On this page
Who lives in Östermalm
Östermalm is the most exclusive of Stockholm's inner city districts, a handsome quarter of late nineteenth century stone buildings, tree lined boulevards, embassies and waterfront on the eastern side of the centre. It is highly favoured by expat families, particularly those on diplomatic, United Nations and corporate postings, who value the central location, the English speaking services and the proximity to the city's main international school. To see how the district fits the wider city, start with our international schools in Stockholm directory.
The area attracts well resourced households drawn to its architecture, its boutiques and restaurants and its easy access to employers and institutions. It is urban and polished rather than suburban, with apartments rather than houses, and it suits families who want to be in the heart of the city with international schooling and major workplaces close at hand.
Schools in and near Östermalm
Östermalm's standout draw for international families is the Stockholm International School, which is located in the district and is the longest established full programme International Baccalaureate continuum school in the city, running the Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes. It is English medium throughout, with Swedish offered as a first or additional language depending on the pupil's profile, and serves a diverse community of diplomatic, corporate and international families.
Other international and English language options sit within the central districts and are reachable from Östermalm by Stockholm's efficient public transport. Treat any single school as illustrative of the area rather than a recommendation, and confirm curricula, stages and admissions directly, as places at the most popular schools can be limited. For the full list use the Stockholm schools directory and shortlist with the school finder quiz.
Commute and catchment
Sweden does not operate residential catchment areas for international schools, which admit by application, so living in Östermalm does not tie you to a particular school. Östermalm's advantage is that it is central and exceptionally well connected, with metro, bus and tram links and a layout that makes many daily journeys walkable or a short ride away.
For families attending Stockholm International School within the district the commute can be very short, even on foot, which is a significant draw in a city where winters are long. Reaching schools in other central or suburban areas is straightforward on the metro and bus network, and Stockholm's public transport is reliable enough that many families manage the school run without a car.
Housing and cost of living
Housing in Östermalm is dominated by elegant apartments in the district's characteristic stone buildings, from period flats with high ceilings to modern renovations, with larger family sized units at a premium. As Stockholm's most exclusive central district, Östermalm sits firmly in the upper band for rents and prices, reflecting the address, the architecture and the central location.
Before committing, model the full cost of rent, schooling and transport with our relocation cost calculator, and read the wider relocation guide for the visa, healthcare and setting up steps. Treat any specific rent figure as indicative and verify current asking rents before you budget, and note that the first hand rental market in central Stockholm can be competitive for newcomers.
Family life
Family life in Östermalm is urban and refined. The district has parks and waterfront, the green expanse of Djurgården within easy reach, museums, sports facilities and a dense spread of shops, cafes and restaurants, including the landmark Östermalms Saluhall food hall. Everyday services are excellent and English is widely spoken, which eases the transition for newly arrived families, and the central setting keeps schools, workplaces and amenities close together.
The trade-offs are cost and the apartment based lifestyle: this is one of the most expensive parts of Sweden, and families wanting houses with gardens tend to look to the suburbs and islands instead. For households who prize a central, walkable, prestigious base with the city's main international school on the doorstep, Östermalm is one of the most sought after places to settle in Stockholm.
Budget your move to Östermalm
Model apartment rent, school fees and transport together before you commit to the area.
Open the relocation cost calculatorLiving in Östermalm: FAQ
Östermalm is home to Stockholm International School, the longest established full programme International Baccalaureate continuum school in the city, running the Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes and English medium throughout, with Swedish offered as a first or additional language. Other central English language options are reachable by public transport. See the Stockholm directory for detail.
Östermalm is Stockholm's most exclusive central district, favoured by diplomatic, UN and corporate families for its prestigious walkable address, English speaking services, central transport and proximity to the main international school. The trade-offs are high cost and an apartment based lifestyle rather than houses with gardens.
Sweden does not use catchment areas, so living in Östermalm does not tie you to a school. The district is central and exceptionally well connected by metro, bus and tram, and the commute to Stockholm International School within the district can be very short, even on foot. Many families manage without a car.
Östermalm sits firmly in the upper band for Stockholm rents and prices as the city's most exclusive central district, with larger family apartments at a premium and a competitive first hand rental market. Model rent, school fees and transport together with the relocation cost calculator before you commit.
Family life in Östermalm is urban and refined, with parks, waterfront, Djurgården nearby, museums, sports facilities and the Östermalms Saluhall food hall, excellent services and English widely spoken. The caveats are high cost and an apartment lifestyle rather than houses with gardens.