Zac Efron Speaks Out on Why He Boosted His Lifestyle and Calls a Different Country “Home”

Zac Efron, known for his global travels following his rise to fame, has often journeyed for both professional commitments and personal enjoyment. Despite maintaining his residence in his native California, where he was born and raised, a significant shift occurred when he decided to venture overseas. During this time abroad, he realized that a lifestyle change was necessary for him to discover genuine happiness.

Most of his life he spent in the United States.

Born in San Luis Obispo, California, Zac Efron primarily resided in the United States, particularly in close proximity to the bustling hub of Hollywood. Despite his parents having no ties to the entertainment industry, Zac embarked on his foray into the world of acting and singing at a young age. His initiation into the realm of performance commenced during his years at Arroyo Grande High School in the early 2000s, with a key influence being a drama teacher who played a crucial role in facilitating his connection to a talent agent.

Following his triumph with teen-oriented films like the High School Musical trilogy and 17 Again (2009), Zac Efron transitioned towards more dramatic roles in productions such as The Greatest Showman (2017) and, more recently, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019). This expanding filmography contributed significantly to his impressive net worth, estimated at around $25 million. In 2013, leveraging his success, he seized the opportunity to acquire a mansion in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, where he resided for seven years. However, he eventually felt that the property no longer resonated as the right place for him.

So, what happened to Zac Efron to make him change his mind? Keep reading to find out.

His L.A. house had everything to offer, but ultimately it wasn’t enough.

At the age of 36, Zac Efron made the decision to put his Los Feliz home on the market in December 2020. The listing revealed the remarkable features of the property, situated against the backdrop of the Hollywood Hills in a prestigious neighborhood frequented by various celebrities. Boasting breathtaking views, the house is adorned with walls of glass, terraces, and numerous outdoor spaces that provide sweeping panoramic vistas of the city below.

Spanning 5,455 square feet, the residence includes five bedrooms and five bathrooms. The main level encompasses a living area, dining room, chef’s kitchen adjacent to a family room, and a master suite featuring a spa-like bathroom. However, these impressive features were not the only considerations in Zac Efron’s quest for a new living arrangement.

Furthermore, the house encompasses three bedrooms with a bathroom downstairs, complemented by a separate one-bedroom, one-bath guesthouse. Additional amenities include a gym, media room, game room, security cameras, and outdoor spaces featuring view decks suitable for both dining and lounging.

Despite the substantial price tag, the property showcased its potential, leading to a swift sale within a few months. In May 2021, the house changed hands for $5.3 million. Although slightly below the initial asking price of $5.9 million, this transaction still proved lucrative for Efron, who had originally acquired the property for around $4 million.

He fell in love with a different country.

In 2020, Zac Efron made a significant decision that left a lasting impression on him — he moved to Byron Bay, Australia. At the time of this relocation, he still retained ownership of the Los Feliz mansion, leading many to believe it was merely a temporary residence. Moreover, the fact that he initially lived out of a van before eventually purchasing property in the Australian beachside town further fueled the perception that his move might not have substantial long-term implications.

Nevertheless, Zac Efron’s connection with Australia deepened as he filmed the second season of his Netflix documentary series, Down to Earth, in the country. This extended stay allowed him to immerse himself in Australian culture for over a year. While he did return to the United States to spend quality time with his family, it didn’t take long before he found himself back on Australian soil. This time, it was for the filming of Ricky Stanicky, a movie in which he co-stars alongside John Cena. As of now, the film does not have a set debut date.

But a special situation might have sealed the deal for his ever-growing bond with the country. Shortly after he moved to Australia, Efron found love. He met Vanessa Valladares, a waitress at the Byron Bay General Store & Cafe, in June 2020. They began dating and eventually spent Christmas and New Year’s together in Australia. Although the couple has since called it quits, the relationship might have been the final trigger of Efron’s decision to move permanently from the US, as he then put his L.A. home on the market.

Finally, a source close to the actor revealed in January 2021, that Efron already considered Australia “home.”

Efron holds the belief that Hollywood is a healthy place to live in.

Zac Efron had previously expressed his intent to leave Hollywood, a sentiment he openly shared during a scene in the fourth episode of Down to Earth. In that candid moment, he articulated his desire to step away from the Hollywood scene and its associated lifestyle. He emphasized that such an environment did not contribute positively to achieving a “long, happy, mentally-sound life.”

Interestingly, a similar decision to move away from the pressures of Hollywood was made by actor Chris Hemsworth. Despite being Australian, Hemsworth shared a mindset akin to Efron’s, leading both actors to choose Australia as a location where they could distance themselves from the hectic nature of the entertainment industry.

In 2016, Chris Hemsworth, renowned for portraying Thor in numerous Marvel movies, made the decision to move his family from Los Angeles to Byron Bay. At the age of 40, he, too, voiced a desire to break free from the suffocating atmosphere of constant engagement with the entertainment industry. Choosing a more serene and peaceful lifestyle, as of 2023, Hemsworth and his family call a $20 million mega-mansion in Byron Bay’s hinterland home. They perceive this tranquil setting as a healthier environment for their children to grow up in.

Zac Efron’s noticeable change in appearance over the years has sparked curiosity among many, with speculation about potential plastic surgery. However, Efron himself attributes the drastic transformation to a near-death experience rather than cosmetic procedures.