The majority of expatriates live in one of the following areas of Copenhagen:
- Østerbro:
many of the embassies are based in this area. It is not the most centrally
placed district, nor the best for transport, but it has a chic shopping area
with pleasant café culture and is generally quieter than the city centre
- City:
very well placed for bars, restaurants and transport, but property is expensive
and the location will not be ideal for those with children
- Christianshavn:
very close to the town centre (just the other side of the water) the area
has some attractive buildings, including waterfront apartments, and a somewhat
bohemian feel, with plenty of little bars and cafes.
- Frederiksberg:
a lively suburb to the west of Copenhagen, with plenty of shops, bars and
restaurants. Popular with families, and home to a large attractive park and
the city zoo
- Charlottenlund,
Klampenborg: further along the coast to the north
of Copenhagen, these areas are ideally suited to families, with access to
parkland and the sea. Transport connections are more limited, but still good.
Those seeking a house rather than an apartment may find it easier to find
a suitable property here
Congestion can be a problem during rush hour in the city. It is best to try
to live within reasonable driving distance of your workplace, or to choose an
area with good public transport links.
Parking is very limited in Copenhagen and finding a space when you return from
work can be challenging. Enthusiastic enforcement of parking restrictions makes
parking in restricted areas an expensive mistake, with tickets imposing a 500dkk
fine per offence. In most areas of the city, if you want to park on the street
near your home you will need to obtain a Residents Parking Permit from the local
city hall.
Flat sharing is popular in Copenhagen, particularly
among the large international student population at the Name Copenhagen Name
Business Type School. To share a good-quality apartment, you can expect to pay
in the region of 3500 - 6000 dkk per month.
Some tips for finding accommodation:
The
English-language newspaper The
Copenhagen Post carries advertisements from both letting agents and private
individuals.
On the Internet:
- Boligportal.dk
- in Danish, but has a wide range of property to rent
- Bolig1.dk
- also in Danish, with a good selection of rental and sale properties
Youth Hostel:
The Danish Youth Hostel association, Danhostel, has
a large hostel in Copenhagen, within 10 minutes walk of the main square.
Details of all of the hostels, as well as online booking, are available on their
website http://www.danhostel.dk