A year and a half after PG&E equipment sparked the deadly Camp Fire and destroyed the town of Paradise, survivors are scattered across the state and the nation. Researchers at California State University, Chico have been mapping out where members of the community ended up settling. A cluster of former Paradise residents now lives in and around Crossville, Tennessee, a town of just 12,000 people. The California Report traveled there to find out why.
Reporter: Lily Jamali, The California Report
Gardens RV Community has always said that our town is greater than people know. We are located atop the beautiful Cumberland Plateau on Interstate 40, only a short drive to three metropolitan cities. Our 2,000-foot elevation offers a mild, four-season climate year-round. Our rural area offers an abundance of outdoor possibilities, with mountainous wildlife reserves, lakes, streams, and the Cumberland Mountain State Park.
We are known as the Golf Capital of Tennessee. With nine pristine courses in our community, Crossville has become a golfers’ paradise of national recognition; however, the opportunities and activities are endless. Our Cumberland County Playhouse serves more than 165,000 visitors annually and the historic Palace Theatre on Main Street is always active. We are also the location of the United States Chess Federation headquarters, a restored railroad Depot & Caboose Visitor’s Center, and part of the World’s Largest Yard Sale on Highway 127 North.