Stockholm: 19th in the ranking
This is a city of great interest as statistics show that 27% of residents are foreigners. Because of its advantages, it is a city where life is easy. However, in our study it was particularly penalised for its harsh winter climate and the cost of living.
The survey results have left Stockholm in good positions in some categories, most notably education, where it is in second place. Another highlight according to the survey is its good public transport service where it is also included in the top ten choices.
Stockholm is the capital of Sweden, a beautiful nation that has a lot to offer and that finds, in its capital, the city considered to be the Venice of the North. The reason for this lies in the fact that it is made up of fourteen islands that make up a territory where 60% of the space is water and natural green spaces. Stockholm is a well-balanced city, but it did not make the top 10 in any of our study categories except for education and public transport.
One of the things new residents like most about Stockholm is the temperature during the summer. Although it is hot, the climate is much milder than in other European countries. So you can enjoy the benefits of summer without the problems of excessive high temperatures.
In winter, however, everything changes in a major way and the cold takes over the streets of the city like the Swiss territory that it is. The humidity does not help to withstand the colder months, so it is essential to wrap up as warm as possible. This is both a barrier and a constraint to life, according to the responses received.
The results of our survey of more than 25,000 people put Stockholm in ninth place in the public transport ranking. The reason for this is the very efficient connection between the different transport systems throughout the city.
It is not easy to connect a place like Stockholm, which is made up of islands, but it is achieved with more than adequate results by means of metro, tram and bus services. The metro has 100 stations, so it covers a large area.
Only Zurich is ranked higher than Stockholm in the European education category. This is something that respondents noted on the basis of important aspects, such as the fact that the Swiss city has been one of the world’s most important places in the world of science since the 18th century.
The city is home to important centres with a long history, such as Stockholm University, Karolinska Institutet and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, which attract thousands of students each year. There are also 14 international schools, including the British International School of Stockholm and the Stockholm International School, which has been teaching thousands of students for 60 years.
The city’s gastronomy is not the main attraction of the city and does not stand out, but other large capitals have a varied offer. As elsewhere in the region and nearby countries, potatoes feature strongly in some of Stockholm’s most traditional and widely consumed recipes. Some of the dishes that use them include kroppkakor or råraka.
Kottbullar, which is a delicious recipe with small meatballs, is also a popular restaurant dish. And don’t forget ideas that add a touch of freshness, such as smörgåstårta.
The location of Stockholm’s international airport, which goes by the name of Arlanda, is not exactly the most beneficial for residents and travellers. Although it is a large airport, it is a long way from the city, at a distance of no less than 42 km. This makes it difficult to travel to and from the airport.
This is offset by the availability of a fast train known as the Arlanda Express which can make the journey in 20 minutes. Stockholm has a second airport which many residents are sure to use, as it operates domestic flights. Its name is Bromma Airport.
Although Stockholm is not in the top 10 for safety, it is a fairly calm city in terms of crime. Of course, care should be taken in dimly lit or uncrowded areas at night, but not excessively so.
The main problems that can occur are small incidents caused by alcohol consumption or the actions of pickpockets in the more touristy areas.
It has been a long time since Stockholm made history when, in 2010, it launched environmental initiatives like no other European city had ever done before. Over the years it has continued that hard work and is recognised as the sixth best city in the ranking based on the responses of more than 25,000 respondents to our survey.
Stockholm deserves recognition for its efforts in many areas, such as the fact that its airport is the first in the world to be certified carbon neutral.
Prices in Stockholm are not cheap according to thousands of surveys. It is the most expensive city in Sweden and also one of the most demanding of citizens when it comes to paying for public services or housing rents.
Salaries are also high, which means that the quality of life is interpreted as balanced among respondents. But it is an essential element to consider for professionals planning to move to Stockholm to start a new life.
More than 100 museums are scattered around the city so that almost every part of the city has a centre with something interesting to offer.
The most important is the Nationalmuseum, which houses the bulk of the city’s own collection. But there are also others that are established with great relevance, such as Moderna Museet, Fotografiska or the Medelhavsmuseet museum, as well as numerous theatres and art galleries that combine the offer so that there are always cultural adventures to be had.
Although the city’s climate conditions life in the city for much of the year, Stockholm doesn’t forget about leisure activities either. But even in these plans the city brings a touch of culture, such as Skansen, a zoo and museum that has been capturing the attention of families with children since it opened in 1891. Gröna Lund, an amusement park with more than 30 rides and attractions, is also recommended. That said, it is also recommended to visit the Östermalm area, which brings together many nightclubs as well as the main brands and shops that can be found in Switzerland.