To date, few geographic studies focus on downshifting in Sweden. We address this gap and use 'downshifting' to describe a process in which people become aware of the downsides of their hectic lifestyles, and to analyse modern society as a context from which this process arises. During the 2019 Transition Conference in Umeå, we conducted a focus group workshop to address the questions 'how do you describe your desired lifestyle?' and 'how do you relate these lifestyles with your place perceptions?'. One conclusion is that inner transition is as important as spatial relocation. The participants indicated that both urban and rural areas can enable and hinder sustainable lifestyles. Policy makers need to know how these potential downshifters reason around optimal settlement sizes.