Ali Larter and Hayes MacArthur have made the transition from the hills to the mountains.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, actress Ali Larter and her family, like many others, faced the challenge of being confined to their home in Los Angeles. With the entertainment industry at a standstill and their children engaged in remote schooling, the "Legally Blonde" star and her husband, actor and comedian Hayes MacArthur, saw an opportunity for change. The industry was at a total standstill, and our kids were stuck on screens with remote schooling, MacArthur told Rue Magazine. Together with their son and daughter, they decided to embark on a new adventure.
Instead of remaining in the uncertainty of Los Angeles, the family packed up their car and headed north. "We figured it was an opportunity to go on an adventure as a family," Larter shared. This journey led them to Sun Valley, Idaho, a place far removed from the hustle and bustle of LA.
The serene beauty and tranquility of the mountains in Sun Valley captivated them. "We fell in love with the beauty of the mountains and their quiet grandness," Larter explained. "What was initially planned as a two-month trip turned into a permanent relocation. For the first time, they experienced the tight-knit community and mutual care that comes with small-town living. People look out for each other. There’s a real sense of community here, and we’re so happy to be a part of it, she added."
To solidify their new beginning, Larter and MacArthur built a new 4,400-square-foot home in Sun Valley. The natural surroundings had a profound impact on them. "Looking at the mountains relaxes and inspires me," Larter said. "Most of the time in my life, I feel like I’m going 1,000 miles an hour and these giant rocks chill me out."
MacArthur echoed her sentiments, humorously noting, "The mountains have a way of grounding you and slowing you down—especially when you’re stuck in traffic because there’s a herd of elk blocking the road."
Larter is among several celebrities who have recently chosen to leave Los Angeles for various reasons, including seeking safety, a fresh start, or a desire to be closer to family. Other stars who have made similar moves include Mark Wahlberg, Julia Roberts, Dean Cain, Kelly Clarkson, and Candace Cameron Bure.
In their new home in Sun Valley, Larter and her family have found a sense of peace and community that eluded them in the busy streets of Los Angeles. The move has not only brought them closer together as a family but also provided them with a refreshing new perspective on life.