As the holiday season approaches, Danica McKeller is looking forward to her family’s second Christmas in Nashville. The actress, known for her role in The Wonder Years, relocated from California three years ago, seeking a fresh start in Tennessee.
Reflecting on her decision to leave Los Angeles, McKeller noted that the entertainment landscape has changed significantly. This shift prompted her and her husband to pursue a different lifestyle, one that would allow them to be closer to their son, Draco, who frequently traveled between Los Angeles and Florida to see his father, Mike Verta.
New beginnings away from Hollywood
McKeller discussed her motivations for leaving California, stating, “After 40 years, Los Angeles just didn’t feel the same anymore. I wanted to be nearer to Draco, and Tennessee felt like a perfect fit for us.” The family quickly fell in love with the scenic beauty of their new environment, aiming for a lifestyle enriched by nature.
A supportive community
In their pursuit of a more tranquil life, McKeller and her husband, attorney Scott Sveslosky, found a welcoming community in Nashville. Although Scott maintains a law firm in Los Angeles, he conducts most of his work remotely, traveling back to California only a few times each month. This arrangement has allowed the family to enjoy the best of both worlds.
McKeller mentioned that many of her friends from the industry have also relocated. For instance, former Beverly Hills, 90210 star Jason Priestley has settled in Tennessee, expressing his appreciation for the area and how it has simplified life for his family.
The impact of the pandemic on lifestyle choices
McKeller and her husband are part of a larger trend among entertainment professionals who have reconsidered their living situations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the rise of remote work, many have realized they can pursue their careers without being tied to a specific location.
During a conversation on the podcast Hey Dude… The 90s Called!, David Lascher noted that numerous friends have moved to greener pastures outside of California. He highlighted how actors like Melissa Joan Hart embraced this shift, relocating to Tennessee before McKeller.
Life beyond Hollywood
Lascher also recounted a recent encounter with Scott Wolf, who is raising his children in Utah. The former star of Party of Five is successfully balancing his career and family life while enjoying the charm of a smaller community. This lifestyle change appears to be gaining traction among celebrities seeking simpler, family-oriented lives.
McKeller emphasized that the pandemic has prompted many to reassess their priorities, stating, “You start realizing that as adults, we have the power to choose where we want to live.” This newfound freedom has encouraged many to explore options beyond the traditional entertainment hub of Los Angeles.
Family first: The importance of making thoughtful choices
For many, the decision to relocate is influenced by family considerations. Christine Taylor, who joined the discussion, shared her experience of moving out of Los Angeles when her children were young. She highlighted the importance of providing stability and community for her kids, stressing that their happiness and friendships were paramount.
Reflecting on her decision to leave Los Angeles, McKeller noted that the entertainment landscape has changed significantly. This shift prompted her and her husband to pursue a different lifestyle, one that would allow them to be closer to their son, Draco, who frequently traveled between Los Angeles and Florida to see his father, Mike Verta.0
Reflecting on her decision to leave Los Angeles, McKeller noted that the entertainment landscape has changed significantly. This shift prompted her and her husband to pursue a different lifestyle, one that would allow them to be closer to their son, Draco, who frequently traveled between Los Angeles and Florida to see his father, Mike Verta.1
