Modern Family Stars Share Their Reasons for Leaving Los Angeles

Multiple stars of the hit sitcom Modern Family have relocated from Los Angeles to other parts of the country, with Ty Burrell and Ariel Winter citing reasons ranging from positive experiences in their new homes to negative memories associated with their time in Hollywood. Burrell, who played real estate agent Phil Dunphy, shared that he and his family moved to Salt Lake City after the show ended, describing their new life as "spectacular." In contrast, Winter, who played Burrell's on-screen daughter, revealed she left Los Angeles after enduring severe childhood trauma, including negative press coverage of her appearance and a tumultuous relationship with her mother.

Key Takeaways:

Ty Burrell, the actor who played Phil Dunphy in Modern Family, moved to Salt Lake City with his family after the show ended, citing a "spectacular" experience in their new home.
Ariel Winter, who played Burrell's on-screen daughter, left Los Angeles after enduring severe childhood trauma, including negative press coverage of her appearance and a difficult relationship with her mother.
Winter, born and raised in Los Angeles, began her acting career at age four and was just 11 when Modern Family premiered in 2009.
Both Winter and Burrell have stated they do not regret their decisions to leave Los Angeles.
Winter's decision to leave Los Angeles was influenced by her desire to create new memories and distance herself from the challenges she faced in her past.
Burrell's family, including his wife and two daughters, adjusted to their new rural lifestyle in Utah, which they now truly enjoy.

Statistics:

Ty Burrell and his family moved to Salt Lake City after the final season of Modern Family ended in 2020.
Ariel Winter began her acting career at age four and first appeared on screen in Modern Family when she was 11.
Winter and her boyfriend, actor Luke Benward, left Los Angeles when the show ended in April 2020.
Burrell has said it took time to adjust to their new rural lifestyle in Utah.
Winter has stated she is still active in the acting industry but prefers to live in a different city.

Sources:

People Magazine, Ty Burrell: I Don't Have Any Regrets About Leaving Los Angeles, 2023
People Magazine, Ariel Winter Opens Up About Leaving L.A. After Modern Family Ended, May 2025
Modern Family (TV show), 2009-2020
Los Angeles Times, Ariel Winter on Leaving L.A. After Modern Family, April 2023