Living in Stockholm FAQ
Over the years I have received many questions about life in Stockholm.
Why Stockholm?
When I first went to Stockholm in 2012 I fell in love. I loved the order and cleanliness, the familiarity of the city, and the accessibility.
When visiting various cities there are some that are amazing to see, once, and then there are others that captivate you and linger in your heart.
Cities that make you dream about living there. Envisioning walking up to your apartment, having a fika at a local cafe, and dreaming what it would be like to be a part of that energy. That is what I felt with Stockholm.
When did you move?
I moved in 2014
Where did you first live when you moved to Stockholm?
When I first arrived in Stockholm like many others I could not find housing. I subletted an apartment all the way in Märsta and had an hour and a half long commute to school, but it was my only option. I did not like it at all, and felt dependent on the commuter trains all the time and left out socially.
When you first arrive you need to be super lucky with personal connections to find something to rent or have insane luck or have some set up with your employer.
You moved again and purchased your apartment, I saw that on House Hunters. Where?
My apartment was in this adorable quiet neighborhood, the tram stop was Johannesfred in Bromma. I absolutely loved how tranquil it was to hear the birds and explore the nature surrounding the apartment. It was almost like being in a quiet peninsula oasis in the city.
I absolutely did not want to be in Solna, ideally within the city ring, preferably Östermalm. My ex needed a spare bedroom in the apartment to have an office. I was looking at studios/ 1 bedrooms around Karlaplan, yet for some reason, I prioritized my ex’s need for a “YouTube” recording studio room. (learning lesson!) That is why I compromised on the location but ended up discovering a quaint little unassuming haven.
What did you do in Stockholm?
While I was there I restarted and completed my university degree. Additionally, I learned about the culture and myself. I grew as a person, faced many hardships and challenges, and learned that taking unknown risks are the biggest teachers.
What were the biggest challenges you faced?
Figuring out daily life, everything is new in a new country. Things you take for granted, that are assumed you know, all of a sudden you need to learn. Everything from learning how to pay bills, to learning and using my Swedish. Additionally, the darkness of winter was a huge challenge, not to be taken lightly, it gets very dark in the winter and I was not used to not seeing much of the sun. One thing that initially started off as a challenge but became a blessing was being on my own. I learned how to be alone, figure things out independently, and gained confidence in my abilities. Most things about living in Stockholm were challenging, but I like to look back at that time and see all the challenges as lessons, which inevitably shaped my life and gifted me with new skills that I otherwise would not have obtained.
What is your favorite neighborhood?
Östermalm for sure! I love the classic traditional wealthy neighborhoods. Strandvägen is one of the most beautiful streets.
I really want to move to Stockholm, any advice?
Really think realistically about moving there. Factor in the expenses, Stockholm is and was expensive. Know that finding housing can be a challenge and will require luck or a network. Consider the winter, the sunlight, how essential is the sun in your life and how will you deal without it. Know that it is a cozy sized city, but still a city, this means that it could be harder to make local friends, and most people are focused on their lives not necessarily wanting to meet new people.
Realize your motivation for wanting to live there and factor in the practicalities. Do not be discouraged, have strength, do not be fooled by the façade, and if you still want to go, do it!
Every situation is unique, and it is a challenge to give general advice.
I took a leap of faith and moved there. Not knowing all of the practicalites was a challenge, but it meant I did not overthink it to talk myself out of going.
So, combine some realism with the dream, and if it still calls to you figure out a way to make the dream happen!