John Legend Says He and Chrissy Teigen Wonder ‘If It’s Time to Head Back East’ After L.A. Fires

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen Consider Relocating Their Family from Los Angeles

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, one of Hollywood’s most beloved couples, are contemplating a major life change: relocating their family from Los Angeles to New York City. The idea has been on their minds for some time, but recent events have brought it to the forefront. In a profile published by The Wall Street Journal on February 11, Legend, 46, shared that he and his wife, Teigen, 39, have often discussed returning to New York, where they once lived. “Chrissy and I have always considered returning to New York, where we once lived. We probably will, once our youngest [kids] grow up a bit,” he revealed. The couple’s decision is partly driven by the increasing frequency of natural disasters in Los Angeles, which have made them question whether the City of Angels remains the safest and most suitable place to raise their family.

The Wildfire Threat: A Catalyst for Change

The recent wildfires in Los Angeles served as a stark reminder of the risks associated with living in the city. In January, the Sunset fire spread rapidly, forcing the family to evacuate their home. Legend recalled the harrowing experience: “When the Sunset fire began to expand on January 9, the danger felt too close for comfort. That night, my wife and I gathered our four kids, four dogs, and bearded dragon and drove south to a hotel in Carlsbad. We didn’t return until the following week.” Although their home was spared, the fires caused widespread destruction, burning thousands of acres of land and displacing many. The incident left a profound impact on the family, including their children, who experienced firsthand the trauma of such a disaster.

The couple’s concern for their family’s safety is understandable, given the increasing frequency of wildfires in California. While the fires have since been contained, the threat of future disasters lingers, leaving the family to wonder if Los Angeles is still the right place for them. As Legend put it, “Our home was safe, but many weren’t so fortunate, and the threat still looms. The fires were a collective trauma that shook everyone, including our kids.” This sentiment underscores the emotional toll of living in an area prone to natural disasters and has made the couple consider a move to a more stable environment.

A Deep Connection to New York City

New York City holds a special place in the hearts of both John Legend and Chrissy Teigen. The couple previously lived in the Big Apple until 2020, and Legend has often expressed his love for the city. “I miss it all the time. New York is always going to be my favorite city,” he admitted. While their professional obligations and family life have kept them rooted in Los Angeles for now, they have not ruled out the possibility of returning to New York in the future. The idea of raising their children on the East Coast appeals to them, especially as their youngest kids grow older and more independent.

However, for now, the demands of their careers and the need for stability have kept the family in Los Angeles. Legend explained in a previous interview with The Wall Street Journal, “We’ve realized that because of work and everything, we’re really mostly going to be in Los Angeles, so we’re going to focus our home-building energy and renovation energy on what we’re doing in L.A.” Despite their love for New York, the couple has decided to prioritize their life in Los Angeles, where they have built a thriving home and community.

Family Life in Los Angeles: A Balanced but Busy Existence

For now, Los Angeles remains the center of the Legend-Teigen household. The couple’s four children—Luna, 8, Miles, 6, Esti, 2, and Wren, 19 months—are growing up in the city, where they attend school and participate in various activities. Luna and Miles are enrolled in local schools, and Luna is even part of a Girl Scout troop, with Chrissy proudly serving as her Brownie leader. Teigen has been vocal about her involvement in the Girl Scouts, often using her platform to support the organization’s initiatives. In January, she took to Instagram to promote the annual cookie fundraiser, writing, “IT’S COOKIE SEASON!!! If you’d like to support the goodness that is @girlscouts and @girlscoutsla, you can find Luna’s digital cookie page in my bio to get cookies right to your door.”

This level of involvement highlights the couple’s commitment to raising their children in a supportive and community-oriented environment. Their decision to stay in Los Angeles for now is partly due to the roots they have established there, including their children’s education and extracurricular activities. While the idea of moving to New York is appealing, it is not without its challenges, particularly when it comes to uprooting their young family and starting anew.

The Future: Weighing Options and Priorities

While there is no concrete timeline for a potential move to New York, the couple is keeping the option open as their children grow older. For now, they are focused on making the most of their life in Los Angeles while maintaining a deep appreciation for the city they once called home. Legend’s love for New York is undeniable, but so is his dedication to his family and their well-being. As they navigate the challenges of parenthood, careers, and the uncertainties of life on the West Coast, the couple remains open to whatever the future may hold.

In the end, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen’s decision to stay in Los Angeles or return to New York will be guided by what is best for their family. Whether they remain in the City of Angels or make the move back to the Big Apple, one thing is clear: their love for each other and their children will continue to be the foundation of their decisions. As they look ahead, they are filled with gratitude for the life they have built and excitement for the possibilities that lie ahead.