Although the Nordic countryside may appear to be the very image of harmony and pure beauty, an increasing number of locals opt for city living, causing the already hefty housing costs to increase even higher. These expenses have experienced a particular increase throughout the last year or so; the high way of life naturally has its expenses, however there has been some discussion within the public regarding the possibility of a real estate bubble. Whether or not this holds true, anyone about to migrate to the Nordic nations anytime soon really should be prepared to shell out a lot more than they may be used to for their houses (unless of course you are from New York or London, of course).
When you manage to find an affordable apartment close to the city center, you should stick to it. Soon after relocating, simply track down the nearest IKEA and buy some low-cost furniture -- or should you like more exclusive elegance, there certainly is an abundance of high-quality (and high price) designer furniture; Nordic nations are better known for their simple and timeless home design.
Assuming you intend to live as a hermit in the backwoods, alternatively, the housing costs are considerably lower. Many municipalities in the north have issues with the net emigration, which has caused real estate costs to tumble in rural areas.
2. Accept the Reserved Character of the Locals
Scandinavians and folks from Nordic nations generally are generally stereotyped as shy and reserved, and -- based upon what you're used to and what precise location you relocate to -- you might recognize that the rumors aren't entirely based on fiction. If you find yourself in a lift with a local, it is recommended not to start a talk, because you will probably end up being labeled as a creepy weirdo. Preferably, it's advisable to focus at your feet (or the ceiling) or start twiddling with your iPhone. Giving a subtle smile is a nice gesture, though by no means necessary.
Nevertheless, in main cities such as Stockholm, the setting is, of course, a lot more modern than in the countryside; you may sometimes end up in a small-talk situation. Still, these cases are sparse compared to many other countries. Several cities do luckily have many other expats, and communities like InterNations can assist you find new friends.
Despite being perhaps somewhat taciturn, most local residents are well mannered and usually have a good command of other languages (some reluctance to actually display these language skills might happen, though). Respectable manners are expected from everybody, and jumping the queue or pushing people in a rush are greatly disapproved of.
On the whole, they're very open-minded towards overseas people and cultures: racial or other discrimination is uncommon and again, disapproved of by the majority.
3. Be ready for the Winter Blues
Norway, Sweden, and Finland cover one of those regions of our world where all four seasons can be experienced to their full scope. Chilly winters and warm, enjoyable summers allow you to enjoy the genuine range of the Nordic nature -- assuming that you dress accordingly. Unlike in several other countries, the infrastructure is designed to tolerate intense climate conditions; commuter traffic (usually) runs smoothly and houses stay warm even during the heaviest snowfall.
In fact, usually it's not the seasonal temperatures or climate that's the primary issue for foreigners. Due to the proximity to the polar circle, the length of the day depends heavily on the time of the year; during the summers the sun seldom sets at all (within the north of the Scandinavian peninsula it really doesn't set) and in the winter the light is limited to just several hours.
This aspect tends to impact sleeping habits: individuals unfamiliar with having the sun up at 2:00 a.m. may well encounter some confusion. Additionally, taking into consideration the sunlight's influence on our mood, winter depression is sadly rather common.
4. Bring Your Loved ones Along
Having already accepted the concept of social democracy a century ago, the Nordic countries feature many of the most thorough welfare services in this world. Those who gain most obviously are families with children, who appreciate free, high-quality education and health care. There are international private schools, obviously, however parents planning for a longer stay are advised to enroll their offspring in a state-owned school.
The Nordic nations have always practiced large earnings redistribution through significantly progressive taxation; this aspect has played an important part in making the place one of the most "equal" places there is. The idea is to give everyone with the same chances in life and this goal has been more or less reached. However, this implies that high income families should be prepared to have a huge chunk of their salary taken by the government.
The municipal taxes and taxes on capital earnings are almost flat rates, however.
5. Get Into the Lovely Nature
Although beauty is in the eye of the beholder, there's not many who would disagree about the appeal of the spectacular Norwegian fjords, beautiful Åland Islands in the Baltic Sea or the arctic mountains in Lapland. The natives are quite outdoorsy individuals, with many of them having a summer pad by the seaside or a lake. Even the most populated places -- the capitals Stockholm, Oslo and Helsinki -- have large environmentally friendly areas and parks dispersed throughout the city, often occupied by families or students. Highly recommended parks include Hagaparken in Stockholm, Kaivopuisto in Helsinki and Frognerparken in Oslo.
While not everybody loves winter sports, many of us do, and you should not miss the chance to ski during your stay. The ski slopes may not be as impressive as those in the Alps but skiing is a popular winter hobby nevertheless. Throughout the summer, sailing and hiking are generally enjoyed.
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