Mark Wahlberg says he left LA when he realized his kids needed a different environment to grow up in

Mark Wahlberg, who moved to Las Vegas in 2022, said he still misses Los Angeles.

Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures Mark Wahlberg said he left Los Angeles after his kids were "getting exposed to a lot" and "getting in a lot of trouble." He said he doesn't think living in Hollywood is necessary for success in the industry anymore.

That said, he still misses Los Angeles: "Summertime in California, man, there's nothing better." Mark Wahlberg , 55, said he put his kids first and left Los Angeles, even though he still misses it.

On Monday's episode of "The Shop" podcast , Wahlberg said he doesn't think living in Hollywood is necessary for success in the entertainment industry.

"I think in this day and age, you can self-tape, and you can audition from anywhere.

You can be anywhere," Wahlberg said.

Additionally, movies are increasingly being filmed abroad, in places like Australia and the UK, or "wherever the tax credits are more competitive," he said.

Still, Wahlberg, who moved to Las Vegas in 2022, said he misses Los Angeles, especially the weather, the variety of restaurants, and his friends.

"But my kids were getting exposed to a lot and getting in a lot of trouble.

The best thing was to say, 'OK, let's put them first.

I don't have to be here.

I can always come back,'" he said.

Wahlberg added that returning to Los Angeles regularly is "the goal." "Summertime in California, man, there's nothing better," he said.

Wahlberg, who shares four kids with his wife, Rhea Durham, said in 2022 that moving to Las Vegas would allow his kids to better pursue their hobbies, including golf, horseback riding, and basketball.