In a candid interview with the Washington Examiner, renowned Christian actor and children’s book author Kirk Cameron opened up about his family’s decision to bid farewell to California’s turbulent landscape in favor of settling in Tennessee. Citing escalating crime rates, oppressive tax policies, and the scourge of homelessness, Cameron emphasized that the Golden State’s decline had become untenable for his family’s safety and well-being.
Born and raised in California, Cameron revealed that the tumultuous events of 2020 and 2021, including riots and stringent lockdowns, crystallized the need for a change of scenery. “California has been heading in a troubling direction for years,” Cameron remarked, underscoring the factors that propelled him to seek refuge elsewhere.
“California has created so much division,” Cameron lamented, expressing a deep desire to escape the state’s disarray. He sought a community aligned with a “healthy freedom mindset,” eventually finding solace in Tennessee, a state he described as attracting many Californians seeking refuge from oppressive policies.
Reflecting on life in Tennessee, Cameron noted a burgeoning community of creative professionals who had fled California’s hardships and were revitalizing the state’s entertainment industry. Addressing concerns about the impact of Californian transplants on Tennessee’s culture, Cameron urged newcomers not to replicate the policies they had fled. “I tell them, ‘Don’t California our Tennessee,’” he emphasized, highlighting the importance of preserving Tennessee’s values and way of life.
Tennessee’s appeal, Cameron explained, lies in its embrace of traditional values of faith, family, and patriotism—a stark contrast to the societal upheaval witnessed in California. “People want to be around like-minded individuals for safety and security,” Cameron observed, emphasizing the sense of community and shared values that Tennessee offers.
Cameron’s move echoes a growing trend among high-profile Christians, including actress Candace Cameron Bure, who have chosen to relocate from California in search of safety and stability. Bure echoed Cameron’s sentiments, stressing that safety concerns were paramount in their decision to leave.
As Cameron settles into his new life in Tennessee, he remains optimistic about the future. “Tennessee represents a fresh start—a place where families can thrive and communities can grow,” Cameron concluded, hopeful for a brighter, more secure future away from the challenges of their former home state.
In embracing Tennessee’s values and contributing to its vibrant community, Kirk Cameron joins a wave of individuals seeking refuge and renewal in states that prioritize freedom, security, and a sense of belonging—a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional American values in an increasingly uncertain world.
