Rånäs

Rånäs is a built-up area in Norrtälje municipality in Uppland, with just over 450 inhabitants. It lies between the lakes Skedviken and Gavel-Långsjön, and the lake is a couple of minutes' walk from most houses. It is about half an hour by car to Norrtälje and an hour and a quarter to Stockholm.

Everyday services are sparse. Rånäs skola is within walking distance but not close, and within a few kilometres there are also a preschool, a church, a playground and Rånäs slott, which takes hotel guests. A grocery shop, a railway station and industry are a car trip away, so shopping and commuting require a car. A cycle path and a hiking trail are a couple of minutes' walk away, and a bathing spot is within walking distance. The forest is right across the road, and there are about ten parks nearby. A hotel and a museum are within walking distance but not close.

The downside is the ground: two registered contaminated sites are in the town, the nearest a couple of minutes' walk away. An area of national interest for cultural heritage lies a couple of minutes' walk from the centre.

The surrounding area has an older profile, just over a quarter are over sixty-five and fewer than a fifth are under twenty. Rånäs suits someone who wants lake and calm with a school and a castle nearby and who drives to the shop. Anyone who wants services close to the door should look at Norrtälje.