Shock Exit: Lauren Currie and Christopher Leave Sweden After Living the Dream Life
Moving to Sweden felt like a dream come true for Lauren Currie and her family — but after five years, they’re preparing to head back to the UK.
Lauren, 38, and her partner Christopher, 42, left London in 2020 with their two-year-old son in search of a better quality of life. They landed in Stockholm, where life seemed easier: affordable housing, excellent childcare, free public services, and an overall safer environment.
One of the biggest wins? Childcare in Sweden cost them just £100 a month — a fraction of London’s fees, which can be close to £400 per week. That affordability allowed Christopher to pursue full-time work, giving the family more financial stability and flexibility.
After some time in Stockholm, the family moved to Uppsala, where they now rent a spacious two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment for around £1,400 — double the size of their old London flat and £400 cheaper. They also enjoy perks like access to a sauna, a communal laundry room, and even free transport for their son during school holidays.
Their son speaks fluent Swedish and has thrived in Sweden’s play-based education system. “It’s so safe here,” Lauren says. “I’ve been able to go running in the dark, swim in lakes, and I even ran the Stockholm Marathon. That personal safety is something I really appreciate.”
But despite all the advantages, the family has decided it’s time to go back. The reason? Social isolation.
Lauren, originally from Scotland, says that connecting with Swedes hasn’t been easy. “People here are lovely, but it’s hard to build deep friendships. I thought I’d eventually build a small community, but it’s been really difficult,” she explains.
The couple now feels that returning to the UK — likely to Scotland — will help their family reconnect with loved ones and grow their business, UPFRONT, which Lauren believes would thrive better in a more familiar environment.
“I feel like I’ve come full circle. Scotland no longer feels like going backwards — it feels like going home.”
Their son is also excited to spend more time with his grandparents and cousins.
Though Sweden offered safety, structure, and affordability, it lacked the sense of belonging the family is now craving.
