Joe Manganiello and Caitlin O’Connor Return to Roots with Move to Pittsburgh
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A desire for a stronger connection to their shared upbringing has prompted actors Joe Manganiello and Caitlin O’Connor to leave Los Angeles and establish a homebase in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The couple, who announced their engagement in October 2025 after two years of dating, revealed the move was a long-considered decision rooted in a shared sense of belonging.
According to a recent interview with People published December 4, the move represents a return to familiar ground for both stars. “L.A. has been both of our homes for over 20 years,” O’Connor, 36, explained. “I was born in L.A., but raised in Pittsburgh, so we’re both from the same hometown.” Manganiello, 48, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of their shared history. “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,” she stated.
Embracing a New Pace of Life
The couple’s new neighborhood in Pittsburgh has quickly captured their hearts. O’Connor described it as “idyllic,” noting its beauty and sense of safety. “I’ve never been in a more beautiful neighborhood in Pittsburgh. It’s just idyllic,” she said. While acknowledging the need to travel to Los Angeles and New York City for work commitments, they are establishing Pittsburgh as their primary residence.
The transition wasn’t impulsive. “We were thinking about it for a while,” O’Connor clarified, indicating a deliberate and thoughtful approach to the relocation. The couple is already embracing the seasonal changes, with O’Connor playfully recounting watching Manganiello shovel snow for over two hours. “And it was the hottest thing I’ve ever seen,” she joked.
Family and Future Celebrations
The move also facilitates a closer connection with family. The couple is planning a “big family celebration” for the upcoming holidays, with both sets of parents either relocating to Pittsburgh or already residing nearby. This emphasis on family underscores the importance of community in their decision to return to their roots.
The couple first sparked romance rumors in September 2023, officially confirming their relationship in December of the same year. Their journey from initial connection to engagement and now a shared home in Pittsburgh marks a significant chapter in their lives, driven by a desire for a deeper, more grounded existence.
