Stars Head South: Celebrity Migration to Tennessee
In recent years, a significant number of celebrities have traded the glittering lights of Hollywood and the bustling streets of New York for the warm, welcoming charm of Tennessee. This migration south represents more than just a change of address—it embodies a shift in values and lifestyle priorities among America’s entertainment elite. From music legends to television stars, these celebrities have found in Tennessee a perfect blend of metropolitan amenities and small-town hospitality that offers a refreshing alternative to coastal living.
The appeal of Tennessee, particularly Nashville, lies in its unique cultural atmosphere. As Kristin Cavallari eloquently explained to Us Weekly in 2018, “My favorite thing about Nashville is that it has everything that a big city has to offer, but it feels like a small town. And everyone’s so friendly, and warm.” This sentiment is echoed by Kathie Lee Gifford, who relocated to Franklin, Tennessee in 2018 and praised the “culture of kindness” she discovered there. “They are authentically kind. They are joyful, they have so much fun. Music everywhere. There are barbecues. Everything is Americana, like when I was growing up,” Gifford shared during a Today show appearance. For many celebrities, Tennessee represents a return to core American values—community, authenticity, and a slower pace of life that allows for genuine human connection.
The musical heritage of Nashville has been a powerful draw for artists seeking creative inspiration. Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler, who purchased a home in Nashville after initially renting, expressed his enthusiasm for the city’s vibrant music scene: “This town still has the passion for music. It hasn’t lost it through business and money, which may be big here, but the music aspect still has the passion.” Similarly, Jack White, who left Detroit for Nashville in 2005, found a spiritual home in the South and established his Third Man Records there in 2009. The city’s deep musical roots provide a fertile ground for artists looking to reconnect with authentic expression outside the commercial pressures of the traditional entertainment hubs.
Family considerations have played a crucial role in many celebrities’ decisions to relocate to Tennessee. For Kellan Lutz of Twilight fame, moving to Nashville meant being closer to his wife’s family, providing a support system when his work takes him away from home. “I remember growing up, my family had a farm in Iowa, and I saw my grandparents, and it was the best time,” Lutz shared with Fox News, emphasizing the importance of intergenerational connections. Melissa Joan Hart celebrated her three-year Nashville anniversary in 2023 with a heartfelt Instagram post thanking “all the friends, neighbors, teachers and people who have made it such a wonderful place to raise our family.” For parents in the entertainment industry, Tennessee offers the opportunity to give their children a more grounded upbringing away from the intense spotlight and pressures of Los Angeles or New York.
The pandemic appears to have accelerated this celebrity migration, prompting many stars to reassess their priorities and living situations. This Is Us actress Chrissy Metz revealed that she chose Nashville partly because “during the pandemic, I could drive to [my family in Florida] from here. It’s just a better quality of life here. Everything is 15 minutes away, and it’s just so much less stress.” Actor Ben Foster similarly explained his recent move to Nashville, saying, “After the pandemic, I had a cognition that I didn’t need to live on either coast, quite frankly.” Kirk Cameron, who relocated his family from California to Tennessee amid safety concerns, noted there’s been “a flood of talent and creatives who have left California” in search of places where their values are better represented. The disruption caused by COVID-19 seems to have catalyzed a broader reevaluation of where and how celebrities want to live.
Beyond the practical considerations of family proximity and pandemic-related concerns, many celebrities describe their move to Tennessee as a spiritual homecoming or an alignment with their authentic selves. Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who left Connecticut for Nashville’s Belle Meade neighborhood in 2016, characterized the city as having “eyes that see other people, the space for kindness and the hands to lift someone up when they need it.” This sense of community and genuine care stands in stark contrast to what Chrissy Metz described as the “dog eat dog” atmosphere of Los Angeles. For Reese Witherspoon, who was raised in Nashville, returning to Tennessee represented a reconnection with her roots. Even those without prior ties to the region, like General Hospital actress Kirsten Storms, speak of moving to Tennessee as the fulfillment of a long-held dream. As these stars settle into their southern homes, they’re not just changing their addresses—they’re embracing a different approach to life, one that prioritizes community, authenticity, and well-being over the relentless pursuit of status and visibility that often characterizes life in traditional entertainment capitals.
