Fran Healy Loving His New Family-Friendly Neighborhood

Dan Tuffs/Getty

Travis lead singer Fran Healy recently made the move from London to Berlin with wife Nora Kryst and the couple’s 2-year-old son Clay. Although he feels that London is "a really fantastic city to live from [age] 18 and up" Fran says it just didn’t feel right for the young family. "I think with kids, maybe they have to grow up sooner [in London]," Fran mused. "I just wanted to go somewhere where my son can have more of a childhood." His wish has apparently come true in Berlin. Says Fran,

"In the area I live there are 60 playgrounds. Where I was living in London, Crouch End, which is the same size, there’s two. There are different values, the cheaper way of living means families have more quality time, everything just feels a bit lighter."

Fran and Nora, who is of German descent, have been together since 2000. The latest studio album from Travis — Ode to J. Smith — is scheduled for release on October 7th.

Source: Yorkshire Evening Post

Comments

I live right beside crouch end, north london. Its quite a posh area near muswell hill, he is right. There is very few playgrounds. I always associate crouch end with older people. I agree with him, london is a great place for 18 up, but for kids, i don’t think so much.

- Skipsie on October 3rd, 2008

i live in berlin and it´s true there are many many playgrounds but still…streets are big and loud here too.

- trullesand on October 3rd, 2008

I get what Fran’s saying, and it’s great that he’s prioritising his family. Very refreshing to see!

Although, Berlin IS still a capital city, surely the same could have been achieved by moving to his native Scotland, or into the English countryside? Maybe his wife has family in Berlin?

Good for them anyway, I bet he is a great Dad

- Ruthella on October 4th, 2008