Joe Manganiello and Caitlin O’Connor Explain Why They Left Los Angeles for Pittsburgh

25 January 2026

Joe Manganiello and his fiancée Caitlin O’Connor have traded the palm-tree skyline of Los Angeles for the leafy streets and changing seasons of Pittsburgh, a move that reflects both personal priorities and evolving realities in the entertainment world. After more than two decades living in L.A., the couple recently relocated to Mt. Lebanon, a suburb of the city where they both grew up, and in interviews over the past week they’ve opened up about why the shift was so significant to them. Their decision goes beyond nostalgia and roots in a meaningful reassessment of lifestyle, safety and purpose after years spent navigating Hollywood’s hectic pace.

In candid remarks about the relocation, O’Connor, 36, emphasized that Los Angeles had become less central to their professional lives than it once was, largely due to changes in how film and television are made. Once the undisputed heart of the entertainment industry, L.A. has seen many traditional production roles migrate elsewhere, as casting and audition processes increasingly take place virtually and studios expand operations outside the city. She pointed out that much of the work that used to require a permanent base in Hollywood can now be done from anywhere, with Zoom calls, overseas shooting schedules and growing production hubs in places like New York and New Jersey reducing the necessity of living in Los Angeles. This shift, she said, made it easier for them to reconsider where they wanted to build their life together.

Another part of their reasoning involved safety and community. O’Connor has been outspoken about her concerns regarding crime levels in Los Angeles, describing them as “at an all-time high” and contributing to the couple’s desire for a more peaceful environment. In Pittsburgh, she said, they found a sense of security and neighborly warmth that felt “postcard perfect,” especially in the Mt. Lebanon neighborhood they now call home. The contrast between the frenetic hustle of Hollywood and the quieter days in Pennsylvania’s suburbs resonated with both of them as they looked ahead to the next chapter of their lives.

Their connection to Pittsburgh is deep and personal. Manganiello, 49, was born and raised in the area and has maintained strong ties to the community throughout his career, which spans decades and includes roles in True Blood, Magic Mike and numerous other film and television projects. O’Connor, though born in Los Angeles, grew up in nearby Uniontown and cherishes the memories and values of her Pennsylvania upbringing. Their shared roots and mutual affection for the region have only deepened since they first met, and the move back feels like a return to a foundation they both value.

Charity and community involvement have also played a significant role in the couple’s decision. Manganiello has been closely affiliated with UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh since 2011, helping raise funds and awareness for the hospital through events and personal visits. He even hosts telethons and serves on the hospital’s board of trustees. O’Connor said that working with the hospital’s community opened her eyes to the generosity and solidarity of the region, and helped crystallize her desire to build a life oriented around giving back rather than the relentless grind of Hollywood productions. She spoke warmly about the telethons she’s helped staff, where volunteers and callers expressed a heartfelt commitment to supporting families in need, inspiring her to make Pittsburgh their home base.

Even as they settle in a quieter locale, the couple haven’t given up their careers or the professional opportunities that drew them to Los Angeles in the first place. They plan to travel for work when needed, including trips back to L.A. and to New York, and are still engaged with their respective creative pursuits. Instead of cutting ties with Hollywood, they’ve redefined their relationship with it, choosing to make home in a place that feels more balanced and grounded.

O’Connor also spoke about the simple joys she’s rediscovered since the move. From snowy mornings in Mt. Lebanon to hosting family for holidays, she has embraced the rhythms of a life once left behind for the allure of movie premieres and industry functions. She joked about watching Manganiello shovel snow for hours after their first big snowfall, calling it one of the “hottest things” she’s seen, evidence of the playful, affectionate energy that defines their partnership. There’s a sense that the move is not just practical but deeply personal, rooted in shared values, mutual support and an eagerness to savor life’s quieter pleasures together.

Their relocation comes after years of high-profile work in Hollywood and public attention on their relationship since announcing their engagement in October 2025. O’Connor’s reflections suggest that the choice to leave Los Angeles was something they had considered for a long time rather than making a sudden departure. In Pittsburgh, they’ve found room to breathe, to focus on community, and to build a life where professional success and personal fulfillment coexist in a more holistic way.

In many ways, their story echoes a broader trend of high-profile individuals reevaluating urban living and career hubs in favor of places that offer connection, safety and a pace of life that aligns with long-term goals. For Manganiello and O’Connor, Pittsburgh represents not just a return to roots but an intentional choice to anchor their future in a community they love and respect. As they continue to travel and work, the city remains their home base, a place that reflects who they are together and who they want to become.