Before you make a big move, you are going to make sure that your new home is going to be the very best place for you. No more so if you are planning on moving to a new country.
No matter which country you are thinking about moving to, the best approach to take before the big move is to weigh up the pros and cons of living there. So, if Norway is your proposed new home, then let’s take this chance to think about both the pros and the cons of living in Norway.
Pro- There are great transport links
No transport is ever perfect, but the Norwegian transport system is high-scoring compared to others. Even though the trains can be slow to move around, they are designed to make the best of every moment that you spend on them. They travel through beautiful spots, equipped with large windows so that you can see everything around you.
If you are based in Oslo, then you will be able to use the metro to move around (called the T-Bane). This is not only speedy but also convenient. There are also trams that can be used in some of the cities, these have frequent services and will allow you to move between large parts of the city easily.
Finally, if you prefer to stay on the roads, then there is a bus network that you can use for shorter journeys too.
Con- The weather can be extreme
It can be hard to see the weather as either a pro or a con, considering that everyone is a fan of a different type of weather or temperature. However, the weather in Norway can definitely be considered to be extreme.
Many parts of Norway are incredibly cold in the winter months. This is particularly true if you choose to live in the Northern parts of the country. You should expect to see lots of snow during the winter and the temperatures are going to be low.
Rain is another part of life on the west coast of Norway. Here there can be rain for a number of days, which is not ideal for some people who are not fans of wet weather.
Also, it is worth noting that the temperatures are lower in Norway than in other parts of Europe. Some of the bigger cities are not able to see highs of much past 20 degrees, even in the hot summer months.
Pro- Many people speak English
English, for many people in Norway, is a second language. This means that if you do not speak Norwegian then you are still going to be able to communicate as much as possible with people that you meet. The good news is that not only is this true in the city areas, but also up and down the country as a whole. This is ideal if you are not keen on moving to a city and instead want to stay more rural.
Con- The cost of living is high
The cost of living is high for everyone at the moment, however, in Norway, this is particularly true and especially for those who are new to the country. Groceries can be hugely expensive, which means that you should expect your bills to go up when you live there, and things like eating out can also be expensive and many people who live in Norway are going to see heading to a restaurant as a treat.
It is highly recommended that if you are planning to move to Norway you ensure that you have enough savings to help you get off the ground. This is especially true if you are not yet working and need to source a job when you are there.
Pro- It is beautiful
One of the best things about Norway for many of the people who call it their home is the sheer beauty of the entire country. The country is known to be lush and green and this means that those who are keen to hike and see it all on their own two feet are going to be spoilt for choice. The winter months are also the ideal opportunity to try out winter sports.
Away from being active, the landscape in general is beautiful and just cries out for you to take a variety of pictures; particularly of the stunning fjords which are known to be amongst the most stunning picture-perfect locations in the country, if not the world.
That said, if you are someone who doesn’t like to miss out on urban life, then in Norway you are never very far away from a city or town, even if you choose to live in the greener spots.
Pro- It is inclusive
One final plus point (because there are lots of great things about living in Norway) is the fact that it is proud to be an open and inclusive place to live. The cities are a mixture of people, including those who are of different cultures and races. It also is a place where people feel comfortable to be seen with their partners or to live authentically as their LGBTQ+ selves. This is important for anyone to know if they are planning on moving there.
Are you looking to relocate to Norway?
We hope that this blog post is helpful when it comes to learning more about some of the great and not-so-great things about life in Norway. Once you have weighed up whether or not Norway is the right new home for you, then you are going to want to get started on your big move. Relocating to a brand new country can be challenging to do, especially if you have plenty of belongings to take with you. This is where we can help here at Pinnacle Removals.
We are experts in moving, particularly when it comes to moving to a new country. So, why not get in touch with us and see if we can help you to make a new start in a brand new home?