15 Celebrities Who Moved Off the Grid for a Quieter Life
For a surprising number of celebrities, life in the spotlight eventually led to a longing for something simpler. While many stars thrive on the glitz and grind of Hollywood, others discover peace in rural living, nature-filled backdrops, and tight-knit communities.
Whether it’s for privacy, raising a family, or reconnecting with nature, these celebrities traded city noise for a slower pace—and they’ve never looked back.
1. Josh Duhamel
Josh Duhamel moved his family to a self-built cabin deep in the Minnesota woods. Alongside his wife, Audra Mari, and their children, he enjoys the quiet life far from Hollywood. “I wanted to create a place where we could unplug—where our nearest neighbor is miles away,” he told Parade in 2025. With no stores within 40 miles, their home is more about connection than convenience.
2. Mark Wahlberg
Instagram | people | Mark Wahlberg relocated his family to Nevada from LA so that his kids could focus on their passions with fewer distractions.
Mark Wahlberg chose Nevada for his family’s new home, moving them out of Los Angeles to offer his kids a different kind of upbringing. “We made this move so our kids could chase their passions with fewer distractions,” he explained.
Whether it’s basketball or horseback riding, his family now enjoys space and opportunity without the fast pace of Hollywood.
3. Amanda Seyfried
Living on a farm in the Catskills, Amanda Seyfried and her husband Thomas Sadoski raise their kids surrounded by animals and fresh air. From horses to chickens, their farm is a haven.
In an interview with The New York Times, she shared, “Being here when I’m not working centers me. It’s where I find balance.” Her farm life is less about stepping away and more about grounding herself in something real.
4. Melissa Gilbert & Timothy Busfield
Melissa Gilbert and husband Timothy Busfield found their ideal life in a cozy cottage nestled on 14 acres in New York’s Catskill Mountains. Their home is more than just shelter—it’s a reflection of their peaceful lifestyle.
On Instagram, Gilbert poked fun at the region’s unpredictable weather while showcasing their wood-burning fireplace and scenic backyard. “This is the life I dreamed about,” she shared.
5. Jason Segel
After “How I Met Your Mother” wrapped, Jason Segel decided to settle in a small town. Though he keeps the location under wraps, he shared with Jimmy Kimmel that he’s now part of the local scene—attending school plays, football games, and spending time on his 21-acre property.
“No one recognizes me here, and I love it,” he joked. His move was about authenticity and living fully in the moment.
6. James Van Der Beek
Instagram | vanderjames | James Van Der Beek and his family left LA for Texas in 2020, seeking a peaceful life away from the city.
James Van Der Beek and his wife Kimberly relocated their large family to Texas in 2020. “We wanted them to grow up around trees, sky, and quiet,” he shared with Austin Life. He later reflected on returning to Los Angeles briefly and realized it no longer felt like home.
“Places can serve a purpose, but sometimes they stop fitting. This feels right for us now,” he wrote.
7. Chip & Joanna Gaines
The Gaines family is deeply rooted in their 40-acre farmhouse in Waco, Texas. Known for “Fixer Upper,” Chip and Joanna expanded their home to match their growing family.
“We’re adding more space because life keeps growing around here,” Chip said. The farmhouse is more than where they live—it’s where their brand, family, and passions flourish.
8. Adrian Grenier
Adrian Grenier made a permanent move to a farm near Austin, Texas, stepping away from his big-city lifestyle. “That life was wild and fun, but it wasn’t aligned with who I’ve become,” he shared.
Now, he’s focused on environmental efforts, planting a fruit forest, and creating a sanctuary. His new lifestyle matches his decades of environmental advocacy.
9. Tom Selleck
For over 30 years, Tom Selleck has split his time between acting and managing his 63-acre Ventura ranch. “I value my privacy and time with family over everything,” he told PEOPLE. Once an avocado farm, the property is now a personal retreat with over 1,500 native trees.
For Selleck, it’s about getting his hands dirty and staying grounded.
10. Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton
Though their careers keep them tied to L.A., Gwen and Blake’s favorite place is their Oklahoma ranch. From her Instagram glimpses, it’s clear their rural retreat offers a slower, more connected life. It’s where they got engaged and married, making it a sentimental part of their story.
11. Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts has long called a New Mexico ranch home. Living there with her husband, Danny Moder, and their kids, she values the privacy and calm that the space provides. The move wasn’t sudden—she bought the property back in the ’90s and eventually made it their permanent home.
12. Denise Richards
Instagram | deniserichards | Denise Richards and Aaron Phypers enjoy the unexpected, vital peace of Montana, their part-time home.
Denise Richards splits her time between L.A. and Montana with husband Aaron Phypers. “The peace I feel in Montana is something I never expected but now can’t live without,” she wrote on Instagram.
Her dream includes raising animals and combining country simplicity with Beverly Hills glam.
13. Josh Lucas
Josh Lucas once relocated his family to a remote Indonesian school for his son, designed to inspire future environmental leaders. “It was like something out of Swiss Family Robinson, with bamboo buildings and self-grown food,” he told Kimmel.
Now living in Ojai, California, Lucas works the land with his own tractor.
14. Chris Pratt
Chris Pratt balances stardom with farming in Washington state. At Stillwater Ranch, he raises sheep and tends to his land. His wool even wins awards. “This place keeps me grounded—it’s my peaceful escape,” he’s said.
When not filming “Jurassic World” or “Guardians of the Galaxy,” Pratt’s happiest in boots and jeans, working the farm.
15. Carter Oosterhouse & Amy Smart
TV personality Carter Oosterhouse and actress Amy Smart live in a charming 100-year-old farmhouse in Michigan. They’ve chosen small-town life and are committed to sustainable living, raising their family away from Hollywood’s pace.
For these celebrities, leaving the city wasn’t about stepping away from fame. It was about reconnecting with family, nature, and themselves. Whether on sprawling farmland or tucked into quiet mountain towns, they’ve shown that sometimes the best role in life isn’t on-screen—it’s living it, fully and intentionally.