**Josh Duhamel Discusses the Charm of Rural Life Amidst City Hustle**
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In a candid interview with PEOPLE, actor Josh Duhamel has revealed that his heart leans firmly towards country living, a sentiment that has grown stronger after he spent considerable time at his rural cabin in Minnesota. Duhamel, who is currently promoting the second season of Netflix’s *Ransom Canyon*, in which he portrays a Texas rancher named Staten Kirkland, expressed how the vibrancy of New York City presents a striking contrast to his tranquil life in the Midwest.
Having invested in a vacant piece of land over a decade ago, Duhamel gradually built a rustic cabin on the property, located approximately an hour and a half from Fargo, North Dakota. He has often described this retreat as his “doomsday cabin,” a place where he can escape the demands of the entertainment industry. In his own words: “I’m definitely more country than I am city,” highlighting his preference for the serene lifestyle that contrasts sharply with the bustling atmosphere of urban settings.
Duhamel experienced firsthand the stark differences between his secluded cabin and the frenetic pace of New York City. “It’s a shock, man,” he detailed, explaining his feelings upon transitioning from the isolation of his rural retreat to the crowded streets of the metropolis. “There’s nobody within 40 miles, really. It’s just us out there.” This dramatic shift, from solitude and nature to being surrounded by throngs of people, has provided Duhamel with a distinct sense of culture shock that he finds both challenging and exhilarating.
Despite this adjustment, he acknowledged his appreciation for cities like New York, stating that he thrives on their energy and the constant evolution he witnesses compared to his quiet life. “I feed off of it and I love to see what’s new and how much has changed since I lived here half a lifetime ago,” Duhamel reflected. However, he reiterated that at his core, he is more aligned with the attributes of country life.
Duhamel’s rural lifestyle has also intertwined with his family life, as he frequently shares his love for his cabin with his wife, Audra Mari, and their two children, Axl and Shepherd. Recently, they welcomed their second child, further enriching their family dynamic. He mentioned that his family enjoys a plethora of outdoor activities during their time in Minnesota, embracing everything from swimming to jet skiing.
“In the winter, it’s very cold,” Duhamel remarked, acknowledging the challenges that come with Midwestern winters. Despite this, he expressed a desire to spend more time at their cabin, saying he would consider living there year-round if not for his work commitments. According to Duhamel, his children experience the best of both worlds: they partake in the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles but also get to explore the natural beauty that rural life offers.
He elaborated on how his children enjoy their time outdoors, stating: “They’re just exploring. They’re swimming. They’re jet skiing. They’re skiing. It’s a pretty special place.” This connection to nature is a crucial part of Duhamel’s goal of providing a well-rounded upbringing for his children, one that includes the thrill of adventure and exploration.
In recent news regarding his business dealings, Duhamel has listed his Los Angeles property for $3 million. The four-bedroom, four-bathroom home quickly went under contract less than two weeks after being placed on the market, reflecting the hot demand for real estate in the area.
As Josh Duhamel continues to navigate the demands of fame and family life, his affinity for the countryside remains a significant aspect of who he is. Embracing both lifestyles—rural and urban—offers him a unique perspective that resonates with many, promoting the idea that home can be multifaceted, shaped by personal experiences and cherished relationships.