Tennessee is brilliant. Texas, too, in different ways. (Not as much to my liking, flora-and-fauna-wise and weather-wise.) The right parts of Georgia and North and South Carolina are pretty great, too. I've lived in most of those areas. They all have their bad bits (sticky humid summertimes are high on the list) but, taking one thing with another and considering the alternatives, they're still very good. And you'll be welcome. I've certainly been blessed by all my friendships with folks who fled California for one reason or another, and unless they're hiding something, they certainly seem happy to be here.
NOTE: People accustomed to places like Arizona (and to a lesser degree, some parts of California) have reported feeling vaguely claustrophobic when outdoors in North Carolina, north Georgia, Tennessee, etc. because so much area is shaded by overarching trees with relatively dense foliage. For the same reason, I, having been raised in the latter areas, do not regard California as "adequately green," not even northern California. (And the mesas of the Southwest are interesting but stark: I'd never want to live near them.) To me, the "golden hills" of California, and even wine country, just look brown and barren, and even Muir Woods seems dry and the trees have too few branches. It's a difference of preference...but it's surprising how keenly one can feel it. My favorite outdoor experiences are always associated with the dappled silver light filtered through the oak boughs and pines (higher up) and then (one level down), the dogwoods. The contrast is felt more profoundly the closer you are to mountains; the coastal plains don't have such a profound effect. Anyway, if that's your jam, get ye to the Appalachians, or at least Nashville, as fast as can be.
