Berlin vs Stockholm

[lamii]

Would you rather move to Stockholm or Berlin?
Or are you there?
Feedback please :)

[Haworthiia]

I'm north of Stockholm.

Rental situation there is dire- you will struggle to find a contract and won't be able to get a first hand one as you have to queue (for years - it's a couple of decades for some bits of Stockholm.

Parental leave is well funded, very child country, friendly, reasonably safe. Very expensive country - don't move here on a low to mid wage. Winters cold and dark (the darkness is the bad bit, houses are built for the cold.)

Berlin is exciting. Sweden isn't really.

[ajabajavitasoffan]

I've lived in both countries (but not in either Berlin or Stockholm themselves). Absolutely loved both! Does it have to be Stockholm itself, or could you live elsewhere and commute? It is true that renting is extremely difficult in Swedish cities - not sure how the situation is in Berlin...

[lamii]

Hi Haworthiia & ajabajavitasoffan!

I currently live in Stockholm, we are lucky we have a small flat here (my partner owns it). We are attracted to Berlin because we find it a bit dull here. We both work in creative areas so culture and art are important to us. Stockholm has great sides: cosy housing, cute cafes, easy to go around.
But Berlin seems more exciting indeed, I have to re-visit it. In Berlin we could get 2-3 times bigger in terms of space! It's much cheaper, food wise too.

Not sure how it works for kids but probably not a great support as in Sweden. Are the pre-schools and nurseries expensive?
Basically we are both self-employed creative and we need to stay up and running...
More tips welcome :)

[Laptopwieldingharpy]

Have only discovered Berlin recently. We have lived in many amazing cities around the world and Berlin has that very unique unmistakeable quality about it like london or new york or Paris etc.... With your profile, without a doubt!
Propert market with still great capital appreciation potential but not for long i think.

[Laptopwieldingharpy]

Look in east berlin around rosentallerstasse, sophiestrasse, augustrasse

[lamii]

hi Laptopwieldingharpy, thanks for tips.
What I miss is actually the quality and diversity I had in London. Very encouraging to hear that Berlin has that! Open minded interesting and interested people. Housing market seem still affordable yes.
Wonder how it works with kids...?

[Laptopwieldingharpy]

Sorry no clue about raising children. Our friends are without!
We visited with our 8 & 12 year old and there is lots to keep them physically and culturally engaged. Lots of open spaces and municipal facilities.
Not sure about schools and care for very lttle ones?
Given the influx of immagrants i would assume they are well equiped to deal with language immersion for kids and adults as well?
Did you find the german thread?

[lamii]

Good idea, Laptopwieldingharpy.
I'm gonna go to the german thread! Thank you