LIST: Here are the Best Municipalities for Seniors to Live In

A municipality in northern Sweden has been named the best place for seniors to live. The award comes from LF Fastighetsförmedling’s recurring ranking. At the bottom is a municipality in the Stockholm area.

As we grow older, there is an increasing need and demand for well-functioning public services, but far from all municipalities meet these expectations.

To help with the search for the best municipalities for seniors to settle in, LF Fastighetsförmedling regularly publishes an index. This is based on factors such as how much living space a pension provides, the average moving tax, the level of satisfaction with home care services, and access to special accommodations for seniors.

This week, the 2026 list was released.

– The ranking shows that seniors have widely different opportunities to live and move depending on where in the country they reside. Barely two out of ten Swedes approve of the government’s housing policy for the elderly, and of course, the government bears a big responsibility for the situation, but there are also substantial differences in how well the various municipalities take care of their oldest residents, says Marcus Svanberg, CEO of LF Fastighetsförmedling.

First on this year’s list is the municipality of Storuman in Västerbotten. According to LF Fastighetsförmedling, the municipality wins primarily because pensions go further in terms of living space and seniors have good access to places in special accommodations.

– Even though there are some positive exceptions, many politicians unfortunately forget about the elderly. With only a few weeks to go before the election, we are calling for strong political promises on measures that could increase mobility in the housing market. Many municipalities need to build more housing adapted for seniors, and the government needs to significantly lower the moving tax to make it easier for people to change residences according to their needs—especially for those who are older and have owned their home for a long time, says Marcus Svanberg.

Worst is Vallentuna municipality. A combination of high rents, a high average moving tax, low satisfaction with the safety of home care, and few places in special housing relative to the number of seniors in the municipality puts it in last place.

Although all three metropolitan municipalities fall below average, Gothenburg rises significantly—from 231st place last year to 156th this year. Stockholm ends up in 230th place out of 270, and Malmö is third from last.

– The ability for seniors to move according to their needs is crucial for the mobility of the entire housing market. If an older couple can move from their house to something smaller that suits them better, a family with children may buy their house and leave their apartment. The family’s old apartment then becomes the first shared home for a young couple, who in turn move out of their respective studios, making room for two young people who did not have their own place before, says Marcus Svanberg.

Top Five

1 Storuman, Västerbotten

2 Munkfors, Värmland

3 Norsjö, Västerbotten

4 Sorsele, Västerbotten

5 Olofström, Blekinge

Bottom Five

Vallentuna, Stockholm County

Vaxholm, Stockholm County

Malmö, Skåne

Vellinge, Skåne

Upplands-Bro, Stockholm County

Four Tips for Living as You Wish Throughout Life

1. Start thinking ahead of time
It’s easier to consider your next home before something forces you to move. If you start planning while you are still satisfied in your current residence, you can make a plan for when and where you want to move. That way, moving becomes a decision on your own terms, not something dictated by circumstances.

2. Think about how you want to live, not just where you want to live
Consider what would improve your daily life: proximity to shops, culture and friends, less time spent tending house and garden, or a home where it’s easy to socialize. What suits your daily life and interests is just as important as the number of rooms.

3. Get a clear picture of your finances
As home prices have risen significantly over the years, many have built up more value in their homes than they realize. An appraisal and budgeting example that considers moving taxes and future living costs will help you make a secure decision. Ask your bank or a realtor to calculate it with you, so you know what opportunities you actually have.

4. Explore different housing options before choosing
There are more options than many think: senior apartments, secure housing, condominiums, and co-living communities with shared spaces. Visit some and talk to people who already live there. It’s your daily life at stake, so let curiosity lead the way.