She’s always loved its sophistication, rolling hills and breezy climate, and now Julia Roberts is ready to call San Francisco home. The movie star has purchased an $8.3 million estate in the city’s tony Presidio Heights neighborhood. “She loves Malibu, but she wanted her children, who are growing up so fast, to have the experience of a city with a different energy and vibe,” explains a friend.

Julia, who has three kids, twins Hazel and Phinnaeus, 15, and Henry, 12, with husband Danny Moder, has long wanted to escape the showbiz culture of Los Angeles. “Her kids are not movie star kids in San Francisco, where no one cares who your mom is,” notes the friend.

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For Julia, 52, it’s a chance to try something new. “She’s always wanted to raise her kids in a more diverse neighborhood,” says the friend, who notes that Frisco’s culture, arts and access to nature are big draws for the actress. “The bustling parts of the city aren’t far away, but there’s also a huge park nearby with trails for hiking.”

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Danny, 51, is on board with the move, although he will miss Malibu. “It’s bittersweet because he loves the idyllic life they have on the beach, but he’s also grown tired of Hollywood,” adds another source. “There’s a new scene for them to explore and although they’re both working less, it’s still less than an hour’s flight to LA.”

The family’s new five-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath home was built in 1907 and boasts views of the San Francisco Gate Bridge. “It’s a real forever home,” says the forever friend. ” Julia can imagine growing older with Danny there.”

Louise A. Barile, with reporting byRick Egusquiza

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