A growing number of celebrities are trading the glitz of Hollywood for more serene locales, seeking a quieter existence for themselves and their children, with destinations ranging from Europe to New Zealand.

Among those who have made the leap are Richard Gere and Alejandra Silva. The couple has been permanently residing in Spain since 2024, though they recently returned to the United States to celebrate the Fourth of July. For the occasion, Alejandra Silva shared a glimpse of their festive day with their sons, Alexander, 7, and James, 6. The family enjoyed a boat trip and traditional holiday fireworks, prompting Alejandra to reflect in her caption, “Deeply grateful for a life built between two countries, two cultures, and so many people we love. Today, we celebrate connection, family, friendship, and everything that reminds us that home is not only a place, but the people we carry in our hearts.” The actor and his wife are embracing their new life in the La Moraleja neighborhood, just outside Madrid. Richard Gere is frequently seen running errands, strolling undisturbed through Madrid, and engaging in activism, supporting charities like the nonprofit Hogar Sí, which is dedicated to combating homelessness. The actor explained the reasons for the move in 2024 during an interview, stating, “My wife is Spanish and she gave me about seven years here, so we’re going to spend some years in Madrid with her family. Our kids are bilingual, so they’re going to flourish there.”

Like the Geres, many stars have opted for a life far from Hollywood, primarily for their own well-being and that of their children. Some, such as Sophie Turner and Pamela Anderson, have returned to their home countries. While Anderson chose to live on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Sophie Turner returned to London in 2023 following the end of her marriage to Joe Jonas. In a 2025 interview, the actress spoke about her return to London, saying, “I just feel so at home here; I never want to move again. Living in the States, I didn’t appreciate how much you need friends and family and how integral they are to your wellness until you’re away from them. I came back with an abundance of appreciation for them.”

Other stars who have relocated include Amber Heard, who moved to Spain after her divorce from Johnny Depp, and Lily Collins and her husband Charlie McDowell, who have been living in Copenhagen since 2024. In an interview, the actor said of their new home, “Life here is just so wonderful and so calm and bright. What I love so much is that there’s so much color and, yet, it’s so calm. I love being able to bike everywhere. It feels like a big city but also very intimate, and everyone is so nice.”

Europe isn’t the only choice for stars seeking a change of scenery. Lindsay Lohan, who has been living in Dubai with her husband and son for several years, and James Cameron, who fell in love with New Zealand in 1994 and seized the opportunity to move there with his family during the COVID-19 pandemic, are prime examples. And then there are George and Amal Clooney, who have always been devotees of a “Dolce Vita” away from the spotlight, dividing their time between Lake Como, Italy, and the United States. George Clooney once said, “I was worried about raising our kids in L. A., in the culture of Hollywood. I felt like they were never going to get a fair shake at life.”