Kirk Cameron Praises Nashville Values After Fleeing California
Actor Kirk Cameron says he left California for Tennessee two years ago due to high costs and liberal policies, though he hopes to return someday to the Golden State.
The 55-year-old actor, best known for his role in the hit series “Growing Pains,” shared his perspective during a recent appearance on Adam Carolla’s podcast, as New York Post reports.
Kirk Cameron explained that California’s appeal diminishes significantly once young people begin paying their own way. Growing up in Los Angeles, he enjoyed the beaches, skiing, and other amenities the Golden State offers, but the reality changes when financial independence arrives.
According to Cameron, his own children came to understand the harsh economic realities of California life once they ventured out on their own. The actor pointed to both the prohibitive costs and what he described as problematic politics that make family life challenging in the state.
The shift became urgent for many California residents, Cameron suggested, as people recognized they needed to relocate to areas where they could not just thrive but potentially even survive economically.
Despite his criticisms, Cameron acknowledged California’s inherent strengths and expressed hope for a potential return someday, noting the state has much to offer on a comparative basis. He did add that Tennessee continues to improve as a destination.
The middle Tennessee region, particularly around Nashville, has become a magnet for transplants from both coasts, Cameron observed. The influx includes large numbers of people abandoning New York and California for better opportunities.
Cameron praised the Nashville area for its concentration of creative professionals who maintain strong values, emphasizing their commitment to family and patriotism. He also highlighted local amenities like whiskey and hot chicken as bonuses for those considering the move.
The actor spent his formative years in Los Angeles before achieving fame as a teenager through his starring role on “Growing Pains,” making his recent departure from his native state all the more notable.
With information from New York Post