria: Bridging Cultures Between Spain and Mexico**Eva Longoria, a prominent actress and producer, has made a compelling case for a life divided between the vibrant cultures of Spain and Mexico. This strategic relocation is driven by a blend of professional opportunities and deep personal ties, with both locations intrinsically linked to her husband José Bastón’s heritage and her burgeoning career projects abroad. Longoria’s move reflects a conscious decision to embrace a truly international lifestyle, rather than remaining tethered solely to Hollywood.
While speculation arose that her departure from the US was politically motivated, Longoria has been keen to clarify her reasons. On *The View’s Behind the Table* podcast, she stated, “I didn’t leave because of the political environment. I left because my work took me there.” However, she also shared a broader sentiment with *Marie Claire*, noting, “The atmosphere had already changed before the pandemic. After COVID, things got worse.” She further articulated, “I don’t want to speak badly about California, but I feel like that chapter of my life has closed.” This suggests a desire for a different societal vibe.
Longoria’s observations about the changing environment in California, encompassing issues like homelessness and taxes, highlight a growing disenchantment among some residents, including celebrities. While acknowledging her privilege to relocate, she emphasizes her personal need for a new setting. By splitting her time between Spain and Mexico with her husband and son, Longoria is actively crafting a life that prioritizes cultural immersion and a dynamic global perspective, demonstrating a thoughtful engagement with where and how her family will thrive, far from the ‘finished chapter’ of her life in California.
13. **Lindsay Lohan: Finding Normalcy in Dubai’s Privacy**Lindsay Lohan, a star who experienced the intense highs and challenging lows of Hollywood fame from a young age, made a decisive move to Dubai in 2014, primarily motivated by an overwhelming desire for privacy. Her decision to settle in the United Arab Emirates offered a stark contrast to the relentless media scrutiny she often faced in the United States, providing a much-needed sanctuary from the constant flash of paparazzi cameras.
One of the key attractions of Dubai for Lohan was the country’s stringent laws regarding paparazzi photography. Unlike the often aggressive and intrusive nature of media in other parts of the world, Dubai offers a legal framework that significantly restricts unauthorized photography, especially concerning public figures’ private lives. This legal protection afforded Lohan a level of anonymity and personal space that was virtually impossible for her to achieve in Hollywood or other major Western cities.
In a 2024 *Flaunt* magazine interview, Lohan eloquently described her daily life in Dubai as surprisingly normal and grounded. “I’m up with my son in the mornings, I do breakfast with him, go to my pilates, come home for lunch, and go to the park,” she recounted, highlighting the simple, routine aspects of her existence. She concluded, “the same things that any normal mom would do in their daily life.” This ability to engage in everyday activities without constant intrusion underscores the profound impact her relocation had on her well-being and her ability to lead a peaceful, unscripted life away from the pervasive reach of Tinseltown’s media machine.
14. **Janet Jackson: Embracing Motherhood in London**Pop icon Janet Jackson, a global superstar with decades of unparalleled success, made a significant personal choice to establish her home in London, England, around 2016. This transatlantic move was deeply intertwined with her personal life, particularly her journey into motherhood and the subsequent need to facilitate a stable co-parenting arrangement for her son. It represents a deliberate prioritization of family over geographical convenience to the American entertainment industry.
The Guardian reported that Jackson opted to remain in the UK capital following her divorce from businessman Wissam Al Mana in 2017. This decision was primarily driven by the practicalities and emotional importance of co-parenting their son. For Jackson, ensuring a consistent and harmonious environment for her child became the paramount concern, influencing her choice of residence far from her previous life in the United States.
Jackson has openly stated that motherhood represents “the most important thing” and “biggest thing” she’s accomplished, underscoring the profound impact it had on her life choices. London provided her with a stable, albeit international, base from which to navigate the demands of co-parenting and dedicate herself fully to her role as a mother. This move allowed her to build a new life that prioritized her family’s well-being, effectively creating a sanctuary away from the intense public scrutiny that often accompanies a star of her magnitude in the US, allowing her to focus on the quieter joys of domestic life.
The narratives of these stars offer a compelling counter-story to the traditional Hollywood dream. They remind us that for many, true success isn’t measured in box office receipts or tabloid headlines, but in the quiet moments, the authentic connections, and the freedom to craft a life on one’s own terms. Whether seeking solace in a hidden ranch, the anonymity of a distant city, or the cultural embrace of a new country, these celebrities are redefining what it means to be a star in an ever-connected world. Their choices illuminate a universal truth: sometimes, the most extraordinary path leads us far from the brightest lights, towards a more grounded and personally fulfilling existence.
