Kirk Cameron is officially the latest celebrity to leave California behind.
The Growing Pains actor revealed that he has relocated to Tennessee, a move he says has been years in the making.
After spending most of his life in the Golden State, he felt it was time for a major change.
Cameron explained that his decision was driven by concerns about California’s overall direction. He cited growing division, cultural shifts, and a sense that the state was moving away from the values most important to him. He wanted to live in a place that felt more grounded, more united, and more aligned with his faith.
Family also played a key role. Three of Cameron’s six grown children already live in Tennessee, making the state feel like a natural next chapter. He said Tennessee has a “healthy freedom mindset,” something he believes will be especially important if the country faces future economic or social challenges.
“If everything hits the fan,” he said, “you want to be around people who are all about God, family, and country.” For Cameron, Tennessee offers that kind of community — one that feels stable, welcoming, and rooted.
The actor joked that he was stunned by how many Californians have made the same move. When he spots them at the grocery store, he teases them with a line he’s borrowed from locals: “Don’t California our Tennessee.”
Cameron’s relocation echoes the choice made by his sister, Full House star Candace Cameron Bure, who has spoken openly about leaving California for reasons of safety and security. Both siblings have increasingly sought environments that reflect their values and priorities.
Despite the wave of transplants, Cameron believes Tennessee has held onto what makes it special. He praised its “good, wholesome values” and, with a playful grin, its “good whiskey.” For him, it’s the ideal place to settle into a new season of life.
