Josh Duhamel has been the subject of speculation about his future in Los Angeles, especially after he listed his Encino property for $2.99 million. But the actor is setting the record straight: he's not fleeing the city anytime soon. In a recent interview, Duhamel explained that his decision to stay in Los Angeles is entirely about his 12-year-old son, Axl, who is currently attending school there. The moment his son turns 18 and heads off to college, Duhamel plans to make his permanent move away from the California hustle.
“I’m here because my son is in school,” Duhamel said, emphasizing that his priority is being present for his oldest child during these formative years. The actor, who shares Axl with his ex-wife Fergie, has made it clear that family comes before any professional or personal convenience. While he has homes in other states, Los Angeles remains his base for now, purely for the sake of his son’s education and stability.
Why the Encino listing?
The recent sale of his Encino home might seem like a sign of an imminent departure, but Duhamel clarified that it’s more about streamlining his real estate portfolio. The property, which he’s owned since his split from Fergie, served as a bachelor pad during that transitional period. Now that he’s remarried and living primarily in Fargo, North Dakota, with his wife Audra Mari and their two young children, the Encino house no longer fits his daily life. Still, he maintains another residence in Los Angeles to be close to Axl.
Duhamel’s approach to parenting is refreshingly grounded. He’s not rushing to uproot his son from a familiar environment, even if it means delaying his own plans for a quieter life away from the city. As he put it, “When he’s ready to go to college, then I’ll be ready to make that move.”
A life beyond Los Angeles
Duhamel’s ties to the Midwest run deep. He owns a self-sufficient retreat in Minnesota, complete with two cabins, an outdoor sauna, and a dock—a place he’s proudly showcased on TV. And his primary residence is in Fargo, North Dakota, where his wife was born and where they’re raising their two children. That’s a far cry from the Hollywood hills, but it’s exactly where Duhamel feels most at home.
For now, Los Angeles remains a necessary stop, but it’s clear where his heart lies. The actor’s decision to stay until his son graduates is a testament to his commitment as a father. It’s a reminder that even celebrities navigate the same tough choices about family and location that many of us do.
As the city continues to evolve, Duhamel’s story is a personal one, but it resonates with anyone who’s ever weighed career demands against family needs. And while he’s not leaving just yet, his future plans are clear: once Axl is off to college, Duhamel will be packing his bags for good.
In the meantime, fans can catch him in upcoming projects, but his real focus is on being a dad. “I’m not in a rush,” he said. “I’m enjoying this time with my son.”
