• published on 8/24/2023
  • 4min

Best Places to Live in Sweden

Sweden is famous for its vast stretches of coastline, picturesque landscapes, and unique Nordic architecture, giving expats plenty to explore. It was voted the 6th happiest country globally in the World Happiness Report 2023, making it an appealing place to live for expats.[1]

Best Places to Live in Sweden

Table of contents

1. Stockholm

2. Gothenburg

3. Malmö

4. Solna

5. Uppsala

6. Have you considered international medical insurance?

If you’re thinking about moving to Sweden, choosing where to live is an important decision. Things to consider include the climate, job opportunities and transport links.

To help you with this, we’ve put together a list of some of the best places to live in Sweden that suit a variety of different lifestyles.

Stockholm

The capital of Sweden is a perfect place for expats, made up of 14 islands and nicknamed the ‘Venice of the North’.

This historic city, situated on the Baltic Sea, dates back to the thirteenth century. There are plenty of green spaces and restaurants for expats to visit in their downtime, and an efficient transport system to help you get about with ease.

Where you want to live depends on your personal preferences, but some neighbourhoods you could choose from include:

  • Kungsholmen: this is one of the city’s many islands, close to the centre and full of amenities.

  • Gamla Stan: Stockholm’s old town, this neighbourhood is full of history and character with its cobbled walkways and traditional buildings.

  • Vasastan: the district of Vasastan offers a calm atmosphere for expats, where you can appreciate the classic Nordic architecture from the 20th century.

Stockholm is home to high-quality educational facilities, including universities, and local and international schools. This is an important factor for students and parents contemplating a move here.

Gothenburg

Located on the west coast of Sweden, Gothenburg is a port city famous for its many canals that flow through the city. Founded in the seventeenth century, it has a population of 580,000 people.

Expats living in the city can take in the wonder of the city’s distinct surroundings, incorporating notable sites such as the Röhsska Museum and the Kronhuset. There is plenty of greenery to discover away from the busy city too, like its famous Botanical Garden.

There are a variety of neighbourhoods to choose from in Gothenburg, from Nordstaden with its great transport links for commuters, to Majorna, which has lots of options for eating out and a wide range of vintage shops.

It’s ideal for expats who wish to travel as well, with its excellent connections to other cities in Sweden and nearby Norway.

Malmö

A coastal city in the south of Sweden, Malmö has a population of over 300,000 people. It is closely connected to Denmark via the famous Øresund Bridge, making it well-positioned for commuting to Copenhagen.

There is much on offer for expats in Malmö, from modern architectural delights like the Turning Torso to a thriving art scene. The Möllevångstorget square has a market where expats can buy an array of fresh food and ingredients, while the nearby streets have a variety of eateries where expats can sample delicious food.

Sweden’s third biggest city is also a popular spot for cyclists, and you will find many cycling lanes to help you get around. This mode of transport is a fantastic way to see the city and get some fresh air during the day.

There are numerous neighbourhoods to choose from in Malmö, from the medieval old town of Gamla Staden with its bustling squares and canals, to the vibrant Västra Hamnen, which offers a modern feel and beautiful views of the waterfront.

Solna

A municipality of Stockholm, Solna is great for expats who want to be within reaching distance of the capital when they move to Sweden.

There are many outdoor areas and greenery in this suburb, including Hagaparken and Rålambshovsparken. These spaces allow residents to take a stroll in the outdoors, do some exercise, or spend time with family and friends.

Solna provides a range of amenities for residents, and is home to the ‘Mall of Scandinavia’. This opened in 2015, and has a multitude of restaurants and shops to visit in your spare time.

With a population of 80,000 people, this suburb might be the right choice for those who want to live somewhere with a smaller community feel.

Uppsala

Located just north of Stockholm, Uppsala has a population of 177,000 people. This university town is ideal for expats that want to live in a place full of history and character.

The town offers plenty of amenities for students, allowing them to make the most of university life. When not studying, the close proximity to the country’s capital means you have plenty of options for travel adventures.

Nearby is also Lake Mälaren for those who enjoy being near the water, where you can relax in the sun during summer and make memories with friends. For history lovers, stunning sites including the cathedral and castle found here provide you with an opportunity to learn more about the city.

Have you considered international medical insurance?

If you’re thinking about living in Sweden, it’s important to consider international health insurance. At APRIL International, we have over 30 years’ experience in providing high quality expat health insurance solutions for our customers. To find out more about our plans, click here.