Helsinki is a small city with really modern architecture, and it’s easy to get to know. Everything works well and the quality of life is really high. Learn more about the inviable lifestyle in Helsinki.
Some call the capital of Finland ‘the leafy egalitarian capital’, the reason probably being that Helsinki’s enviable lifestyle is the result of several factors. It is among the greenest and cleanest capitals in the world with a city hall that listen to its residents and constantly seeks to improve.
Most people in Helsinki speak English, so for visitors or expats it doesn’t feel like such a foreign country. However, one of my expat friends living in Helsinki said: “Just because people speak English, it doesn’t mean anything is written or spoken in English. In the beginning, my grocery runs took extremely long, since I constantly had to use the Google translate app camera function”.
Helsinki has a vast number of beautiful landmarks, all with their own captivating history. It doesn’t take very long to realize how much Helsinki has to offer, with its rich architecture that leaves you wanting to know more and more after learning the details of Finland’s incredible past.
You can transition from an enjoyable bicycle tour around the city to adventuring through its many surrounding islands (there are roughly 330 islands within the Helsinki archipelago) almost instantly. There is never enough time to do it all.
Helsinki is safe and egalitarian. Parents in Helsinki even leave their €1000+ Bugaboo strollers outside with the baby inside, because apparently the cold air is good for babies and can often help them sleep. But more importantly, people don’t fear their children getting kidnapped. Elementary school kids on public transportation travel alone.
However, the area around the central railway station is unwelcoming and feels quite unsafe at night. With the country now under far-right rule, Helsinki should strive to be a sanctuary that support foreign talent.
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Related: The Nordic Paradox
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While Finns can get their higher education for free, expats have to pay for their grad schools.
Basic healthcare is free, and even covers dental work. Most companies also provide additional private healthcare insurance at no cost to the employee. If health is wealth, then you might consider yourself a ‘rich’ person in Finland.
The Metro line in Helsinki is literally just a straight line going from one area to the next, so it is as easy as it gets. It is close and accessible for everyone, which is also good if you’re heading out to some of the coolest and most charming bars you are ever likely to visit.
Life in Helsinki has improved with the opening of major new transport infrastructure, pedestrian zones and several top-quality restaurants. On the other hand, retail flight has continued, and the high street has lacked the oomph that it once had. Quality of life has also in recent times been weighed down by too many roadworks.
Speaking of public transportation, there is no need to have a car in Helsinki. The public transportation here consists of trams, subways (called the Metro), and busses. It costs €60/month for an unlimited pass.
However, when winter comes, darkness ensues as white walkers march down from the North, slaughtering all in their path, it gets a little dark and depressing, and this is the time when socializing becomes very important! But there are many exciting things you can do to take your mind off of the misery, like walking on the sea, and skiing!”
No matter what company you work for, it’s the law to get five weeks of vacation in Finland, so you have plenty of time to escape the hash winter here.
This year, the boom and bust in the food and drink scene that followed the height of the coronavirus pandemic, has meant that many much-loved establishments have had to close down. However, bars and restaurants have been opening in vibrant neighborhoods such as Punavuori and Kaliio.
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The expat community in Helsinki is extremely well organized, and incredibly helpful towards other expats. There are many groups that task themselves with supporting the community in various ways such as giving advice on finding employment, accommodation, and many other important things that can massively benefit people who have either just moved to Helsinki, or have lived here for many years.
Talking in general about Helsinki, my opinion is that the capital needs better retail and a more vibrant downtown. Much of the development, such as new residential areas and shopping centers, take place in the suburbs, with high rents and drives people and businesses away from the inner city.
The Inviable Lifestyle in Helsinki, written by Tor KJolberg
Feature image (on top): Oodi Library terrace © Jussi Hellsten/Visit Finland