Deciding to move to a new country is a big decision and you want to make sure you’ll be happy with your new life. Sweden is a fantastic choice of country as its residents are famously very happy with their quality of life, and the natural beauty of the country doesn’t hurt either!
We’ll take a look at some of the best places to live in Sweden for work, families, immigrants, singles and more.
Let’s take a look at some of the best places to live in Sweden.
Best Places To Live In Sweden
City | Reason |
---|---|
Stockholm | Best for work |
Norrköping | Best for affordability |
Umeå | Best for families |
Stockholm | Best for immigrants |
Västerås | Best for retirement |
Malmö | Best for young adults |
Uppsala | Best for students |
Gothenburg | Best for food and nightlife |
Stockholm | Best for singles |
Gothenburg | Best for the LGBT+ community |
Karlskrona | Best for weather |
Malmö | Best for beaches |
Åre | Best for mountains |
Best Places To Live In Sweden for Work
The best city in Sweden for working professionals is Stockholm. Stockholm is the capital of Sweden and is made up of 14 islands forming an archipelago in the Baltic Sea.
The major industries in Sweden are motor vehicles, telecommunications and pharmaceuticals. In Stockholm, you will find there are plenty of working opportunities in Stockholm, most notably in the technology industry though there are also opportunities in the education sector.
Those interested in technology for information and communications should note that Kista Science City is considered the Silicon Valley of Sweden.
Keep in mind that Stockholm is an expensive city in comparison to some other Swedish cities but the quality of life provided and the convenience of amenities in the city balances out the costs.
There are also more international businesses headquartered in Stockholm than in other Swedish cities which may be beneficial for expats. English is widely spoken in the city though having the basics of Swedish down will certainly help your job applications.
Cheapest Places To Live In Sweden
As with any country, living in the more rural areas with small villages is likely to massively reduce costs but this may not be the most strategic move for an expat, particularly if you are hoping to work.
Norrköping is a city located in eastern Sweden in the province of Östergötland. It’s only an estimated two and a half hours from Stockholm and is much more affordable than the capital.
Norrköping is an old industrial city and has a charming atmosphere. Three main drags intersect to make ‘The Promenades’ which is where you can find restaurants, shops and bars. The historic old town is broken up by the Motala ström river, which is beautiful to stroll alongside during the warmer months.
Those hoping to live in a big city without the cost associated with a city like Stockholm should consider moving to Gothenburg. The second largest city in Sweden, Gothenburg offers the same vibrancy of atmosphere and fast-paced nature of Stockholm at a lower cost.
Best Places To Live In Sweden for Families
Sweden is one of the best countries for expat families to consider moving to. The country is very clean, has a range of highly-rated schools and has plenty of opportunities to engage with the natural world.
One of the best cities for expat families is Umeå. Umeå is located in eastern Sweden and has some world-class universities and museums, causing many to consider it the cultural capital of Sweden.
Umeå has it all when it comes to natural landscape – it’s very close to the sea and has mountains on its doorstep as well as deep forests. It also takes pride in its locally sourced and grown produce.
Umeå also has accessible healthcare with the medical facilities in the city (and the country at large) noted to be of a high standard. Though healthcare in Sweden isn’t free, it is affordable.
Solna is another good choice for those hoping to move to Sweden with a family. Solna is located in central Sweden, northwest of Stockholm and is an ideal choice for expats who may want to commute to Stockholm for work.
Solna is more suburban than Stockholm with a closer link to nature. It is regularly considered a good option for expat families.
Best Places To Live In Sweden for Immigrants
Stockholm is the best city for immigrants. The capital city has a welcoming and friendly attitude towards immigrants and there is a large existing expat community of diverse cultures.
There are also the most job opportunities in Stockholm, particularly with a focus on technology and manufacturing, though those hoping to teach English as a foreign language will also do well in Stockholm.
As well as offering good wages, the city of Stockholm also has the amenities and attractions common to any modern-day metropolis. New immigrants to the city will find a host of attractions to keep them busy such as visiting museums, taking part in outdoor activities and exploring Stockholm’s Old Town.
Stockholm is also a green city which could be an additional bonus for immigrants who are keen to help with lowering negative environmental impacts on the planet.
As well as Stockholm, expats could consider the city of Malmö which is the third largest city in Sweden. Malmö is located in the south of Sweden and almost half of its current population came from abroad, making it a favourite location for immigrants.
Best Places To Live In Sweden for Retirement
There are plenty of fantastic cities to consider retiring to in Sweden. The status of the country as providing its resident with a very high quality of life as well as access to good healthcare makes it a potentially great choice for retirees.
Västerås is located roughly 100km west of Stockholm (about an hour away) and is a good choice for retirement. The city is an old Viking settlement which makes it one of the oldest cities in Sweden.
Västerås has more affordable rent than Stockholm and the cost of living in general is lower. It is a walkable city and all major attractions are easy to get to using public transportation; retirees who have an interest in history will find plenty of things to do in Västerås such as exploring historical sites from the Nordic Viking Age like Anundshög, the largest Viking burial mound in Sweden.
Regular ferries run from Västerås to some of Lake Mälaran’s best beaches and islands, making it a great destination for those who enjoy spending time in the outdoors.
English is widely spoken in Västerås though learning the basics of Swedish may ensure your transition goes smoothly.
Uppsala is another good option for retirees. The city is roughly 45km from Stockholm and has a distinctly academic atmosphere due to the renowned universities here.
Best Places To Live In Sweden for Young Adults
Malmö is a coastal city located in the south of Sweden and is one of the best cities in the country for young adults. The city is at the end of the Öresund Bridge, a long road and railway bridge and tunnel that runs to Copenhagen, Denmark.
Malmö has a distinctly laid-back atmosphere which is ideal for young adults hoping to begin a professional career or wanting to settle somewhere for personal development or growth.
There is an existing community of digital nomads and expats in Malmö also, so while the city may not be as big as some of the others in Sweden, it has a diverse population and culture.
There are also plenty of jobs in start-ups available in Malmö. It’s worth noting, however, that these are mostly for skilled positions and unskilled expats will have a harder time finding a job than in Stockholm.
Stockholm is another fantastic city for young adults due to the vibrant and fast-paced nature of the capital city, but do keep in mind that the cost of rent and cost of living will be more expensive here.
Despite this, there are plenty of job opportunities plus a wealth of socialising opportunities in the city’s entertainment and nightlife districts.
Best Places To Live In Sweden for Students
The education system in Sweden tends to be highly ranked internationally as its universities place a lot of emphasis on research and independent study; Sweden tends to be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology research.
There are several good university cities in Sweden and Uppsala is one of them. It’s the fourth-largest university city in the country and has a unique historical charm.
Uppsala University was founded in the 15th century and remains the most highly regarded university in the city, though there is also The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Johannelunds Theological University College.
Uppsala is a very attractive city with charming historical architecture and canals. It is also very close to Stockholm (roughly forty minutes travel) which is convenient for those who may wish to commute.
Lund, located in the south of Sweden, is another fantastic choice for students. Nearly half of the residents in Lund are students and prospective students have 300 study programs and 2,000 courses to choose from.
Best Places To Live In Sweden for Food and Nightlife
Like most countries, the cuisine in Sweden ranges from region to region, but most traditional Swedish dishes are centred around meat or seafood. Gothenburg is known as the culinary capital of Sweden, where the focus on game and seafood sets the city apart.
Gothenburg offers a range of culinary delights varying from outstanding coffee shops, to fresh seafood trucks, to Michelin-starred restaurants. Many restaurants in Gothenburg serve traditional ‘husmanskost’ like meatballs and herring, or you can venture out and explore the restaurants serving international cuisine.
Järntorget Square (lit. Iron Square) is one of the best areas to stop in for a bite to eat before continuing to explore the city.
Gothenburg is also repeatedly named the best Swedish city for nightlife. The range of bars, cafes, and restaurants in Gothenburg provide ample space for socialising and with such a range of choices partiers of all kinds are sure to find something up their avenue.
Kungsportsavenyen, commonly known as Avenyn, stretches from the bridge Kungsportsbron by the canal to Götaplatsen and is considered the main boulevard in Gothenburg. Here you’ll find plenty of bars and clubs with different drinks, music and opening times.
Best Places To Live In Sweden for Singles
Sweden is said to be one of the best countries in the world for single people. Freedom of the individual is well respected in all Scandinavian countries and Sweden is no different.
The best city in the country for singles is the capital, Stockholm. The high quality of life found in the city makes it an ideal place for single people who are hoping to cement a life for themselves.
There are lots of options in Stockholm for socialising, allowing people to make new connections, form friendships or romantic relationships. Some of the best districts in Stockholm include the upcoming and trendy SoFo area, the historic Gamla Stan and the vibrant Norrmalm.
Gothenburg is another good option for singles, as the city has the same wide range of choices when it comes to districts with a distinct vibe, as well as a lower cost of rent and cost of living than Stockholm.
Best Places To Live In Sweden for the LGBT+ Community
Sweden is a very inclusive country, and LGBT+ rights have been the norm since 2009. Due to its welcoming and progressive nature, many members of the LGBT+ community enjoy travelling to Sweden.
Gothenburg is a great choice of city for LGBT+ members to explore. The city holds an annual Pride parade called West Pride, as does the rest of the country, (it’s also worth mentioning that Stockholm hosts the largest Pride event across the country).
Due to the safe and accepting nature of the country, there isn’t a ‘gay village or district’ as such in Gothenburg, but this doesn’t mean there aren’t gay-friendly bars, hotels and clubs.
Stockholm is another fantastic choice for members of the LGBT+ community, though you are unlikely to face discrimination in any major city in Sweden. Like Gothenburg, there is no ‘set’ area for the LGBT+ community, and instead gay-friendly establishments are scattered throughout the city.
Best Places To Live In Sweden for the Weather
While Sweden may conjure up images of long, snow-filled winters, the weather is much milder in the south of the country than the north. Due to the country’s proximity to the North Atlantic, the climate is typically mild, but the northernmost part of the country does experience a sub-arctic climate.
Karlskrona is located on the south coast of Sweden and is considered the warmest city in the country though it doesn’t have the highest number of days of sunshine.
The winters are particularly mild, with temperatures rarely below zero. Summers, too, are usually mild but may be slightly colder than in other cities.
For those who want properly warm summer days, the city of Helsingborg is a great option, though do be prepared for the much colder winter months in exchange.
Best Places To Live In Sweden Near Beaches
Sweden has a long coastline with plenty of beaches. The best city for beaches is Malmö which is located in south Sweden and has some of Sweden’s most famous beaches.
Some of these beaches include Lomma beach, Ribersborg beach and Skanör-Falsterbo beach. There are several options for beach lovers to choose from and the city centre of Malmö has a lovely old square called Lilla Torg with cafes and restaurants.
For those who want to stick closer to the capital, there are beaches near Stockholm called Langholmsbadet and Smedsuddsbadet. These beaches are popular tourist destinations in summer, so do keep in mind that it may be warmer during warmer months.
Best Places To Live In Sweden Near Mountains
One of Sweden’s most popular mountain resorts is Åre. It’s located in Jämtland, Sweden,100 km west of the city of Östersund and is popular with tourists during both the summer and winter months.
There are plenty of outdoors activites to be enjoyed in Åre such as biking, hiking, skiing, and watersports. There are several water sources in Åre, including the famous Lake Åresjön.
The mountains surrounding Åre are known as the Årefjällen (Åre Mountains) and have plenty of activites occuring on and around them, such as Nordic and Alpine skiing.