The best places to live in Helsinki
The areas and suburbs in Helsinki range from dense urban neighbourhoods to leafy pockets backed by forest and waterfront. The city is walkable, and public transport connects even the outer suburbs and neighbouring cities with ease.
While expats often look at central areas such as Ullanlinna and Kamppi, they shouldn’t dismiss neighbourhoods and towns a bit further out. Whether it’s to live in or for a getaway or day trip, nearby cities such as Porvoo, one of Finland’s oldest towns, are well worth the trip.
Your budget will be the biggest factor determining where you live in Helsinki. Other things to consider include proximity to work and schools, and whether the neighbourhood suits your lifestyle.
These are some of the city’s most popular expat neighbourhoods.
Areas for young and single professionals in Helsinki
Töölö
Built in the first half of the 20th century in response to a major housing crisis, Töölö is an excellent example of Nordic Classicism and is home to a wide array of trendy boutiques and cafés. Set against Töölö Bay, this is a beautiful area to live in.
It’s a lively neighbourhood where residents can buy fresh produce from the small local market square. Excellent transport links make getting around the rest of Helsinki easy. Töölö is split into two neighbourhoods: you can stroll through the park and see the Sibelius Monument in the northern neighbourhood, or visit Parliament House in the southern one.
Kallio
This once rundown Helsinki neighbourhood used to house many of the city’s lower-income residents. Today, it is one of the most densely populated urban areas in Finland and the epicentre of city culture in Helsinki. The area feels like a laid-back residential area and is popular with bohemian artists, young creatives, professionals, and expats alike.
Kallio is home to an eclectic assortment of art galleries and boutique shops, and those who enjoy eating out will find a host of good restaurants in the area and an array of international cuisines. There’s always something to see and do in Kallio, be it a concert at Kallio Church or picking up artisanal crafts and local delicacies in Hakaniemi Market Hall.
Both the young and elderly reside in the small apartments of Kallio. Lower rental prices in Kallio draw in many new arrivals, although the area’s growing popularity and gentrification mean that rents are not as low as they once were.
Punavuori
Creative and trendy young professionals looking to be within an art district should look no further than Punavuori. This neighbourhood is known for design shops, eccentric cafés, and art galleries. The housing in the neighbourhood is varied and consists of apartments in converted industrial-style buildings. It is home to one of the city’s most popular parks, Sinebrychoff.
Public Transport in Helsinki
Working in Helsinki
Family-friendly suburbs in Helsinki
Itäkeskus
Located in eastern Helsinki, just a few kilometres from the city centre, Itäkeskus offers functional and affordable apartment accommodation. The highlight of the area is the Itis shopping centre, one of the largest shopping centres in the Nordic region.
Itäkeskus is served by efficient public transport and road links, which make it easy to get to other parts of the city.
Viikki
Not far from the city centre lies the ecological heart of Helsinki. Viikki is home to some of the finest parks and natural areas in Helsinki, including the Viikki Vanhankaupunginlahti nature reserve.
The University of Helsinki’s Viikki Campus is located here. It is a hub for life sciences and supports many jobs in the area. There are also several good schools in the area, and it is a great neighbourhood in which to raise a family.
Eira
Home to luxurious properties and gorgeous sea views, Eira hosts many embassies in a peaceful and quiet environment. Most of the houses in the area are upscale and beautifully designed. Expat families can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities, while the neighbourhood also has many quaint restaurants that make for excellent family outing spots.
Nearby cities to Helsinki
Espoo
For residents who find Helsinki rent too high, Espoo offers a more affordable alternative. It is outside of Helsinki, but the metro now links the two cities directly. Bus and commuter train routes round out the options. Expats may even be able to find jobs in Espoo itself; it is Finland’s second-largest city and has all the amenities an expat could need.
Vantaa
While Vantaa is outside the city centre, the area of Kartanonkoski is a quiet and peaceful, leafy suburb. Families may find this an ideal area thanks to the proximity of a reputable international school. There are also bus links into the city.