Thinking of moving to Sweden?

Question

I am considering moving to Sweden with my family. I have my own pro and con list. But I would like to hear what others think.

Answer 1

I really appreciate the fact that you are getting well-informed before making any final decision.

I'm American and I married a Swede in the US and he couldn't get a greencard after 1 1/2 years waiting, so we decided to move to Sweden, as I got a permenant residence card within a couple of weeks.

My biggest regret was that I had only visited Sweden during the summer in the past, and had no earthly idea how extreme the winters are there. If I had gone there during the winter ahead of time, I may have changed my mind, simply put.

However, I went there blind-sighted, because I could only remember how beautiful the summers are, which they are! But then you have to realize that the winters are just the opposite, literally! It stays cold for 6 months, and in the dead of winter there is barely any daylight at all. This doesn't sound that bad, but if you can imagine waking up in Nov-Feb and the outdoors look like a black & white photograph, and the days are dim and terribly short, you start to get really down in the dumps... gloomy... and even depressed. I have to say that I was completely in love with Sweden, and I still love it there, I lived there for 7 years, it is part of my identity. But when you try so hard to find a great job, and then in the winters you are completely fatigued from no sunlight, then it's all you can do to get out of bed for work in the morning. Most Americans I knew there had SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is winter depression, because your body lacks sunlight. I have to tell you that if there wasn't alchohol, I wouldn't have gotten through it. Sad I know.... but I would have given anything to make it work. I really wanted to stay in Sweden. But my body wouldn't allow it. :(

Yes, I love everything about Sweden, and the people there are fantastic. Food selection is a bit drab, but you get used to eating the same stuff all the time.... If I had to do it all over again, I would, because I gained a wonderful experience, and now see the US differently, and I have a much broader knowledge of the world. It is great to speak Swedish too....

And I also became a Swedish citizen and am very proud of it.

Answer 2

I've only been there 3 times but it impressed me more than enough........its a beautiful country.

Specially Helsinborg where my fiance lives..........its an amazing place........I never got the chance to see the Ice hotel but I will soon.

I've been there only few times & telling you that its beautiful.