When people ask why Theo Von traded the Hollywood Hills for the Tennessee hills, the answer is simple: Los Angeles stopped feeling like home, and Nashville started feeling like a reset. It wasn’t just a flight from the pandemic; it was a move toward something quieter, cheaper, and infinitely more grounded. By the time Theo officially relocated in September 2020, he wasn’t just changing his zip code, he was reclaiming his career on his own terms.
Leaving California for Something More Real
For years, Theo Von lived and worked in Los Angeles. Like a lot of comics, it was where the industry lived. But as he has said publicly, LA started to feel hollow. The image-driven Hollywood culture did not line up with his personality, which has always leaned more reflective, Southern, and slightly off-center in the best way.
The pandemic sped everything up. Clubs shut down, productions paused, and suddenly location mattered less. Theo started looking for what he called a quiet corner to reset. Nashville offered space, privacy, and a slower rhythm without disconnecting him from the creative world.
Financial Freedom and Tennessee Taxes
One of the most practical reasons Theo chose Nashville was financial. Tennessee has no state income tax. California does, and it is high. For someone with touring income, streaming deals, and podcast revenue, that difference adds up fast.
Lower property taxes and a generally cheaper cost of living also played a role. Theo ended up purchasing a home that previously belonged to Derek Mason, the former Vanderbilt football head coach. The property reflects his preference for privacy and simplicity and offers a rare look into how the move changed his day-to-day life inside Theo Von’s Nashville house. The choice was not flashy. It fit his goal of staying low-key and rooted.
Closer to His Southern Roots
Theo grew up in Louisiana, and Nashville puts him back in the South without pulling him away from major airports and touring routes. Being closer to family and familiar culture mattered more as he got older.
The humor on his podcast and stage often comes from Southern stories, childhood memories, and faith. Living in Tennessee made those connections feel lived-in again instead of nostalgic.
Vanderbilt Football and Local Loyalty
One thing people sometimes overlook is how deeply Theo has embraced Vanderbilt sports since moving. He is an open supporter of Vanderbilt football and has spoken positively about head coach Clark Lea and the direction of the program.
That fandom ties back into his home purchase and his desire to feel like a local instead of a visitor. It is not performative. He actually shows up, talks ball, and roots for a team most celebrities would ignore.
Building a Creative Base in Nashville
Nashville turned out to be more than a retreat. It became a hub. Theo built a permanent studio for This Past Weekend, where he now records regularly. Guests have included Matthew McConaughey and Pete Davidson, proving that you do not need LA zip codes to pull big names.
In 2023, he filmed his Netflix special Regular People at the historic Ryman Auditorium, a clear sign that Nashville is now part of his professional identity, not just his address.
Community, Faith, and Giving Back
Since moving, Theo has become a visible part of the local community. He has a close friendship with Morgan Wallen, and the two have been spotted attending Bible study together.
He has also supported local causes, including fundraising for Cumberland Heights, a well-known addiction recovery facility. That aligns with Theo’s openness about personal struggles and recovery, something his audience trusts him for.
Why Nashville Worked for Theo Von
Theo Von did not move to Nashville to chase a trend. He moved because it gave him space to breathe, create, and live in a way that felt honest. Lower taxes helped. The South felt familiar. Vanderbilt football gave him something local to care about. And Nashville gave him a creative home without the noise.
