Nashville Wins Over Hollywood Stars With Lower Bills and Stronger Values

Kirk Cameron, who first became famous as a teen on “Growing Pains, ” said he moved his family from California to Tennessee two years ago because the state’s liberal politics and high cost of living made everyday life hard for parents. He told a podcast host that growing up in California was easy when you were a child, because parents could cover everything. “You could hit the beach or ski without thinking about costs, ” he said, and enjoyed cheap burgers and fast‑food stops in Hollywood. The situation changed once his kids grew older and started handling money on their own. “They saw how expensive it is in the Golden State, ” Cameron said, adding that politics added another layer of difficulty for families. “Suddenly we realized we needed a place where we could really thrive, or at least survive, ” he added.He confessed missing California’s weather but hoped to return someday, noting that the state still has a lot to offer. “Tennessee is improving, but California remains special, ” he said. Cameron highlighted the migration trend from places like New York and California to Tennessee, especially around Nashville in middle Tennessee. “It’s a hot spot for creatives who share good values and love their families, ” he observed. He also praised the local culture, saying that people in Nashville “are proud of their country, ” and added that the region’s whiskey is top‑notch. “If you enjoy whiskey and spicy chicken, Nashville is the place to be. ” At 55, Cameron still reflects on his Los Angeles upbringing and how that background helped shape his career.