The Life of Swedish Expats in Vegas
[Guest Post]
Moving to a new country or continent can be a big life decision and one that isn’t taken lightly. There are a lot of changes to adapt to from the language to the food, the scenery, the social life, the working environment and so much more.
During 2020, around 48,937 Swedish nationals emigrated abroad, and many of those that choose to leave their homeland head for the United States and particularly Nevada. With a thriving expat community, one in five people in Nevada is part of the expat group, with the majority of expats becoming naturalized citizens.
To be able to settle abroad, it’s essential to become fully integrated into that way of life and embrace the local culture. That being said, there can be challenges as a non-native English speaker to settle in the local community. Below, we’ll take a look at the best Vegas has to offer for the Swedish expat community and detail what support groups and social events are available for expats.
The Las Vegas Job Market
When moving to a new country, the first thing to consider is how you will make a living in your new destination. During the 19th and 20th centuries, many Swedish people emigrated to the US to pursue farming and agricultural work that they could not have enjoyed in Sweden. However, today we have moved on from agricultural work.
According to the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, the top trades in the area include
- Technology
- Global Trade
- Health Care
- Logistics
- Manufacturing
- Financial Services
In addition to this, the most thriving job market in Vegas is the hospitality industry. As a huge tourist destination, there is an abundance of work in hotels, bars, restaurants, resorts, and casinos.
The Lifestyle
Moving to a new country brings with it a lot of changes to your lifestyle, so when moving to a new place, you need to be sure that the lifestyle is compatible. While Vegas has a reputation for being a wild nightlife setting, it’s actually much more relaxed and laid back than you would have thought. Vegas has a laid-back community with an emphasis on being outdoors and pursuing lots of recreational activities like playing golf, hiking, visiting the expansive park spaces, cycling, running, and walking.
With a large retiree community, many people come to Vegas to enjoy the quality of life it offers and the slower pace that can be found in the quiet gated communities. The temperature is also rather pleasing with hot summer months and mild to warm temperatures throughout the winter too.
For those that also want excitement and a little more to do, there is of course the lively Las Vegas strip where you can enjoy a variety of nightclubs, bars, and restaurants. Some Swedes choose to be part of an expat group online, where they plan outings together at various destinations in order to meet other people from Sweden. Going together to a bar or a casino are both popular options, and both are great ways to meet new friends.
Affordability
When moving to a new place, you also need to be sure it is financially viable. When first moving to the US, Swedish residents may find it a little more expensive in Nevada than what they are used to. However, being located in the desert with lots of space and thriving tourist industry, Nevada is one of the cheaper places to live compared to other places in the US.
The cost of electricity in Nevada is reportedly below the national average, while taxes are also considerably low too. While the cost of living in Vegas is lower than the US average, the wages are also lower too so you may not be earning as much as back home. This is something to keep in mind when moving.
Sports and Social Life
For those looking to find social groups, sporting events can be a great way to meet other like-minded expats. Vegas has over 70 golf courses in the area so if you’re into golf then the courses are an excellent place to start.
In addition, Vegas is home to a variety of spectator sports, from NFL to hockey and women’s basketball. There’s something for everyone.
Overall, moving to a new country can be a challenge. After all, you’re leaving behind your homeland, friends, family and a way of life that you’re familiar with. However, as we’ve seen, Nevada has a thriving expat community and a relaxed way of life that offers all the benefits of active and outdoor living, as well as a solid economy.
Now all that’s left to do is explore!