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

Summary

Alana Bull, a 30-year-old American primary school teacher, shares her experience living in Copenhagen, Denmark. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Alana fell in love with Copenhagen during a study abroad program and later moved there with her Danish husband. The video highlights her apartment in the city, detailing the challenges of finding furniture and adjusting to cultural differences, such as the unique practice of choosing light fixtures. Alana expresses her happiness with Copenhagen’s family-friendly atmosphere, excellent public transportation, and reasonable work-life balance, while also appreciating the Danish social system’s support, which contrasts with challenges in the US.

Takeaways

• 😀 Alana chose Copenhagen for study abroad, attracted by its beauty and charm, especially the iconic New Hound canal with colorful houses.
• 😀 After studying abroad, Alana fell in love with Copenhagen and returned on a backpacking trip, where she met her Danish husband.
• 😀 Alana works as a primary school teacher at an international school in Copenhagen, after moving from Dallas, Texas.
• 😀 The couple chose Copenhagen for its small, accessible size, excellent public transportation, and family-friendly atmosphere.
• 😀 Alana can communicate in Danish, though not fluent, and worked hard to learn the language before starting her job in Copenhagen.
• 😀 Alana was excited to move to Copenhagen, feeling burnt out in her previous teaching job in the US and eager to end long-distance with her husband.
• 😀 The couple's apartment in Copenhagen costs around 14,600 Danish krone (approximately $2,100) per month, higher than rents in Dallas, but with a good value for the space.
• 😀 They paid two months' rent upfront and a three-month security deposit, a process that was quite different from Alana's previous rental experience in the US.
• 😀 The couple had to buy all their furniture, light fixtures, and other essentials for their new home, as this is common in Copenhagen.
• 😀 The apartment is well-sized for two people, but now that they have a child, they wish for an extra room to use as an office.
• 😀 Alana expresses satisfaction with her life in Copenhagen, citing better job satisfaction, fewer concerns about gun violence, and a reliable healthcare system compared to her life in the US.

Q & A

Why did Alana choose Copenhagen for study abroad?

Alana chose Copenhagen for study abroad because she was charmed by the beauty and historic charm of the city, especially the iconic canal area, Nyhavn, with its colorful houses. The contrast with her hometown of Dallas, Texas, also played a part in her decision.

How does Alana feel about living in Copenhagen compared to Dallas?

Alana feels happier living in Copenhagen than in Dallas. She attributes this to better job satisfaction, more reasonable work hours, and a more manageable work-life balance, as well as less stress about issues like gun violence and healthcare.

What is the rent for Alana's apartment in Copenhagen, and how does it compare to her previous rent in Dallas?

Alana's rent in Copenhagen is about 14,600 Danish kroner per month, which is roughly $2,100. This is higher compared to her rent in Dallas, where she paid about $1,500 for an apartment with a much lower security deposit.

What was one surprising aspect of renting an apartment in Copenhagen for Alana?

One surprising aspect was the need to pay two months of rent upfront and a three-month security deposit, which was significantly higher than what she was used to in Dallas. Additionally, the rent is tied to inflation, so it increases gradually over time.

Why did Alana and her husband decide on a new build for their apartment?

They chose a new build because they wanted a modern kitchen and bathroom, which are harder to find in the city center on a budget. They also preferred the more modern amenities and design that new buildings typically offer.

What unique feature did Alana discover about Danish homes when it comes to furniture and light fixtures?

Alana discovered that many Danish homes, including hers, have a specific style with Danish furniture pieces, like the 'hoptimist' and 'monkey' figurines. Additionally, light fixtures are not typically installed in Danish apartments, and residents often choose their own to match their style.

How does Alana describe the size and layout of her apartment?

Alana describes her apartment as a good size for just her and her husband, though with their child and her husband working from home, they feel the need for an extra room. The apartment has a combined living room/office, a bedroom with built-in wardrobes, and a bathroom without a bathtub, among other features.

What is Alana's perspective on living in Copenhagen as a parent?

Alana is happy to live in Copenhagen as a parent because the city feels very family-friendly. She feels comfortable moving around with her stroller and appreciates the family-oriented atmosphere.

How does Alana feel about the Danish social system?

Alana appreciates the Danish social system, noting that it provides many benefits that reduce stress, such as universal healthcare and job security. She feels fortunate to live in a system that offers these protections, especially in contrast to her experiences in the US.

What challenges did Alana face when moving to Copenhagen, and how did she overcome them?

Alana faced challenges like moving without furniture and adjusting to the high upfront costs for renting an apartment. She overcame these challenges by buying everything needed for the apartment, including light fixtures and furniture. She also learned Danish to make daily interactions easier.