“Chachi” has left the Golden State for the Sunshine State after 45 years.
Actor Scott Baio, who starred as Chachi Arcola in “Happy Days,” and his wife Renee confirmed they moved to Florida after the pair left California over the state’s homeless and crime crisis.
The couple is staying at a condo they own while their Bradenton house is being finished, Renee Baio confirmed to Herald-Tribune.
“I chose Manatee County for various reasons,” Renee told the Herald-Tribune. “It’s close to Anna Maria Island, Siesta Key, and I love the small town feel and values of Manatee County and I support mom-and-pop businesses and would like to keep them thriving.”
Last Wednesday, the “Happy Days” star announced he was moving his family out of California due to the state’s increasing homeless problem that “brings down property value” and called the state “just not a safe place anymore.”
“After 45 years, I’m making my way to finally “exit stage right” from California,” the 62-year-old actor tweeted.
Baio, who purchased his Woodland Hills home for $1.85 million in 2010, listed the home last month for $3.85 million, according to Realtor.com.
He later confirmed his relocation to Florida while talking to Fox News’ Jesse Watters, where the actor said his former home was turning into a “third-world country.”
“I’ve been in California a very, very long time, and it’s so sad to me. I’ve got family, and I’ve got friends there, and I didn’t want to leave, but I’ve been pretty much forced out,” Baio said.
Over 500,000 people have moved out of California in the last two years — including celebrities who ditched Hollywood for greener pastures such as Mark Wahlberg and Jim Carrey.
Unaffordable housing, crime, and pollution in urban areas —which have also been plagued by homelessness, were primary reasons for people to leave the Golden State, according to a report.
Following his initial tweet on May 3, Baio also confirmed he has two homes in Florida.
“I have two in Florida and I love them both!,” Baio responded to a commenter who said they didn’t like living in Florida.
Renee said the move was for their daughter Bailey, 15, to follow her dreams, but also because of how unsafe she was feeling in California.
“There’s a shortage of police in Los Angeles. For actual crimes it takes hours to get them,” the 50-year-old actress tweeted. “I highly doubt they will stroke your ego with a police escort! I’ve been in a store with active shooter(s) so tell me how safe LA is!.
Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, AC/DC singer Brian Johnson and tennis legend Martina Navratilova all reside in nearby Sarasota, located 13 miles south of Bradenton.
