Caitlin O'Connor and Joe Manganiello Open Up About Leaving Los Angeles
Television host Caitlin O'Connor and her fiancé, actor Joe Manganiello, have publicly discussed their decision to leave California and start a new life in the Midwest. The couple, who both grew up in Pittsburgh, have relocated to the suburb of Mt. Lebanon after spending over two decades in Los Angeles.
Safety Concerns and Industry Changes Prompt Move
In a recent interview with Fox Digital, O'Connor revealed that their move was driven by more than just nostalgia. She cited soaring crime rates in Los Angeles as a primary concern, stating that safety was a major factor in their decision. "The crime in Los Angeles is at an all-time high," O'Connor explained. "We were thinking about it for a long time, and the right house happened to come up. We went to look at it in Pittsburgh, and it was perfect for us."
Additionally, O'Connor highlighted significant shifts in the entertainment industry. She noted that Los Angeles is no longer the central hub for auditions and casting, with many professionals now operating remotely or from other locations. "Actors do not audition there anymore. Many casting directors don’t have offices there anymore," she said. "For the most part, everything is on Zoom. A lot of premieres happen in New York. There are studios being built in New Jersey, and things are moving overseas."
Embracing Hometown Roots and Practicality
The couple, who got together after Manganiello's split from Sofia Vergara in 2023, emphasized the importance of their shared upbringing in Pittsburgh. O'Connor told People magazine in December that their common background strengthens their relationship. "That's what we really connect on, you know, we share the same upbringing, the same hometown knowledge. And that's what really connects us as a couple. So it's beautiful to be back home together," she said.
O'Connor also pointed to practical advantages of the move, especially in the post-pandemic era. "After COVID and the strikes, things have changed - you can really work from anywhere," she explained, adding that having a base in Pittsburgh makes it easier to travel for work projects.
Life in Pittsburgh and Future Plans
The couple has settled into Mt. Lebanon, which O'Connor describes as an idyllic, postcard-perfect neighborhood. "I've never been in a more beautiful neighborhood in Pittsburgh. It's just idyllic," she praised. While they still hold affection for Southern California, O'Connor and Manganiello are content with their decision to return to their roots.
Manganiello and O'Connor, who were first linked in September 2023 and announced their engagement in October 2025, are now focusing on their life together in Pennsylvania. Their move reflects broader trends of celebrities and professionals seeking safer, more affordable, and flexible living arrangements outside traditional entertainment centers.
