The racial resistance in Nashville & the surrounding area is non-existant compared to California. I've never lived in CA, but I know several people that moved here from different parts of CA, and they said it was horrible out there. One was a single white mom with a mixed child who said she just couldnt take the racist comments & intolerance anymore. Another couple moved here because of similar problems you've spoken of, overpopulation, cost of living, racial intolerance and so on. They opened their own business here, and are loving the TN lifestyle.
Jack Daniels and cigs are cheaper here
....we also have a fine selection of homegrown herbs.....
I've also noticed alot of people moved here from northern states, Michigan and surrounding states. The collapse of the manufacturing jobs in Detroit may have something to do with this, many company's have moved to the sunbelt, not just auto co's, but tech co's too, cheaper labor may be a motivating factor as well.
Unfortunately the good ole boy network still thrives, I tend to stay clear of that, so I'm sure you can too.