Pros and Cons of Living in Sweden

"Kind people willing to take time to get to know you. Use of bikes instead of cars when possible. Living simply and without a ton of "stuff" we American's seem to accumulate over the years," explained one expat living in Karlstad.

"Expats in Sweden appreciate the country's commitment to sustainability, with its focus on renewable energy sources and its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. They also appreciate the country's strong social welfare system, which provides a safety net for those in need. Additionally, expats enjoy the country's commitment to gender equality, with its progressive policies on parental leave and gender pay gap. Finally, expats appreciate the country's commitment to work-life balance, with its generous vacation policies and its focus on leisure activities," said one expat in Sweden.

"Expats in Sweden often find the reserved nature of the locals to be a challenge. Swedes tend to be more formal and less likely to engage in small talk than people from other cultures. Additionally, Swedes tend to be quite private and may not be as open to discussing personal matters as people from other cultures. Furthermore, Swedes tend to be quite punctual and expect others to be as well, which can be a challenge for those who are used to a more relaxed attitude towards time," said one person in Sweden.

"Learning Swedish. The tax situation. Finding a home that has what I want in the area I's like to live," remarked one expat in Karlstad.