Areas and Suburbs in Stockholm

The best places to live in Stockholm

The unique areas and suburbs in Stockholm offer a wide variety of options to suit expats with diverse needs. If you choose to live near the city centre, you’ll have everything at your fingertips and likely won’t need a car. In contrast, suburban neighbourhoods just outside Stockholm are closer to parks, lakes and international schools.

Public transport is available in the suburbs, but commuting to the city can be time-consuming, meaning a car may be necessary. On the other hand, living in the inner city tends to be pricier, and the demand for housing is much higher, so you’ll have to carefully consider where you decide to live in Stockholm.

Ultimately, the choice will depend on your individual needs. Young working couples often enjoy a city life close to their workplaces and nightlife venues, while many expat families prefer a bigger house in a leafy suburb near good schools so that their children don’t have to commute.

City living in Stockholm

While some areas are more popular than others, expats don’t seem to favour any specific neighbourhood in Stockholm. Some of the most popular areas in Stockholm include Södermalm, Kungsholmen and Östermalm.

Kungsholmen

In the western part of inner-city Stockholm is an island called Kungsholmen. This island is a residential area but is also fairly industrialised. This neighbourhood has many down-to-earth bars and restaurants, making it perfect for young expat couples.

The island has a shopping mall and excellent public transport access. The views from this part of Stockholm are stunning, and the island’s centre has many quaint streets to explore.

This area is still developing and is becoming popular because of its beautiful parks and waterfront.

Östermalm

An extremely affluent area in Stockholm, Östermalm is where the wealthy live and socialise. The area has beautiful parks, leafy streets and stately buildings. It is home to some of Stockholm’s most upmarket shops, restaurants, and bars.

It also has a large protected green area known as Djurgården, which makes up a large part of the National City Park. Östermalm also boasts museums, an amusement park, the Royal Library, and the main campus of the University of Stockholm.

Accommodation in Östermalm is expensive but certainly worth it for those who can afford it.

Södermalm

Södermalm is an island to the south of the city centre and is a lively area filled with trendy restaurants, bars, and clubs. As one of the most popular and trendy areas in Stockholm, Södermalm’s Bohemian feel makes it seem less pretentious than Östermalm.

Accommodation in Södermalm is diverse, ranging from apartments to little cottages by the sea. Housing here is also more affordable than in other parts of Stockholm. The island’s southern side is more residential, with apartment blocks being the most common form of housing.

Södermalm is home to the Swedish hipster movement, which is evident in the area’s artsy, quirky atmosphere. This area best suits young expats looking to experience the diverse local culture in Sweden.

Suburban living in Stockholm

The suburbs of Stockholm surround the city and are commonly divided into the northern and southern suburbs.

To the south lie Gröndal, Midsommerkransen and Hammarby. Bromma, Rinkeby, and Akalla are to the northwest; Djursholm, Sollentuna, and Täby are to the northeast; and finally, to the east of the city is the Stockholm archipelago, where many locals have second houses in towns by the seaside.

Bromma

Bromma is a borough in the city’s western outskirts and is home to the Stockholm-Bromma airport. Bromma also has the oldest church in Sweden and a lovely beach. Thanks to the two sports arenas and a large stadium, you’ll have plenty to keep you entertained in Bromma.

There is a branch of the International Engelska Skolan, making it a convenient home for expat families with children.

Danderyd

Danderyd is a municipality that includes the suburbs of Djursholm, Stocksund and Enebyberg. The area is around 6 miles (10km) north of Stockholm and is surrounded by water on three sides. Djursholm is especially popular with expats, given that it only takes 15 minutes to reach the city on the underground and is where the British Primary School is located.

Ekerö

Ekerö is a suburban island about 18 miles (30km) outside Stockholm. It is a quiet residential area containing two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Birka, an archaeological site on Björkö Island, and Hovgården, another archaeological site on the neighbouring island of Adelsö.

Ekerö has access to public transport, but this mainly consists of buses, so travelling can be slow. Another option is taking a ferry to the mainland, but this can be time-consuming. Ekerö is a good place to live if you want a peaceful lifestyle in Stockholm.

Lidingö

Lidingö is a beautiful island to the northeast of Stockholm. Affluent and exclusive, Lidingö nonetheless offers many opportunities to buy or rent property.

Public transport reaches the entire island, so you’ll likely have no issues commuting into the city centre. Lidingö also has a private school, which is convenient for expats with children. The island boasts a golf course and some beautiful seaside properties.