Why Ariel Winter Traded Hollywood for Tennessee: Inside Her $2.9M Southern Escape and the Surprising Former Co-Star Roommate Keeping Her Anchored to LA

Ariel Winter is officially done with the traditional Hollywood lifestyle, choosing peace, privacy, and changing seasons over the relentless pace of Southern California. The 28-year-old actress revealed she would much rather live away from Los Angeles, opting instead for a quieter existence anchored by a $2.9 million estate in College Grove, Tennessee.

Yet completely breaking ties with her hometown has proven nearly impossible. While she has embraced small-town living outside Nashville, Winter still splits her time with Southern California for one simple reason: her inner circle remains firmly planted there.

To make those California trips feel like home, she shares a living space with someone fans know very well—her long-time television sibling.

Ariel Winter wearing a white bathrobe with her long brown hair styled in soft waves.

Why Did Ariel Winter Leave Los Angeles for Tennessee?

Growing up in the spotlight of the entertainment industry brought constant attention, flashbulbs, and traffic. In May 2022, Winter took decisive action by purchasing her $2.9 million property in College Grove, located just outside Nashville.

Her motivation was straightforward: escape the city grind, experience real winter weather, and avoid intrusive cameras.

“I grew up in LA and just really wanted a change of pace. LA is busy, and I was hoping to just get away a little and see what that change does for me. I wanted seasons and snow! I also wanted to get away from paparazzi, and just live a normal life and it gave me that!”

The move delivered the peace she craved after over a decade in high-profile television. But trading paparazzi for peaceful acreage came with an emotional tradeoff that many cross-country transplants know all too well.

Ariel Winter on set during a production.

The Real Contrast: Nashville Peace vs. California Roots

The public often assumes young celebrities flee Los Angeles purely out of disdain for the entertainment capital. In Winter’s case, the conflict isn’t the location itself—it is the people she had to leave behind.

“All my family, my friends, everyone’s [in LA],” Winter admitted while discussing Season 2 of her animated Apple TV+ series, The Sisters Grimm. “I think that is what I love so much about LA – just that, not LA [itself].”

Winter acknowledged the emotional tug-of-war that comes with splitting her life across state lines.

“It’s just so peaceful and calm, and normal in a way that LA isn’t,” she explained. “I really would prefer to live there, probably. I don’t have my people there so much. I have some people, but my family’s not there, and that’s tough.”

Ariel Winter stands in front of a dark green wall wearing a light pink floral dress.

Who Does Ariel Winter Room With When Returning to California?

Rather than staying in hotels or living alone during California visits, Winter stays with someone who feels like genuine family. When she lands in Los Angeles, she shares a living space with her former co-star, Nolan Gould.

Gould portrayed Luke Dunphy alongside Winter’s Alex Dunphy for 11 seasons on the hit ABC sitcom from 2009 to 2020. Over those eleven years, the on-screen sibling dynamic evolved into an unbreakable real-world friendship.

Ariel Winter attending a Los Angeles screening.

“That is my brother,” Winter stated proudly. “Best friends since the beginning. We are family without a doubt. I love him so much. He’s the best, and living together is so fun. It’s just been the best experience ever.”

Having a dependable haven with Gould makes bouncing back and forth seamless while she manages current career commitments.

Ariel Winter and Nolan Gould in Modern Family.

Ariel Winter and Nolan Gould attend the 4th Annual Legacy Ball together.

How Voice Roles Enable Her Cross-Country Balance

Relocating across state lines can derail an acting schedule, but Winter has found flexibility through animated projects. Her recent work on the six-episode Apple TV+ run of The Sisters Grimm allows her to perform without being anchored continuously to an on-camera studio soundstage.

• Location Freedom: Voice roles provide the scheduling room needed to balance country life and city responsibilities.
• Creative Fulfillment: Bringing animated personalities to life provides unique character exploration.
• Youth Impact: Winter focuses on backing projects featuring positive models for younger audiences.

“You’re getting a little character to bring to life, and it’s really, really cool,” Winter noted regarding her animated performance. She added that she feels lucky to portray characters that are “positively influential for young people.”

By blending the quiet rhythms of College Grove with convenient stays alongside her former TV brother in California, Winter has engineered a routine that honors both her mental well-being and her childhood ties.

✨ Choosing peace over Hollywood pressure is a major life transition, especially when your entire inner circle is still out West.

📱 Ariel Winter’s continued bond with Nolan Gould proves that off-screen family ties can run just as deep as real ones.

💬 Would you trade big-city energy for a quiet, snowy escape like Tennessee? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: pagesix.com