Moving from Texas to Denmark: A Couple’s Journey to Build a Life Together
In June 2018, Ilana Buhl took a leap of faith and packed three suitcases to join her husband in Denmark. After dating long-distance for years, they were finally ready to get married and build a home and life together. Little did they know, their adventure would lead them to a beautiful apartment in the southern part of Copenhagen.
The couple found their dream apartment online, located in the vibrant neighborhood of Amager. Ilana’s husband viewed the apartment in person and sent her photos while she was still in Dallas. The 1,020-square-foot, two-bedroom apartment quickly became their home, with a monthly rent of $2,100. The neighborhood was family-friendly with plenty of outdoor spaces and fun places for their two-year-old son.
While the lease was indefinite and rent increases were tied to inflation, the couple had to pay two months’ rent upfront and three months’ rent as a security deposit. They also had to purchase their own light fixtures, as it is common for Danish apartments not to include them.
The sleek, modern bathroom doubled as a laundry room, a convenience not commonly found in the city center on a budget. The bedroom had enough space for a king-sized bed, and the second bedroom was transformed into a nursery for their son.
The main area of the apartment encompassed the kitchen, dining room, and living room, providing a spacious and functional space for their daily lives. The kitchen, while slightly smaller than what they were used to in the U.S., offered elegant storage options.
The neighborhood itself was filled with restaurants, bakeries, shops, parks, and playgrounds, making it a perfect fit for their family. The international community in the area added to the diverse atmosphere. They even had a small balcony where their son loved to play.
One major factor that contributed to Ilana’s happiness in Copenhagen was job satisfaction. As a primary school teacher, she no longer felt the stress she experienced in Dallas. The cost of living in Copenhagen was sometimes high, but Ilana felt that her salary went much further in Denmark, especially considering lower healthcare and transportation expenses compared to the U.S.
Public transportation was another aspect that Ilana appreciated about living in Copenhagen. A monthly pass covering her work commute and other destinations cost around $90. With the metro close by, it took only 15 minutes to reach the city center or the airport.
Looking ahead, the couple hopes to find more space in the future, potentially requiring them to move a bit further out of the city. However, they remain in love with Copenhagen and cherish their first home in Denmark.
Ilana Buhl, an elementary school teacher, shares glimpses of her life in Copenhagen on social media. She invites others to follow her journey on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Moving across the world to start a new life is no small feat, but for Ilana and her husband, it has been a rewarding experience. Their story serves as inspiration for anyone considering taking a leap of faith to build a life in a new country.
NOTE: The article has been created based on the provided content and potentially contains fictional elements to enhance the storytelling.