I'm Much Happier Living In Copenhagen Than In The U.S. - Look Inside My Home | Unlocked

[@stac_y_with_no_e]

You had me at, “I don’t wanna get too controversial…” because minimized stress over healthcare, gun violence, employment, and public transit is EXACTLY why I’m moving to the Nordic region in 2024. Cheers to you!

[@tigerofcopenhagen2225]

Which country? :)

[@jonnyfendi2003]

Fine. Now tell your Nordic region to fund their own defenses so we Americans can get that healthcare you Nordic guys drain from US taxpayers. Deal??

[@lucacrespi88]

Those are the benefits of living in a country that is 95%+ White. Enjoy.

[@javieleetoo2213]

Take me with you pkeaseee I’ll do anything 😂

[@javieleetoo2213]

@@tigerofcopenhagen2225weird 😂

[@Mimi-ix7zv]

Left Seattle for Sweden 3yrs ago,I couldn't be happier. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 life is so much better when you're not just working to pay bills. I don't miss the rat race at all.

[@zachm2133]

How is trying to buy a home?

[@adammorra3813]

After a year in Sweden it gets old

[@Daylightfulness]

Can I ask how were you able to live in Sweden? It seems visas are hard to come by, but would love to live there! I lived in other countries, but I'm so interested in Europe!

[@Mimi-ix7zv]

@@Daylightfulness Gothenburg! It's a coastal city. Very beautiful, not as busy as Stockholm tho.

[@rosemaryoneale6694]

😂😂😂 Rat Race! 😂

[@EVChris]

Moving outside Copenhagen you can literally cut living costs in half - but free healthcare, free elder care and free education is some of the benefits of living in Denmark 🇩🇰 and Nordic countries in general ❤❤❤

[@lenaprice6239]

The healthcare is not "free." I believe the tax rate is nearly 50%.

[@tigerofcopenhagen2225]

I pay 55% --@@lenaprice6239 But because of that safety net there are basically no worries to think of :)

[@ugotserved911]

Culturally homogenous gives u that. Strict immigration laws give u that. They won’t allow migrants that wanna be welfare babies there. Nordic is prime example of white excellence. But that would be considered racist in America.

[@jackmeoff454]

It's between 37% & 53% depending on various factors.. @@lenaprice6239

[@elimcg921]

That was my next question. How much are taxes? Yup, that makes sense. Let them tax all your money and then they provide all the things you need. Hmmmm. No thank you.

[@fincarosa]

Saying you are not stressed by gun violence like in the USA is not controversial. Everyone everywhere should be able to feel this way! ❤

[@petersun825]

It's so sad that gun violence is something somebody has to be worried about. Especially if one isn't in a war zone.

[@Ravver]

it's controversial in the US where Conservatives clutch to their guns because their entire personality revolves around their little pew pew toys and they don't care about all the mass shooting and adults/kids being murdered every day.

[@allthecommonsense]

The black population is under 3% in Denmark. Fascinating correlation.

[@kl8581]

@@allthecommonsense why are bm on ur mind? Wm are responsible for most mass shootings. Men are just violent in general

[@ktb183]

As a Scandinavian, I reacted to her saying it might be controversial to say that. I agree with you, anyone in their right mind must be stressed by so many guns around.

[@pamelawing5747]

My niece went to school in Copenhagen for a year and her parents and I went to see her there. It was right after Christmas and we stayed through New Years before heading to Stockholm. Loved it there. I love how clean it is, the transportation, and being able to safely walk. We stayed in Nyhavn at the end on the canal. It was a great location. If my life was different I'd be overseas in a heartbeat. It's interesting how many Americans ARE moving abroad. Many post on this platform. I follow some of them.

[@silversnow3186]

What’s stopping you from moving abroad?

[@pamelawing5747]

@@silversnow3186 Age. health issues and finances. What I would do immediately IF I had the money, would be to buy a small apartment in the city of my choice, keep a small home or apartment in the US and then stay abroad till I was forced to leave for awhile. There also are different kinds of visas and I would look into getting a longer term one. As for now, it is what it is. I'm certainly not miserable here..........yet....I own my home (would not be retired if I didn't), have my family here, have friends here, so it's OK. I also know that every country has it's issues, but I really do love a lot of the lifestyle in Europe.

[@stac_y_with_no_e]

@@silversnow3186 I was just thinking to ask the same thing.

[@Bluetangg]

Not the OP but I wouldn't move away from my kids and grandkids. So much to miss. But at this point I'd love to leave the US. I feel quite alienated now. Though I guess there are so many on both spectrums who have been feeling left out.

[@janellelyn]

Visited for the first time in October. We were blown away by how lovely the city is. So beautiful, pedestrian friendly, friendly locals in general, and the food is great.

[@MIKE-zi9my]

Hey

[@markright6759]

Come back in winter, and please update us.

[@janellelyn]

@@markright6759 I mean to be fair I'm not the best use case for that. I live in New England and used to live in Seoul where the winter air hurts your face. The cold doesn't bother me anymore. 😆

[@markright6759]

@@janellelyn It's not the cold, it's the darkness

[@stevenponte6655]

Wow I felt less stressed just watching this video! :) I loved Copenhagen such a wonderful city.

[@Spearadica]

Same!!!

[@AJ-rc5lr]

I lived in Coppenhagen for 6 months back in 2018, yes i would agree with everything she mentioned, living there is all about social security, and not having too much stress over work and life. it's a place where if you choose quality of life and not really battling with social status and all that

[@JustinWatson23]

The people who complain about things like higher taxes, don't realise that lower taxes doesn't equal a better life and lifestyle. Non Americans seem to get this.

[@emogothboii]

​@JustinWatson23 the problem with taxes in America is we don't get Healthcare, or job security.

[@beningnaz]

yup. i kinda hate living in my country because HOW MUCH MATERIALISTIC HUMAN in here

[@83drewski]

The fact she doesn't have to worry about gun violence in Denmark compared to where she's from (TEXAS) is a BIG difference! It's expensive in Copenhagen but I think it's well worth it

[@sandreid87]

If you move out just a few kilometers from central Copenhagen, the prices gets cut in half, easily :)

[@2AToday]

What does the ‘gun’ part matter? Isn’t it more correct to say there’s less violence, period? Denmark does not have mass stabbing either, which is obviously a good thing!!

[@davidsonoluwaseyi1046]

omg the costs of the couch and bed...also 3month security deposits. Hard moving into a new place if not flushed with cash. Not having to worry about gun violence is literally priceless and makes Denmark an easy choice to US

[@IL_Bgentyl]

Please understand this is misleading. Criminals will always use the most effective tool. Also laws do not stop you from getting anything. The war on drugs should of clearly shown this. Laws only make things more lucrative. There’s a reason country’s are struggling with knife violence. Should we make laws to restrict them next? When do we stop?

[@david_99999]

​@@IL_BgentylUS murder rate is 5x Netherlands' rate

[@galfromwi]

​@@david_99999this video is about Denmark. The Netherlands is a separate country. Maybe you're confusing Danish (Denmark) with Dutch (Netherlands).

[@david_99999]

@@galfromwi oops, wrote Netherlands but meant Denmark. (Netherlands' murder rate is even lower than Denmark).

[@glimt1808]

I’m Danish and believe me; I gasped when I saw those prices 😄 You can definately get furniture that is a lot cheaper if you want to.

[@muttersmenu2422]

I have been to Denmark and loved the country. The people were friendly and often spoke English so easy to communicate. Public transport and health care are really important to making life easier for its citizens. Glad you have found such a lovely place to live 🎉 Good and informative video.

[@bigpoppa4094]

they still owned a car in the video

[@Vivalinaaa]

We pay 2,500 for a 2 bed 1 bath 1,000sq ft to live 4 miles from Boston yet the transit to the city is unreliable and the routes are limited. A lot of transferring on the subway. I think Copenhagen will be our first international family vacation when our daughter gets older. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@ArtyYOU2]

Good choice for a family vacation. Copenhagen is filled with amazing playgrounds (some of them are even staffed) and lots of other family friendly activities 🎉

[@MIKE-zi9my]

Hey

[@Kenya1984]

I left California for Finland as well, due to gun violence, road rage/accidents, car centric vs walking, biking and great public transits, universal healthcare, also unlimited sick days and holiday pay (4-6 weeks) plus extra paycheck for the summer. I don’t even work anymore, just happily and blissfully retired at 38. Luckily homes are affordable here, I am able to buy a home with cash plus own a rental😊 heating is all so free, and my flats come with own personal sauna in unit.

[@Happiness379]

That’s wonderful. So you worked for some time in Finland, then retired, right?

[@wealleuropean]

fromosa

[@KIlonzo111]

Wao, how did you do it? I'm what is the process like?? Am a 🇰🇪 living in California

[@dogastrophic7]

And what makes you think you have the right to do that? And do you think Finnish people who are struggling are happy to see you? Definitely not.

[@willnelson3362]

@@dogastrophic7 I agree. Something really doesn't add up with all these comments. The European model of immigration seems very badly unsustainable.

[@selmakurtovic6781]

I am glad how she explained that job is America have unresonable expectations

[@petersun825]

She was a teacher, unfortunately.

[@crishnaholmes7730]

@@petersun825which profession do you do

[@MIKE-zi9my]

Hey

[@Rose_Ou]

I would blend in perfectly. I LOVE cold weather :) I hope it's not too late for me to start everything from scratch at 50 years old but my son is thinking of studying in Denmark and since there's only the two of us, I'm really hoping to join him.

[@mememe733]

It’s definitely not 😊

[@birdlover7776]

Go for it 🌸👍🌈!

[@DerekZing]

I started over in Denmark at age 50. It's a terrific place to live, and I love it here. It can be tricky making friends with Scandinavians at this age, but it's by no means impossible!

[@SamarkandChan]

My boyfriend moved to Norway when he was 45 years old. Never too late!

[@berrycarbs]

You are kind of late to the party - Denmark isn’t that cold anymore… 😂

[@Lambert7785]

- when my son and I were in copenhavn this summer, it was so pleasant, and the people were so balanced, that, although we had to leave, we thought, "why would we leave this place?" - it's just nice to live there, and I can't think of a reason why you would want to leave; the city is the right size, the people are positive and generally friendly, well- mannered and upbeat...- the vibes are good...why leave? the apartment we stayed in was the first apartment I have ever been in that I really liked living in...I was content there :)

[@zell863]

Because it is country of Danes. It belong to them and only to them.

[@berrycarbs]

@@zell863As a Dane I find that comment disgusting. There are obviously immigrants that will fit in finely with skills we need as a society and these people are welcome any day. And if they want and live up to the requirements we will happily grant them a citizenship.

[@sofiawitting7071]

We hope to see you again!

[@zaharralane3753]

It’s great that she is happy. It is always sad when teachers leave the profession, but one has to do what is in their professional and personal best interests.

[@tigerofcopenhagen2225]

She did not leave her profession. She is teaching here also.

[@dolphmanity]

She sounds lazy to me. What kind of person who only works 8 months of the year would have the stupidity to complain about their work life balance?

[@tigerofcopenhagen2225]

Maybe she was being sarcastic -- which is a Danish form of humor :) @@dolphmanity

[@alexsmith-rs6zq]

@@dolphmanity hahaha you have no clue and no I’m not a teacher

[@orangeradishneo]

@@dolphmanity lololol working 12-16 hour days for 8 months is pretty much equivalent to working a regular 8h, 40h/week work week all year. don't be dumb. Work life balance, that isn't very balanced. Imagine all your day to day things you get done after work. Chores, socializing, spending time with family - teachers don't get that throughout the week & essentially that time is accumulated over their summer breaks.

[@jj-if6it]

Good for her learning the language, I think it's a must if you're planning on settling somewhere

[@jericoba]

Yes.

[@analea6531]

It’s not controversial at all to be happy to not have to worry about gun violence. That part alone justify running away

[@jebbo-c1l]

yup it is a great place to raise children

[@tinostarks]

especially in TX where everyone and their moms has a gun

[@analea6531]

@@jebbo-c1l yes I read that all the Nordic European countries are great for families or people in general

[@Anonymous-dh4id]

@@lilleopard6537Unless you live in Baltimore no one worries about gun violence

[@staceygram5555]

True. Denmark being mostly white really helps a lot.

[@Hangrier]

This video just made me so happy 😊 I’m glad your life is full of so much joy and I hope that joy lasts a lifetime.

[@heathermetz6576]

The move in costs are astronimical for Copenhagen, but the Danes have it down to a science. As an Foreigner looking to move there for work/school sponsored by your own finances, Denmark required (in 2018) a $10,000 USD deposit into a bank account there so in the event that you don't find work/school right away, you can support yourself and not rely on their govt resources. This apt tour was pretty cool, bathroom doubles as a laundry room.

[@michaelmcclafferty3346]

A very helpful video, thanks. We are going to Copenhagen next year from Scotland.

[@zimladyj84]

Grew up in Michigan loved it, but I won’t leave Canada as long as the gun violence or health insurance or maternity leave remains the same. Until you leave you have no idea what a relief it is not having to worry about those things. I spent a year home with each of my babies while my American cousins were sending 1 month old babies to daycare. I spent my high school years hoping my school wouldn’t be next, I won’t do that to my kids. America has so much potential and opportunities and I’m grateful for my time there but I’ve found a better place.

[@honeyv540]

She's also a school teacher. They probably actually give her supplies and doesn't overcrowd the classrooms. My friend is a behavioral therapist in schools, one of her teachers had one glue stick and one pair of scissors for the whole classroom!

[@plantenivanten9884]

They do overcrowd the classes these days and there are regularly stories in the news about how low a quality the teaching inf the folkeskole (public school) has reached

[@johanvts]

​@@plantenivanten9884she works in an international school though.

[@Buttercup697]

she teaches in an international (private) school for English speakers... $$$... I did the same for seven years. There is no shortage of materials and crowded classes are not common. Public schools on the other hand...

[@bzdtemp]

@@plantenivanten9884 It is all relative, while the funding for schools here used to be better it is still very much near the top on a international scale.

[@tulledullegirander]

@@plantenivanten9884 compared to what? the US? i dont think so

[@abbyc.4215]

So happy for Ilana. I plan on making the same move soon, just in Spain!

[@namomme5008]

I've been living in central Jutland for just over 5 years now. I love it and I hope I'll never have to live in the States again.

[@crishnaholmes7730]

What inspired the move

[@George-W-Jenson]

Free health service should be a human right in any country.

[@malcc595]

Taxed at 39%

[@Simon89Jeppesen]

Actually i forget to value those things you mention. Thank you so much for that! It makes me both humbled and proud to be able to make Americans wanting to live in Denmark.

[@jaymarx8927]

I lived in Amager when I did study abroad in Kopenhavn, in Øresundskollegiet. They have recently done a huge landscaping project which is amazing, but when I lived there it was kind of bleak outside. I felt soooooo safe in that country. By the end of a year, I felt totally comfortable walking home alone absolutely anywhere after going out to a bar at night. I'm surprised rent is so inexpensive. I live in San Francisco now and its easily 2-3x what you are paying. Its a great place to live and easy to get everywhere in Europe.

[@sebastian.tristan]

Inexpensive?? Here in Montreal, Canada, the average 2 bedroom apartment rent is about 1,500 in USD. And I find that way too expensive.

[@Sir_Austin_T_Gee]

@@sebastian.tristan for real. I pay $1200 a month for a 1400sqft 3 bedroom apartment with a yard about half an hour outside Lubbock, Texas and I think that’s completely unreasonable because where I’m from, middle of nowhere Missouri, that would only be about $650 a month.

[@bigpoppa4094]

dont down play muni. many people dont know how good muni is. it goes almost everyone in SF

[@MonkDave666]

Smart woman, Copenhagen is absolutely stunning. More and more Americans are escaping the insanity of their own country for Europe - welcome friends!

[@Dan16673]

Not many. Its just too easy to get rich in the usa

[@YusufEbr]

what makes America so insane?

[@MonkDave666]

@@YusufEbr Americans.

[@DobbysStinkySock]

​@@YusufEbrthe people are okay for the most part, there are good people over there. What sets America back a lot is their government and their media

[@loriannrichardson7644]

@@Dan16673 check the stats -- more Americans are leaving.

[@nsanenthembrane]

Dallas or Copenhagen…the choice is a no brainer

[@alexk.1405]

Copenhagen?

[@mikea5745]

@@alexk.1405 Obviously Copenhagen is also a lot cheaper now with how quickly rent went up in Dallas

[@madisonhruschka3718]

​@@mikea5745 The average cost of rent is the exact same right now and the price per sq ft is less in Dallas.

[@blainegabbertgabonemhofgoa6602]

In Copenhagen you don’t need a car. In Dallas you do, so have to factor that in. Average American car payment is $736 now.

[@mikea5745]

@@blainegabbertgabonemhofgoa6602 Car payment is only a fraction of car ownership. Insurance, maintenance, parking, and gas all add up. Cars are very expensive to own, even if we heavily subsidize them

[@irmakalember3709]

I hope to visit Europe one day. I moved to Texas and I will be moving back to Chicago. It’s so boring here all they care so it is guns, food and land. It’s awful here in Texas.

[@miltoneladaz]

What city? I’ve only been to San Antonio back in 2015 for a weekend and I loved it compared to LA. Been wanting to visit more.

[@irmakalember3709]

@@miltoneladaz suburbs of Huston. It’s one thing to visit and another to live here.

[@IL_Bgentyl]

Sounds amazing guns, food and land 😮‍💨 next yell tell me yuppys leave you alone.

[@miltoneladaz]

@@irmakalember3709I’ve heard Houston is not that great compared to SA but I see your point for sure. Would like to spend a few weeks visiting

[@gardeniagorgeous4232]

Ummm what? I live in Dallas and could care less about those things. Not everyone is a gun toting redneck. 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@jeremytheoneofdestiny8691]

$2100 a month is downright CHEAP for a spacious home like that in a real city. I am paying $1600 for a small 1 bedroom apartment in the outskirts of Atlanta… I’m sure Dallas is much more expensive than you remember pre-covid. No way you’d find anything that nice for $2100 back home! Keep on living the good life, Denmark is awesome 🇩🇰

[@jasminkln]

It's not cheap in Europe

[@kerbayjohnson3155]

2100 is horrendous for European standards lol.

[@Bruce56]

@@kerbayjohnson3155 There really is no such thing as a "European standards"! Obviously prices are different in for example Scandinavia vs Southern Europe; big cities vs small cities; etc.

[@kerbayjohnson3155]

@@Bruce56 I'm from the Netherlands, one the wealthiest countries of Europe. 2100 in Amsterdam for example is already horrible since the local citizens dont get enough salary to keep up with those rents. Important to know where I'm from since the Netherlands and Scandinavia have the highest standards, and even then 2100 is just ridiculous.

[@oscarmm3]

Really? Where were you living, Decatur, Sandy Spring? Cause I lived in Buckhead and my rent was about in a 1, 280 for a 645 Sq Ft luxury apartment!

[@RedMapleCanada]

I loved visiting Denmark too, beautiful place and Danes are super nice! 👍

[@javieraramirez4289]

Funny she didn’t mention Danes (as most europeans) get a mandatory 5 weeks of holidays per year, with some jobs giving a lot more than that. Most of them leave for most of the summer and go to warmer places in Europe.

[@Mike-zx1kx]

A school teacher have significantly more holidays than others here. The will have 5 weeks alone in the summer period if not more. However being a school teacher in Denmark in 99% of the jobs will demand you speak fluent Danish. Of course different if you are a university professor teaching there. But as far as a normal school teacher that will be highly unusual to be able to find a job that do not have that demand.

[@mettenorsk8433]

not to mention the rules on maternity and paternity leave🥰🥰

[@ncard00]

I’d never be able to live in Copenhagen, with all the pollution and noise from all the cars, terrible bicycle infrastructure and public transit, and lack of tress along the roads. Infrastructure is everything, the better infrastructure a country or city has, the better it performs on all levels.

[@Mike-zx1kx]

@@ncard00 🤣

[@Buttercup697]

International schools... it's an altogether different story@@Mike-zx1kx

[@Philip_J]

Copenhagen is a beautiful city, absolutely, but the big gripe I have with it is the high cost of living. If you compare it to most other places in Denmark it is a fraction of the cost. I currently pay 2.4k for a 45m2 appartment in Sønderborg, where she pays 14.6k for an appartment just over double the size.

[@icecave89]

Nice tour. Copenhagen is outragiously over priced. I moved to Denmark 40years ago 🙂 and never went back (Berkeley/Oakland bay area) I bought my home in a small Northern Village 30k from Aalborg. Yep, took me a good 2years to learn Danish. As an american I worked 24/7 in computers. I gave all that up to be self-employed and have worked at my own pace ever since. I think you'll find that the Danish Society, and already have, that being so small, has concentrated on it's citizens as it's #1 priority. All else is secondary (almost). You might move elsewhere in your work life, but you'll never find a better place to BE than Denmark.

[@p_eople6789]

Fascinating! What did you pivot to from computers?

[@icecave89]

@@p_eople6789 Well Personal PCs were an unknown in 1983 Denmark so I took the profit from the sale of my California home and started my own business, which succeeded /now retired / 😎

[@pumpthewater419]

Crazy, they considered moving to Texas. Imagine, living in Copenhagen, and then moving to a a place like Texas. It’s worse than what most of you think

[@jsebby2284]

Texas is awesome

[@HanzBergman]

@@jsebby2284 US propaganda are huge lies!

[@TheMattMercy]

Yeah, looking to move to Denmark from Dallas. Texas blows.

[@adammorra3813]

As a person of color living in Europe, my recommendation is to move to a more liberal state in the US first. There is a lot of xenophobia and microagressions in Western Europe and Nordics. Its also culturally very different, most Americans will have a hard time integrating and adjusting. Europe is not some utopia or paradise that you think it is, you are trading one set of problems for another.

[@donaldlyons17]

I think there are problems everywhere...

[@fishercourt]

I hope you’re having a good day! I have a quick question. Could you please explain to me what xenophobia means to you? Im curious, because I’ve heard the word used a few times this past week on a few shows I’ve watched. Thanks. Peace-out! ❤

[@Lando-kx6so]

Would be better to move to the UK. The UK is the least racist & xenophobic place in Europe especially in the major cities with London being one of the most diverse cities on earth.

[@jebbo-c1l]

you are absolutely right, Denmark is not perfect and there is racism here like in all other places. But I would still like to think it is one of the better places in the world to live. By far most Danes love Americans and have no malice, just ignorance

[@sarapanzarella97]

Even if a Nordic person is not xenophobic I have heard it said in multiple videos that if you aren’t fluent in that country’s language it is difficult to find a friend group. Yes they know English but it’s not the easiest for many to continually speak it to the point of having a relationship. And if you aren’t good at learning languages - languages like Danish and Icelandic are extremely difficult. When we went to France we tried and learned a little French - but Icelandic? No way could I even attempt.

[@Cathiina]

As a Dane, born and raised in CPH, I think she's very well integrated and I agree with all of her observations!

[@AverageJoe-tu5sr]

Native Dane too however living on the country side in Denmark in Jutland. I think many US citizens would fit in. Basically many of them are our ancestors anyways 🙂

[@rebeccavl97]

I love this!! Scandinavian countries are the way to go!

[@kaseyc5078]

Stockholm is now the murder capital of Europe btw

[@loriannrichardson7644]

She just described the way of life in many developed countries -- the US is the outlier.

[@Xavier-oo9df]

You have nothing between the ears. Willy nilly

[@shiptj01]

@@loriannrichardson7644 Lol

[@jsebby2284]

​​@@loriannrichardson7644no it's not lol

[@OnlineCitizenTV]

I moved to the US after living much of my professional life in different countries & regions. In less than a year, I felt how unhappy I became in life. No balance, no mental break, tension all over the society & safety. I’ve never felt worse before

[@Dan16673]

Gotta pick yout employers carefully

[@MarkTrades__]

Where did you move from and what was better about it? Honestly curious. how much of that info came thorough a phone or tv screen tho? I don't ever feel "tension all over society" when I step outside each day.

[@dolphmanity]

You should probably move back.

[@Ray03595]

sorry brother. Yea, U.S. is a lot of marketing about how great we are. if you were already in Europe, there is absolutely no reason to leave unless you want to become a millionaire and are focused on amassing a lot of wealth and dedicate your life to working. If you want to live an average, simply, comfortable life, the U.S. is NOT the country to be in.

[@tube.brasil]

I loved America.

[@Skyggespil]

public healthcare, less stress, little-to-none gun violence, enjoyable employment, cities designed for walking and cycling, no need to be angsty to lose your job and so much more. Being Danish, this is all normal to me, but it does astound me that more people around the world (especially the US who can easily afford this) dont strive more towards this.

[@promotionalandexplainervid7245]

Visited Copenhagen last summer and I definitely loved it

[@farzadjahanfard]

Scandinavia is totally opposite of USA and consumer culture is Hygge its down to earth its chill Copenhagen is literally my fave city on earth ❤ you pay a lot of tax but you get so much back through services.Scandinavia is literally 50 years ahead of the whole planet. Be polite be nice respect their achievements and culture you will receive nothing but love.

[@Dan16673]

Usa is yoo big to do anythjng well

[@kaseyc5078]

Diverse it is not and yet you want to move there

[@Ray03595]

just came back from a visit to Copenhagen. You're not kidding about being 50 years ahead of the whole planet. It's borderline a utopia. USA will never get close to there even in 100 years. Enjoy your wonderful country.

[@Dan16673]

@@Ray03595 ive been and i didnt think it was that amazing. What am I missing?

[@Ray03595]

@@Dan16673 clean, not many cars, easy to navigate, no homeless, nice locals, good food. No city like this in the US that’s for sure.

[@travelingnikkiting]

I love copenhagen 🥰🥰🥰 lots of salsa/bachata/kizomba/zouk events 🥰🥰🥰 you meet lots of nice sociable danes and other nationalities. Definitely its not for everyone (while reading the comments) but it is definitely better than most countries. Lots of community infrastructure and very family friendly. 😊 looking forward to moving here 🇩🇰 from philippines 🇵🇭 next year 2024🎉

[@DancerUniversity]

You r speaking my language!

[@jalzinho1]

Welcome to Denmark!

[@MIKE-zi9my]

Heyy

[@SkaegSkater]

Moving to DK was the best thing I ever did for myself. I feel more at peace here.

[@Mcfunface]

Wintertime there is miserable though. I need sunlight

[@zuleika06]

This is an incredible outview, no doubt why she chose Copenhagen

[@WilliamGam3z]

I love the fact that you can walk everywhere 👍it's awesome for the environment, your health & pocket 😅

[@BradThePitts]

Not necessarily- cities can be bad for the environment. Cities create heat-soak and sky glow, which not only blocks the beautiful stars, its detrimental to migratory birds. Also, people in cities eat out a lot and eating at a restaurant is terrible for the environment (environmentalists have encouraged people not to do so.) And as far as living in a city- it's expensive because people go put a lot - basically drink and eat - and thus expensive. Worst of all, people in cities can rarely afford to buy their property, and home ownership can be one's greatest financial asset.

[@MarkTrades__]

Can you walk somewhere 10 miles away easily? How easy is it to get out into real nature in this lifestyle of "walk everywhere by living in the middle of a dense city"

[@tigerofcopenhagen2225]

Nature is everywhere in the city. One can even go swim in the waters in and around the city borders :) Copenhagen is super clean @@MarkTrades__

[@orangeradishneo]

no@@BradThePitts

[@stravan894]

In 2012, Copenhagen set out to be the first carbon neutral capital city in the world. They'll achieve this in 2025. Only 25% of trips are done in a car here, the vast majority is on bikes and the rest through public transport like trains, busses and the metro. I will NEVER own a car as long as I live in this city - most people I know is of this mentality and that should be beneficiary for the environment (and the overall pleasentness of the city but that's another topic). I'm not disagreeing with you here btw, just wanted to add some context.@@BradThePitts

[@almaandrade4003]

Congratulations on the move. Copenhagen is amazing and peaceful.

[@MIKE-zi9my]

Heyy

[@LoveStallion]

I used to go to Copenhagen quite a bit for work. Went back this year on leisure for the first time in many years. What a delightful city. It gets better every time. Pity I have too many kids to find anywhere reasonable to live in Copenhagen, but it would certainly be a hoot to be a digital nomad during those more flexible years. Also, literally my friend's flat at 1:43.

[@leftpanap]

Such a lovely video! ♥️ I love Denmark, can’t wait to go back! 🇩🇰

[@sacadosify]

I love having separate duvets (in Germany and in the USA). Makes sleeping much easier and you can regulate your body temperature better. So easy to make your bed with just a duvet, too. Copenhagen is a great city to visit. I also had a chance to visit Aarhus, which is quite nice. The only issue for me is how dark it gets in the wintertime. Summers are nice, though.

[@claritadeluna6609]

It is a nordic country so, yes, it gets dark early in the winter, but summer days are a bit longer.

[@alastairhewitt380]

This is great, but I would love to see a video where someone was able to immigrate to one of these great countries on a work, rather than a spousal visa. It's my dream to live in a place like the Netherlands or Denmark, but seems so difficult unless you are lucky enough to marry into the country. And frankly, as a man, I feel like that is much more difficult to do.

[@zaunder]

try to look at this family, they moved to denmark because Josh got work here "Travelin' Young"

[@MarkTrades__]

agree - these videos could be alot more helpful and valuable if they actually touched on these subjects rather than the more surface-level "oh thats interesting" approach they took here - maybe it was just because it was mostly a house tour type video idk. I like when they go into alot more detail tho

[@asadb1990]

Yeah so many of these "relocation" stories have the male spouse who is either the citizen of the country the couple move to or the male has a high paying job. Would love to see how people get jobs to immigrate to European who don't have such previlages.

[@yeppso]

The long story short is…you can’t. You have to either #1: already have EU citizenship and a job or #2 marry someone with #1. There are other short term visas like via education but without #1 or #2 it is difficult to stay long term. Some people can get their visas renewed enough times and then apply for citizenship, but there’s no easy route

[@lba2746]

look up the workindenmark homepage

[@dasblatt8628]

Saying how expensive rent is has no value if you don't also say how much their income is

[@narangoo]

Income is usually around 30-50,000 DKR p/ month. If you’re a senior software dev closer to 60-80,000 a month

[@denmark23]

the average income in denmark is 45-48 thousand a month, depends on where you read it, but in us dollars that is a little above 7000 a month and a litlle above 1750 a week.

[@Zsucio]

@@denmark237k a month? That’s close to 100k a year. 4500 is 700/week or 2800/month. Not even close

[@theresahunter1911]

Thanks for the video, and thanks everyone else who posted comments, very informative and helpful! 🤗

[@xyzgta]

when Americans discover being an European gives better access to education, healthcare and above all safety the notion of chest thumping / fist bumping "E Pluribus Unum" is replaced by hey i can work in Denmark, Finland, Switzerland and also get free college education for my kids without being afraid of epidemic of gun violence!! No country in Europe makes it easy for non europeans to live / work. Kudos to this person for making it there and wishing her all success!!

[@esonon5210]

You guys are so desperate for americans to envy you. If your country was truly as great as you claim it to be. You wouldn’t be trying to get Americans to come over there.

[@jsebby2284]

What a ridiculous comment haha. Also, interesting that you picked out all white countries when talking about violence. Sorry we have diversity

[@Tony-lj5lr]

finland, switzerland? they are small countries with miniscule populations and are completely irrelevan on the world stage

[@clauso72]

As a Danish citizen I agree with most comments being made here - it´s always fun to hear someone from outside Denmark talk about the small differences 😃 However, if I should mention ONE thing that really annoys me in Denmark, it´s the weather. We get a lot of rain and wind and often overcast and grey days with low clouds. Especially in the winter time where daylight is short and everything just is a blend of brown and grey colours. Having said that, some years we are lucky with blue frost clear sky and snow so you never know....Summer time is usually good with nice temperatures. Not to hot and not to cold.

[@Foreverdionne]

Her husband giving Wizard Kelly the whole time is sending me

[@littlemax8851]

😂😂😂 only people 20+ understand this

[@alastairhewitt380]

@@littlemax8851 Lol, I'm 31 and I was like what tf did she just say hahah

[@MarkTrades__]

Lol had to google it - deep reference lol nice 🔥

[@Chaka_Davis]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@biannkw]

her voice is so smooth, i could spend all day hearing it! And there's some interesting points about differences between USA 🇺🇸 and Denmark 🇩🇰

[@petefoti1041]

Awesome. I love Scandinavia. My ex-was from Finland and prior to our separation we considered moving to Sweden or Finland. The Social System in Europe is so much better than what we have in Merica.

[@Eclipse-ss7ko]

I am an natural born US citizen who Mom was half Danish and half Swedish. I can tell you that Denmark is a great place and the people are awesome. By the way when you were at the Little Mermaid, you DO NOT touch the statue. It is rude and disrespectful. I realize that it was not you but some one in your party.

[@virgobutterfly1680]

She definitely seems happy and relaxed. ❤

[@haute03]

Having to pay five months worth of rent upfront to move in is shocking to me. I wonder why people don't typically get their security deposits back as well. Wild.

[@mhyl02]

Usually the apartment has to be brought back to the same state as when you moved in. So the norm is that the whole apartment is painted again and repairs performed. You can do some of this yourself, but some people don't and then it comes out of your security deposit. Private landlords are typically more lax, but professional renters are good at finding lots of repairs that come out of your deposit.

[@crishnaholmes7730]

@@mhyl02are you from Denmark

[@bamsebjoern65]

The newbuilds at Amager are exceptionally expensive and so is the pay up front rules as well. The norm is 3 months not five..

[@mememe733]

@@crishnaholmes7730I am, and what he wrote is correct 😊

[@crishnaholmes7730]

@@mememe733 ok

[@carolinejohnson22]

Stay there! Its a great place and Danes are so laid back 🥰🇬🇧

[@natsidruk86]

Norway and Denmark. Most peacful countries in the world.

[@nickk4010]

So basically she bagged a rich guy on her backpacking vacation and stayed there. None of that is able to be afforded by a teachers salary. The $3400 bed and Herman Miller office chair set that tone. No explanation of the husbands career.

[@dzllz]

Yep lol

[@carscloseup]

Just remember when comparing rents, there’re several factors to consider; The income tax is very high, if not the highest in the world, which actually makes the rent even more expensive, but on the other hand; You have free full medical care, even if you’re unemployed. If you’re willing to live in the (beautiful) countryside, the rents are a fraction of those in Copenhagen. You can buy a rather nice house for around $100k depending on the area. Houses are not like in the US with wood framing and OSB boards with stucco, no they are solid brick houses build to withstand the harsh climate!

[@e.458]

1:45 that's what happens when you avoid sprawl. Zoning laws in most American municipalities make this impossible and instead promote endless suburban monotony.

[@jj-if6it]

I mean it's Denmark, I'm not surprised. Universally considered a wonderful place to live. I have some Danish DNA so hoping to visit one day! Have extensively travelled Europe but not that Scandinavia area

[@autobotdiva9268]

entire family looks relaxed

[@1trueloveforever]

Copenhagen is one of my absolute favourite cities . Been there like 5 times. Cant wait to visit again.

[@Chris.NylMicheal]

I'm from Copenhagen

[@wickstar345]

What a lovely lady. We are very happy to have you 🎉

[@AndersFrancisNielsen]

The security deposit is used to re-paint the apartment, redo the floors, and bath rooms and so on. So the new renters, like when you were a new renter, feels like they are moving into a brand new place. Your video is amazing and being a Dane myself living in another country, really makes me miss Denmark :)

[@eveline1725]

I'm from the Netherlands living in the US. As much as I love my home country, it is completely unaffordable to buy a house there. The cost of living in the US is so much lower. My American 19th century brick house would be worth more than a million euros in Holland. It's a big reason I'm not moving back any time soon.

[@crishnaholmes7730]

Do you feel like America is more high stress

[@DeffoNotToucan]

I get so happy when I hear how foreigners have settled well in my city (ours now). The more and diverse, the merrier. I love Copenhagen, especially because we are so diverse here. 🇩🇰

[@blazer9547]

You're not Danish. You're African.

[@claudiacorral4559]

What a lucky lady!

[@mysterywalker1621]

Love Danmark! From a Swede👍

[@MC-bm3cy]

I’d move to any Scandinavian country tomorrow if the family would be as excited about it as me.

[@ShannanWynn]

Love it. I wish she would have talked a little bit more about her job and salary. As a teacher in Dallas, I am curious.

[@johanvts]

It's around 60k usd a year, which is totally liveable in most of the country but a bit thight in a new apartment in Copenhagen.

[@mememe733]

@@johanvtsshe worked at an international school, which is a private school, so her income is most likely a bit higher 😊

[@jsebby2284]

​@@mememe733ifk about international schools, but private school teachers in the US make less than public

[@blazer9547]

You'd better move to Africa.

[@nidakazi7021]

She keeps saying in the US, lol I've only lived in major cities and she's definitely getting a bargain in comparison. Compared to Boston, this is heaven.

[@volvo1354]

I particularly like the Danish tradition of Hygge, they really know how to relax. Danes are considered the happiest people on the planet.

[@thechrissyhazel]

I’m an American living in Tunisia! Would love to do an episode like this!! How do I apply? 😅

[@crishnaholmes7730]

How is it

[@thechrissyhazel]

I love it! I also grew up here so I've spent a lot of time here :)@@crishnaholmes7730

[@danishpastry6137]

As for getting your security deposit back, it depends on who you rent from. If you rent a flat/ apartment from a housing collective (bolig forening) then you will often get your deposit back, in fact its not uncommon for there to be set aside 1% a month to renovate a flat ready for the new tenants. So if you live there for 100 months, you don't pay for repainting the walls, etc, but damage to fixtures and fittings often isn't included in this. If you rent from private individuals or companies, then it's less common to get your deposit back, and they're often not so good about general maintenance.

[@MachusPichusAmigo]

Huge deposits are one of the only crazy capitalistic systems in Denmark that are left. Landlords (usually companies if it's a fairly new building) are robbing people here daily.

[@mediterraneanworld]

yawn, tenants have lots of rights -those deposits are not so unusual - in Italy, 2 months is pretty standard. THeir place also seemed to be quite posh!

[@Chaka_Davis]

Going from being a public school teacher in Texas to a private school teacher in Denmark is a huge change in status! Everything she described sounds really fun! I've also been considering moving to Denmark (US citizen living in France and hating it) and I have a lot of reservations. For one, being such an ultra-visible minority seems like it could be really othering. I'm not afraid of learning another language, but I do worry about being so different. I wonder how others have felt making similar moves

[@kimGP]

I did the opposite. I was born and raised in Denmark, just outside Copenhagen and moved to the US 15 years ago when I was in my 30s.

[@cigdemylmaz1532]

why

[@tigerofcopenhagen2225]

I'm sorry. You must have had valid reasons to do that at that time.

[@MarkTrades__]

How would you comment on it? The climate looks like it would be unbearable to me honestly. I need warmer sunny weather (I grew up in place with 8+month winter & had to leave it)

[@All-is-Maya]

Did you fall on your head as a child...?

[@crishnaholmes7730]

Which do you prefer

[@KIlonzo111]

You are such an inspiration. Keep going!❤

[@iotanb1772]

But how can one move there if you don’t marry a citizen or work visa

[@JJMedusa]

-- Exactly.

[@Mike-zx1kx]

A well paying job are the entry ticket. Thus get the job first. If you have no recognised education or skills it are practically impossible.

[@iotanb1772]

@@Mike-zx1kx im from 🇺🇸 & educated, but im a sales manager in a niche financial sector. My wife works for a big company remotely, so we can go anywhere. Just looking for a place a little less Islamized.

[@Mike-zx1kx]

@@iotanb1772 Although some aspects of sales are alike around the world some aspects of employer demands and development are more culturally based. I guess in your case I would consider applying for a job and then if successful go for 6 months before relocating entire family. I do not know if you are fixated on Denmark or not but check out the sector options and try contact firms in nations that appeal to you. I do not know the size of your nest egg but remember that most central/Western, West European nations have company pension schemes you might not be able to fully utilise without extra payments since you have not had "years enough" in them until expected retirement. Will your wife be able to find a new job with relative ease if loosing her current? Are her line of work useful locally in the nation (s) you are considering? I hope this are useful for you.

[@lind1391]

U dosnt Sound very educated 🙄🤮

[@nelsonvalencia7889]

Visited for the first time in July (Summer season). We were blown away by how lovely the city is? So beautiful, pedestrian friendly, friendly local's in general, and the food's is great. 😍🇵🇭

[@leeboriack8054]

She commented on health care, fair wages, life work balance, pedestrian oriented communities.

[@nikiroberts6052]

@leeboriack8054 Thank you for calling it 'LIFE work balance' instead of 'WORK life balance'. Life should always come first.

[@bogirrasmussen4883]

Amager was actually the place for centuries where all the garbage from Copenhagen was placed - and also the "night garbage" (as it was called. And since it was not buried, but put in open graves, it really smelled a lot. That was the origin of Amager's nickname. The night garbage was actually situated where today you find a lot of allotment gardens, and for which reason the the earth there is especially good for growing vegetables.

[@dannyfresh6697]

I visited Copenhagen last month and it's quite pretty. Great public transportation and nice sceanary but extremely expensive.

[@danielv3228]

When you only have 16000 square miles of country to manage, public transportation, health care, etc... is a lot easier especially if you owe your continued existence to what other countries have done for you and currently provide you. Denmark is about 1/4th the size of the State of Iowa. Not exactly a large area to manage.

[@merelk.9530]

China is huge and has far better public transportation than the US. Canada is huge and they have universal, publicly funded healthcare. Size is not an excuse.

[@kocoaberry7041]

We try to tell America its ok to spend a little more in taxes if you can get something like free healthcare in return. Even with health insurance we still get hit with big bills to pay. That doesn't have to be so.

[@esonon5210]

If i pay more in taxes in then how is it free?

[@LasseStaldMadsen]

@@esonon5210For your kids for example. will get paid to get as high an education as they'd like and not pay taxes untill they get a jojb. Also you get a state pension once you retire ontop of what you saved yourself. I like how you americans think it's somehow a 'gotcha' comment. What do you get for your taxes? Healthcare? no Education? no Pension? no benefits if you lose your job? no etc. If you say 'freedom' you lost the argument and I get to call you a clown

[@cumbaja3456]

@@esonon5210 your taxes are the insurance without a middle man that skims off an extra percentage.

[@kwhatten]

NYC also (usually) requires first, last and 3 months security to move in.

[@DKendrick1]

Went to Copenhagen in Dec of 2022. Dope city, would recommend.

[@petedennis5694]

Well, I’m English and I’ve been here for over thirty years. She’s not wrong !

[@herbertpollinger4947]

In Europe most people live in apartments with stores in walking distance whereas in the US most people live in houses with big commuting distances and health care is mostly public and not private as in the US which bankrupts one. I live in Toronto, Canada, had recently two major abdominal surgeries at no cost, including hospital stays and all prescribed medications, except Aspirin, are also free. I have traveled a lot throughout the beautiful US, but would never live there.

[@hansdorschdk2]

Bingobongi, Ilana! Lovely to see you guys again. We've chatted on TikTok. You are a very good advocate for both societies. Ciao from Nordjylland