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Why Celebrities Moved away from Hollywood. Was it personal, family or faith based.

In recent years, many celebrities have traded the glitz of Hollywood for quieter, more grounded lives in other states across the U.S. From 2018 to 2025, stars sought new homes for reasons ranging from privacy and family to escaping the fast-paced entertainment industry.

We’ll dive into why they left, where they settled, their family lives, whether they are affiliated with a religion, notable projects, and facts about their new cities.

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1. Gwen Stefani

• New City: Tishomingo, Oklahoma
• Year Moved: 2020 (part-time, splitting time with California)
• Reason for Moving: Seeking a quieter life and to raise her children in a rural setting with husband Blake Shelton.
• Quote: “When we get to Oklahoma, we’re constantly working — and it’s a different kind of work,” Stefani told People.
• Family/Kids: Three sons (Kingston, Zuma, Apollo) from her previous marriage to Gavin Rossdale.
• Plans to Stay: Splits time between Oklahoma and California, suggesting a long-term commitment to both.
• Faith/Religion: Roman Catholic, though not heavily publicized.
• Family in Area: No known family in Oklahoma; her focus is on Blake and her sons.
• Notable Works:
  • “Hollaback Girl” (song)
  • “Just a Girl” (song with No Doubt)
  • The Voice (TV show)
• Interesting Fact About Tishomingo: Tishomingo is home to the Chickasaw Nation Capitol, a historic building showcasing Native American heritage.

2. Blake Shelton

• New City: Tishomingo, Oklahoma
• Year Moved: 2020 (part-time, alongside Gwen Stefani)
• Reason for Moving: Wanted a slower pace and to embrace rural life.
• Quote: “Gwen and I have done so much traveling and touring… now we’re like, ‘Hey, I’m good to put my sweatpants on at 6 p.m.,’” Shelton told People.
• Family/Kids: No biological children but stepfather to Gwen’s three sons.
• Plans to Stay: Likely to maintain homes in both Oklahoma and California.
• Faith/Religion: Christian, though not outspoken about specifics.
• Family in Area: Born in Oklahoma, Blake had family that lives near the area.
• Notable Works:
  • The Voice (T.V Show: 2011–2023)
  • Fully Loaded: God’s Country Music Album (2019): A mix of new and previously released tracks, with the title track “God’s Country” earning a Grammy nomination
  • Blake Shelton’s second album – titled “The Dreamer” was released in 2003. The album includes the #1 single “The Baby”.

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3. Ellen DeGeneres

• New City: Cotswolds, England (not a U.S. state, but notable move; Montecito, CA, was a prior move in 2018)
• Year Moved: 2018 (Montecito), 2024 (England)
• Reason for Moving: Seeking privacy and disillusionment with U.S. politics post-2024 election.
• Quote: No direct quote, but TMZ reported DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi were “very disillusioned” with Trump’s victory.
• Family/Kids: No children; married to Portia de Rossi.
• Plans to Stay: Appears committed to staying in England long-term.
• Faith/Religion: Not publicly affiliated with a specific religion.
• Family in Area: No known family in the Cotswolds.
• Notable Works:
  • The Ellen DeGeneres Show (TV show)
  • Finding Nemo (voice of Dory)
  • Ellen’s Game of Games (TV show)
• Interesting Fact About Cotswolds: The Cotswolds is known for its picturesque villages built from honey-colored stone, attracting artists and celebrities.

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4. Justin Timberlake

• New City: Nashville, Tennessee
• Year Moved: 2018 (part-time, maintains other residences)
• Reason for Moving: Desire for a quieter environment to raise his family and focus on music.
• Quote: No direct quote on the move, but Timberlake has spoken about valuing family privacy.
• Family/Kids: Two sons (Silas and Phineas) with wife Jessica Biel.
• Plans to Stay: Splits time between Nashville, Los Angeles, and Montana, suggesting flexibility.
• Faith/Religion: Raised Christian but not outspoken about current beliefs.
• Family in Area: No known family in Nashville.
• Notable Works:
  • “Cry Me a River” (song)
  • The Social Network (movie)
  • Trolls (voice of Branch)
• Interesting Fact About Nashville: Known as “Music City,” Nashville hosts the Grand Ole Opry, a legendary country music venue.

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5. Nicole Kidman

• New City: Nashville, Tennessee
• Year Moved: 2018 (part-time, with husband Keith Urban)
• Reason for Moving: To balance a quieter family life with her career.
• Quote: “When I’m off, I’m off,” Kidman told Harper’s Bazaar.
• Family/Kids: Two daughters (Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret) with Keith Urban; two adult children from Tom Cruise.
• Plans to Stay: Maintains homes in Nashville and Los Angeles, indicating a long-term split.
• Faith/Religion: Catholic, though she keeps it private.
• Family in Area: Keith Urban’s family ties in Tennessee.
• Notable Works:
  • Big Little Lies (TV show)
  • Moulin Rouge! (movie)
  • The Hours (movie)
• Interesting Fact About Nashville: The city is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame, celebrating musical legends.

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6. Demi Moore

• New City: Hailey, Idaho
• Year Moved: 2018 (part-time, maintains other residences)
• Reason for Moving: Seeking solitude and a connection to nature post-Hollywood career peak.
• Quote: No specific quote on the move, but Moore has emphasized her love for Idaho’s tranquility.
• Family/Kids: Three daughters (Rumer, Scout, Tallulah) with ex-husband Bruce Willis.
• Plans to Stay: Likely to stay part-time, with homes elsewhere.
• Faith/Religion: Explored Kabbalah in the past but not currently vocal about faith.
• Family in Area: No known family in Idaho.
• Notable Works:
  • Ghost (movie)
  • G.I. Jane (movie)
  • A Few Good Men (movie)
• Interesting Fact About Hailey: Hailey is near Sun Valley, a premier ski destination frequented by celebrities.

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7. Matthew McConaughey

• New City: Austin, Texas
• Year Moved: 2014 (full-time by 2018)
• Reason for Moving: Wanted an authentic, slower-paced life away from Hollywood’s “Matrix.”
• Quote: “Hollywood is the Matrix, man. You plug in, and it’s all fake world… Then I go to Austin, and I unplug. It’s all real,” McConaughey told The Hollywood Reporter.
• Family/Kids: Three children (Levi, Vida, Livingston) with wife Camila Alves.
• Plans to Stay: Committed to Austin long-term.
• Faith/Religion: Christian, often speaks about faith guiding his life.
• Family in Area: Born in Texas, with deep family roots.
• Notable Works:
  • Dallas Buyers Club (movie)
  • Interstellar (movie)
  • True Detective (TV show)
• Interesting Fact About Austin: Austin is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” hosting festivals like SXSW.

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8. Mark Ruffalo

• New City: Callicoon, New York
• Year Moved: 2018
• Reason for Moving: Desired a rural, family-oriented life away from Hollywood’s chaos.
• Quote: No direct quote, but Ruffalo has spoken about prioritizing family and nature.
• Family/Kids: Three children (Keen, Bella, Odette) with wife Sunrise Coigney.
• Plans to Stay: Likely to remain in New York long-term.
• Faith/Religion: Not publicly affiliated with a specific religion.
• Family in Area: No known family in Callicoon.
• Notable Works:
  • The Avengers (movie)
  • Spotlight (movie)
  • Dark Waters (movie)
• Interesting Fact About Callicoon: Callicoon is a small, scenic town along the Delaware River, known for its historic charm.

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9. Amanda Seyfried

• New City: Catskill, New York
• Year Moved: 2018
• Reason for Moving: Escaping uncomfortable experiences in Hollywood and seeking privacy.
• Quote: “I was walking around with no underpants on and a T-shirt, and I didn’t want to be… I didn’t feel like I had any power,” Seyfried said about a film set experience that prompted her move.
• Family/Kids: Two children with husband Thomas Sadoski.
• Plans to Stay: Committed to her farm life in New York.
• Faith/Religion: Not publicly vocal about religion.
• Family in Area: No known family in Catskill.
• Notable Works:
  • Mamma Mia! (movie)
  • Les Misérables (movie)
  • Mean Girls (movie)
• Interesting Fact About Catskill: The Catskill Mountains inspired the Hudson River School of landscape painting.

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10. Eva Longoria

• New City: Austin, Texas (part-time; also spends time in Spain)
• Year Moved: 2021
• Reason for Moving: Felt her Hollywood chapter was over and wanted a fresh start.
• Quote: “That chapter in my life is done now,” Longoria told Marie Claire.
• Family/Kids: One son (Santiago) with husband José Bastón.
• Plans to Stay: Splits time between Texas and Spain, likely to continue.
• Faith/Religion: Catholic.
• Family in Area: No known family in Austin.
• Notable Works:
  • Desperate Housewives (TV show)
  • Overboard (movie)
  • Flamin’ Hot (movie)
• Interesting Fact About Austin: Austin’s Barton Springs Pool is a natural, spring-fed swimming spot loved by locals.

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11. Sylvester Stallone

• New City: Palm Beach, Florida
• Year Moved: 2021
• Reason for Moving: Sought privacy, lower taxes, and a change of pace.
• Quote: No direct quote, but Stallone has praised Florida’s lifestyle.
• Family/Kids: Three daughters (Sophia, Sistine, Scarlet) with wife Jennifer Flavin.
• Plans to Stay: Appears settled in Florida.
• Faith/Religion: Christian.
• Family in Area: No known family in Palm Beach.
• Notable Works:
  • Rocky (movie)
  • Rambo (movie)
  • The Expendables (movie)
• Interesting Fact About Palm Beach: Palm Beach is home to Mar-a-Lago, a historic estate and private club.

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12. Zac Efron

• New City: Byron Bay, Australia (part-time; maintains U.S. residences)
• Year Moved: 2020
• Reason for Moving: Wanted a quieter life and to escape Hollywood’s spotlight.
• Quote: No direct quote, but Efron has expressed love for Australia’s laid-back vibe.
• Family/Kids: No children.
• Plans to Stay: Splits time between Australia and the U.S.
• Faith/Religion: Not publicly affiliated.
• Family in Area: No known family in Australia.
• Notable Works:
  • High School Musical (movie)
  • The Greatest Showman (movie)
  • Baywatch (movie)
• Interesting Fact About Byron Bay: Byron Bay is a surfing hotspot with pristine beaches, attracting eco-conscious travelers.

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13. Josh Hartnett

• New City: Hampshire, England (part-time; maintains U.S. residences)
• Year Moved: 2020
• Reason for Moving: Escaped Hollywood due to safety concerns, including stalker incidents.
• Quote: “People showed up at my house… A guy showed up at one of my premieres with a gun,” Hartnett told The Guardian.
• Family/Kids: Three children with wife Tamsin Egerton.
• Plans to Stay: Likely to split time between England and the U.S.
• Faith/Religion: Not publicly vocal.
• Family in Area: No known family in Hampshire.
• Notable Works:
  • Pearl Harbor (movie)
  • Black Hawk Down (movie)
  • The Black Dahlia (movie)
• Interesting Fact About Hampshire: Hampshire is home to Jane Austen’s house, now a museum.

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14. Chris Hemsworth

• New City: Byron Bay, Australia
• Year Moved: 2018
• Reason for Moving: Wanted a family-friendly, low-key environment.
• Quote: No direct quote, but Hemsworth has praised Australia’s lifestyle for his kids.
• Family/Kids: Three children with wife Elsa Pataky.
• Plans to Stay: Committed to Australia long-term.
• Faith/Religion: Not publicly affiliated.
• Family in Area: Family ties in Australia.
• Notable Works:
  • Thor (movie)
  • The Avengers (movie)
  • Extraction (movie)
• Interesting Fact About Byron Bay: The Cape Byron Lighthouse is Australia’s easternmost point.

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15. Hilary Swank

• New City: Telluride, Colorado
• Year Moved: 2018
• Reason for Moving: Sought a peaceful, nature-filled life.
• Quote: No direct quote, but Swank has spoken about loving Colorado’s outdoors.
• Family/Kids: Twins with husband Philip Schneider.
• Plans to Stay: Likely to stay in Colorado.
• Faith/Religion: Not publicly vocal.
• Family in Area: No known family in Telluride.
• Notable Works:
  • Boys Don’t Cry (movie)
  • Million Dollar Baby (movie)
  • Freedom Writers (movie)
• Interesting Fact About Telluride: Telluride hosts an annual film festival, attracting global cinephiles.

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16. Ryan Reynolds

• New City: Bedford, New York
• Year Moved: 2018
• Reason for Moving: Wanted a private, family-focused life.
• Quote: No direct quote, but Reynolds has emphasized family privacy.
• Family/Kids: Four children with wife Blake Lively.
• Plans to Stay: Committed to New York.
• Faith/Religion: Not publicly affiliated.
• Family in Area: No known family in Bedford.
• Notable Works:
  • Deadpool (movie)
  • The Proposal (movie)
  • Red Notice (movie)
• Interesting Fact About Bedford: Bedford is known for its historic estates and equestrian culture.

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17. Blake Lively

• New City: Bedford, New York
• Year Moved: 2018
• Reason for Moving: Prioritized raising her children away from Hollywood’s spotlight.
• Quote: No direct quote, but Lively has spoken about valuing family time.
• Family/Kids: Four children with husband Ryan Reynolds.
• Plans to Stay: Likely to remain in New York.
• Faith/Religion: Not publicly vocal.
• Family in Area: No known family in Bedford.
• Notable Works:
  • Gossip Girl (TV show)
  • The Age of Adaline (movie)
  • A Simple Favor (movie)
• Interesting Fact About Bedford: The town’s rural charm inspired parts of The Great Gatsby.

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18. Robert Downey Jr.

• New City: East Hampton, New York
• Year Moved: 2019
• Reason for Moving: Sought a quieter life post-Marvel career.
• Quote: No direct quote, but Downey has praised the Hamptons’ serenity.
• Family/Kids: Two children with wife Susan Downey.
• Plans to Stay: Likely to stay part-time.
• Faith/Religion: Explored Buddhism but not strictly affiliated.
• Family in Area: No known family in East Hampton.
• Notable Works:
  • Iron Man (movie)
  • Avengers: Endgame (movie)
  • Sherlock Holmes (movie)
• Interesting Fact About East Hampton: The Hamptons are a summer haven for artists and writers, including Jackson Pollock.

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19. Jessica Alba

• New City: Austin, Texas
• Year Moved: 2020
• Reason for Moving: Wanted a family-friendly environment and to focus on her business, The Honest Company.
• Quote: No direct quote, but Alba has spoken about embracing Texas’ community vibe.
• Family/Kids: Three children with husband Cash Warren.
• Plans to Stay: Likely to split time between Texas and California.
• Faith/Religion: Not publicly vocal.
• Family in Area: No known family in Austin.
• Notable Works:
  • Sin City (movie)
  • Fantastic Four (movie)
  • Honey (movie)
• Interesting Fact About Austin: Austin’s Zilker Park hosts the annual Austin City Limits music festival.

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20. John Krasinski

• New City: Brooklyn, New York
• Year Moved: 2018
• Reason for Moving: Wanted a creative, family-oriented environment.
• Quote: No direct quote, but Krasinski has praised New York’s artistic community.
• Family/Kids: Two children with wife Emily Blunt.
• Plans to Stay: Likely to stay in New York.
• Faith/Religion: Not publicly affiliated.
• Family in Area: No known family in Brooklyn.
• Notable Works:
  • The Office (TV show)
  • A Quiet Place (movie)
  • Jack Ryan (TV show)
• Interesting Fact About Brooklyn: Brooklyn’s DUMBO neighborhood is famous for its Instagram-worthy photo spots.

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21. Emily Blunt

• New City: Brooklyn, New York
• Year Moved: 2018
• Reason for Moving: Sought a vibrant yet private life for her family (Married to John Krasinski)
• Quote: No direct quote, but Blunt has expressed love for New York’s energy.
• Family/Kids: Two children with husband John Krasinski.
• Plans to Stay: Committed to New York.
• Faith/Religion: Not publicly vocal.
• Family in Area: No known family in Brooklyn.
• Notable Works:
  • A Quiet Place (movie)
  • Mary Poppins Returns (movie)
  • The Devil Wears Prada (movie)
• Interesting Fact About Brooklyn: Brooklyn Bridge Park offers stunning views of Manhattan’s skyline.

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22. Chris Pine

• New City: Lexington, Kentucky
• Year Moved: 2020
• Reason for Moving: Desired a quieter, less scrutinized life.
• Quote: No direct quote, but Pine has spoken about needing a break from Hollywood.
• Family/Kids: No children.
• Plans to Stay: Likely part-time, with other residences.
• Faith/Religion: Not publicly affiliated.
• Family in Area: No known family in Kentucky.
• Notable Works:
  • Star Trek (movie)
  • Wonder Woman (movie)
  • Hell or High Water (movie)
• Interesting Fact About Lexington: Known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” Lexington hosts the Kentucky Horse Park.

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23. Reese Witherspoon

• New City: Nashville, Tennessee
• Year Moved: 2019
• Reason for Moving: Wanted to raise her children in a Southern, community-focused environment.
• Quote: No direct quote, but Witherspoon has praised Nashville’s creative scene.
• Family/Kids: Three children (Ava, Deacon, Tennessee) from two marriages.
• Plans to Stay: Committed to Nashville long-term.
• Faith/Religion: Christian.
• Family in Area: Southern roots, with family ties in Tennessee.
• Notable Works:
  • Legally Blonde (movie)
  • Big Little Lies (TV show)
  • The Morning Show (TV show)
• Interesting Fact About Nashville: Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe is a famous venue for up-and-coming songwriters.

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Why Are Celebrities Leaving Hollywood?

Celebrities have cited privacy, family, and a desire for authenticity as key reasons for leaving Hollywood. Many, like Matthew McConaughey, described Hollywood as artificial, seeking “real” communities elsewhere.

The trend of celebrities leaving Hollywood reflects a broader desire for balance and authenticity.

Whether it’s Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton’s Oklahoma ranch, Matthew McConaughey’s Texas roots, or Ellen DeGeneres’ English countryside escape, these stars are redefining success on their own terms.

Their new cities offer unique cultural gems, from Nashville’s music scene to Austin’s vibrant festivals, making these moves as inspiring as they are practical.

Note: Information is based on available reports up to June 13, 2025. Some details, like exact quotes or family ties, may be limited due to privacy or lack of public data.