‘Happy Days’ Star Scott Baio Says He’s Leaving California Amid Homelessness And Crime

Scott Baio, who is well-known for his role as Chachi Arcola on the television series Happy Days, has joined the long list of entertainers moving away from the Golden State. The actor took to Twitter recently to share his decision citing concerns over the growing homelessness problem in California.

“After 45 years, I’m making my way to finally ‘exit stage right’ from California,” the 62-year-old tweeted. “The most recent survey conducted by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority found approximately 69,000 people experiencing homelessness in L.A. County and 41,000 in the city in 2022.’”

Netizens react to Scott Baio’s announcement

Tweeps have taken to the comment section to air their views about Baio’s recent announcement, with some expressing their happiness at his decision.”Good for you, Scott,” a comment read.” You and your family will be much happier. Besides, if CA ever changes, you can go back.”

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Another tweep wrote, “Wonderful sir. Hope you find a place where yall can be happy and comfortable. Have a little space left in Texas if you want it. We would love to have you here.”

“Congrats. If and when my son leaves we are out of here too,” a third person commented. “Been here since 1970 it is not the same beautiful state it once was.”

However, some others could not hold their contempt for the actor. “Considering you’ve never done anything to help out in the situation after getting wealthy off of us, we will be glad to see you go,” a Twitter user wrote. Another person commented, “Happy Californian here, especially knowing you are leaving!!”

Another set of people also took turns poking fun at Baio’s acting career. “With your lack of work over the last 20 + years – are you one of the homeless?” a tweep wrote.

“You exited from relevancy about 30 years ago, who cares?” another person said.

“It’ll be easy to pack up your tent and shopping cart,” a user wrote. “Cause you’ve been out of a career for 40 years too!”

Scott Baio is not the only celebrity to leave California

As part of his plans to relocate and to express commitment to his decision, the 62-year-old recently listed his Woodland Hills residence for sale at $3.85 million. The spacious property spans 6,300 square feet and contains five bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, and a home theater that was purchased in 2010 for  $1.85 million

It is not surprising that Baio is planning to leave the Golden State as several celebrities have also simply moved away from the state in the last couple of years. Matthew McConaughey, Joe Rogan, and Mark Wahlberg are among the many entertainers who have left California recently.

In December 2020, McConaughey announced that he and his family were leaving Los Angeles to return to his home state of Texas. He cited a desire to be closer to his family and the appeal of the “values” he grew up with in Texas.

Also, Joe Rogan shared in August 2020 that he was moving his family and podcast to Texas, citing the high cost of living and “insane” traffic in Los Angeles. In April 2021, Mark Wahlberg sold his Beverly Hills mansion for $30 million and announced plans to move to Ohio, where he owns a Chevrolet dealership and has family roots.