Let’s talk about Mark Wahlberg, one of Hollywood's biggest names, who made a bold decision to leave the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles for a fresh start in Nevada. Known for his roles in movies like Arthur the King, Mark surprised fans by revealing his plans to relocate with his wife, Rhea Durham, and their four kids—Ella, Michael, Brendan, and Grace. This wasn’t just a casual move; it was a strategic decision aimed at reshaping not only his career but also his family’s lifestyle. So, what drove him to make such a significant change? Let’s dive in.
What Led Mark Wahlberg to Say Goodbye to L.A.?
Back in October 2022, Mark Wahlberg virtually joined The Talk, and that's when he dropped a major announcement. In a heartfelt conversation, he revealed that he was leaving Los Angeles behind. “Every free moment that I have, I’m at home,” he shared during the episode. “I moved to Nevada.” Now, this wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. Mark had been planning this move for a while, waiting for the right legislative changes to align with his vision. He was hoping for a bill to pass that would allow him to take advantage of tax credits in Nevada, which would enable him to build a state-of-the-art studio there. His goal? To create what he calls “Hollywood 2.0.”
Mark explained his reasoning during the show, saying, “I moved to California many years ago to pursue acting, and I only made a couple of movies in the entire time that I was there.” For him, the move wasn’t just about escaping the chaos of L.A. It was about giving his kids a better life and supporting their individual dreams. Whether it’s his daughter's passion for equestrian sports, his son’s love for basketball, or his youngest son’s interest in golf, Mark wanted to provide them with opportunities to thrive. He also expressed excitement about the possibility of building a studio, a shoe factory, and even a municipal factory in Nevada. “This made a lot more sense for us to go and hopefully build a studio as well as a shoe factory and a factory for municipal,” he said. “We came here to just kind of give ourselves a new look, a fresh start for the kids, and there’s lots of opportunity here, so I’m really excited about the future.”
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Mark didn’t stop there. He had big plans for the studio, envisioning it as a place that could transform countless lives. “We’re looking to create 10,000 jobs in the studio alone,” he stated. “We want to train people both in front of and behind the camera, create jobs, most importantly, first and foremost, for locals.” He believed that with the right infrastructure and opportunities, Nevada could attract talent from all over and become a hub for creativity and innovation. “The housing market is great,” he added, per The Hollywood Reporter.
Selling the L.A. Dream Home
In February 2023, news broke that Mark and Rhea had sold their Beverly Park mansion in Los Angeles for an impressive $55 million. This wasn’t just any house; it was a 12-bedroom, 20-bathroom mansion that Mark originally purchased for $8.25 million back in 2009. It was a massive estate, a symbol of his success in Hollywood. However, the Wahlbergs were ready to turn the page and embrace a new chapter in Nevada. In August 2022, Mark bought a 7,327-square-foot home in Nevada for $14.5 million. But by September 2023, he had already sold it for $16.6 million, explaining to TODAY.com that it was merely a "temporary place" while they transitioned from one house to another.
“When we decided to move [to Las Vegas], we wanted to move before school started, so we moved into a temporary place and we now moved into another place,” Mark told the outlet. “The plan was always to build, not only a studio but a family home. We just moved from one house to another.” While Mark admitted he missed California’s weather, he was pleased to see his kids thriving in their new environment. “I miss California, I miss the weather, but the kids are thriving [in Las Vegas],” he said.
However, it wasn’t just Mark who felt the pull of nostalgia. An insider revealed that Rhea, too, missed the Southern California lifestyle. “Mark is getting films made, and of course, they are paying lower taxes,” the source told Closer in October 2024. “They’re getting rich, but Rhea’s the one telling herself this is a temporary thing, and she absolutely misses the Southern California lifestyle.” The family might return to California eventually, but for now, their focus is on building a life in Nevada. “They will be back, eventually, when Mark is satisfied that he’s made a real difference and that their family has reached a new, higher level of financial security,” the insider added. “That’s going to take a few years.”
Interestingly, Mark also purchased 2.5 acres of land in Nevada for $15.6 million, reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal. This acquisition suggests that he’s serious about putting down roots in the area and expanding his ventures beyond just a studio.
How the Wahlberg Family Is Adjusting to Life in Nevada
A year after first discussing the move on The Talk, Mark gave an update on how his family was settling into their new life. “Everybody’s adapted nicely. The kids are all out at school, and everybody’s happy,” the proud father of four told People in October 2023. Despite his busy schedule, Mark was looking forward to spending quality time with his family. “Well, I’m constantly busy and traveling, so I’m looking forward to getting home and spending some time with the family,” he added.
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Even by March 2024, Mark was still enthusiastic about his decision to relocate. “It’s a place where my kids can thrive and do their thing and pursue their interests,” he told People. His excitement about the move was evident, as he believed it offered his children the perfect environment to grow and explore their passions.
