Why Sweden is Perfect for U S. Retirees

[@NoName-t7e]

I live in Sweden and can say for most of you it will mean living living out your golden years in an apartment watching endless episodes of På Spåret and re-runs of Police Academy films as you wish for death. But if that is your thing then that's cool.

[@MikeRIE]

I suppose that's an option; however, you can do the same thing anywhere in the world. Your life is what you make it.

[@NoName-t7e]

@@MikeRIE Yes sir that is true. I see a lot of these old retired people living uneventful lives in their apartments. I guess I was feeling that frustration with them when I made that comment, it is of course not a fair reflection of all retired people.

[@BenGreggSweden]

I’m a 62-year-old American who moved to southern Sweden (Karlshamn) two years ago, and I just filed for Social Security! I am definitely looking forward to my retirement here! It’s a beautiful country, and everyone is so nice and relaxed here. The cost of living is also low, compared to the US. We were able to buy a really nice, 4-bedroom house here in a charming neighborhood surrounded by well maintained walking paths that connect us to forests, a lake and a downtown with shops, restaurants and a supermarket. We are also a short bike ride away from a really nice swimming lake; as well as a very large well maintained public pool with saunas and steam rooms that is right next to the Baltic Sea (with the option for a dip in the Baltic and then direct access to showers and a sauna. There is also a super modern train that departs every hour with the connections to all major cities, and is just 2-1/2 hours away from the Kastrup International Airport located in Copenhagen, Denmark (which is where we catch all of our international flights from). Stockholm is a 6-hour train ride north (useful for things like renewing passports, etc.).

[@NoName-t7e]

Swedish social security or American social security?

[@johannestaranger2691]

Yes, there are many pros for people retiring to Sweden. But there are also some important cons. The winters in Sweden are very long, cold and dark. Particularly in the north. The personal income tax is amongst the highest in the world, and Swedes may be considered rather more reserved compared to Americans. And older people in Sweden are not so familiar to the English language ans younger people. And if you consider moving to Stockholm, accommodation is quite expensive, and in the cheaper ares there safety may be an issue. There is also a lack of housing available in the Stockholm area, Outside of the bigger cities, housing is much more affordable. Summers are pleasant though. So please consider the pros and cons before retiring there. Much of the health care system, which is free mostly, is underdimentioned. So expect waiting time for some treatments.

[@charlesmartin1121]

Very nice summary of the lifestyle in Sweden for US retirees. However, you forgot the most important thing...how is it possible? What is required?

[@dewbearb838]

I've looked into moving to Sweden as a retiree and I'm not seeing a pathway.

[@frogmouth]

It's a bit off to think you can live in a tax low country all your life and then benefit from a high tax country in retirement!

[@MikeRIE]

It's called freedom of movement, and freedom to live your best life as you see fit. Many people worked very hard giving something to society and not building up large bank accounts. People like teachers, healthcare workers, artists, construction workers, etc. They should be able determine for themselves where they are treated best in their golden years.