Information on Helsinki area

Welcome to Helsinki region!

Helsinki is a vivid urban city, which has at the same time plenty of natural beauty. Helsinki is surrounded by the sea, which gives its own, distinctive characteristic to the city.

Helsinki itself has a population of over 560 000 and in Helsinki region the amount of residents is over 1 200 000. The inhabitants of Helsinki often prefer living in a rented accommodation due to its flexibility and security.

In Helsinki, likewise in entire Finland, four beautiful and unique seasons revise the scenery with distinct flavors. The appearance of the city changes according to the season from cold and snowy in the winter into flourishing and lively in the spring. As the first days of summer finally arrive the locals head towards the restaurant patios, into the parks or to their second homes at the countryside to worship the sun. In the autumn beautiful colors of red and yellow captivate the city, while nature starts to prepare for the upcoming winter.

Helsinki and its neighboring cities embed numerous residential areas with their own distinguishing characters. The following chapters will take you on a journey through Helsinki metropolitan area. After familiarizing yourself with the particular nature of each area it may be easier for you to decide if some of these residential areas could host your future home.

RESIDENTIAL AREAS IN HELSINKI

Eira, Ullanlinna and Kaivopuisto

Eira, Ullanlinna and Kaivopuisto are definitely among the most prestigious residential areas in Helsinki. They are located in the southern central city area, right at the peak of the cape of Helsinki. Typical features for these areas are numerous valuable estates, old parks, embassies and the immediate vicinity of the sea. These residential areas are located only a short tram ride away from the centre of Helsinki and even on foot the journey takes only about 10–20 minutes.

Kaartinkaupunki

Esteemed area of Kaartinkaupunki is located right on the flank of the city centre, only a few blocks away from the shore and from the vibrant market square where the Presidential castle proudly stands. All the attractions and services of the centre are only a brief walk away.

Kamppi

Kamppi is a part of the western central city area. There are several different types of interesting restaurants in the neighbouhood and also two large shopping centers with various stores and services. A recently built, modern travel centre offers easy access to public transportation.

Punavuori

Punavuori is famous for its grand supply of small boutiques and beautiful nostalgic streets. This residential area is located in the centre of Helsinki, on the south side to be exact. To get to the heart of the city you can either walk or use one of the trams that operate on a regular basis.

Hietalahti

The respected residential area of Hietalahti is located in close proximity to the sea and is known especially for its lively flee market. The very heart of the city is only a short walk away. If you wish, you can also travel to the city centre conveniently by taking a tram.

Ruoholahti

Ruoholahti is a new quarter of town built between the 90’s and present day. Ruoholahti is located at the west side of the city centre, right by the sea. There is an underground connection to the heart of Helsinki and the journey only takes from three to five minutes. Care-free modernity of apartments and strong presence of the sea have made Ruoholahti a very sought-after residential area.

Lauttasaari

Lauttasaari is an island between Espoo and Helsinki city centre, where nature flourishes and people live in peace and quiet. Crossing the bridge will take you straight to the inner central city, and the bus connections to the core of the city are good. There are plenty of trails and promenades going around the island offering a chance to leisurely stroll and admire the green lands.

Katajanokka

Katajanokka is a high-profiled, prestigious area, where the closeness of the sea and the solemn atmosphere created by the grand, old estates result in an overall sense of charm. Geographically the area is a cape projecting out to the sea directly from the centre of Helsinki. Tram is the best vehicle to get to the city centre with which the journey takes only about ten minutes.

Kruununhaka

The esteemed area of Kruununhaka, which is situated right at the northeast of the city centre and bordered by the sea has had many wealthy, old families residing in the awe-inspiring buildings one generation after another. The area is peaceful and the atmosphere unrushed. Headquarters of the Bank of Finland are located here, as are many buildings of the Helsinki University. To the centre of the city one can easily walk in just few minutes.

Etu-Töölö

Directly on the north side of city centre is the respected residential area of Etu-Töölö. House of Parliament is situated here, as are National Opera, Zoological Museum and Finlandia Hall. Area is very peaceful but with excellent transportation connections you can get to the hustle of the centre almost in a flash. Sleepy small streets and impressive, historically valuable buildings are typical to this district.

Taka-Töölö and Meilahti

Taka-Töölö and Meilahti are located in between the central park and a bay called Seurasaarenselkä. Standard rents are a bit lower here than in the very core of the city. There are plenty of lush parks which are actually in part nearly untamed state-of-nature forested areas. Transportation connections to the city centre are good and by tram it takes about 10–15 minutes to get to the centre.

Munkkiniemi, Munkkivuori, Kuusisaari and Lehtisaari

Munkkiniemi, Munkkivuori, Kuusisaari and Lehtisaari are esteemed residential areas of Western Helsinki. There are many embassies and prized old villas on the beach. As you promenade along the shore you can also find attractive small cafes to enjoy the maritime atmosphere in. Kuusisaari is considered to be one of the safest regions of Helsinki to live in, and a great deal of families reside here. Public transportation is at your service. For example by bus the trip to the city centre will take approximately 25 minutes.

Kulosaari

As an island of its own, Kulosaari, used to be an independent municipality up until 1946, when it was merged with Helsinki. Still, it is quite an exclusive region to live in; most handsome estates, embassies and slender villas of successful businessmen are situated here. Area is exceptionally peaceful and well-groomed, and you can sense the surrounding sea everywhere. With good underground connections a tube ride to Helsinki city centre takes about 10–15 minutes.

Herttoniemenranta

Compact and consistent residential area which has been built between the 90’s and present day. Sea is typical feature for the area, since Herttoniemenranta is situated right on the seashore. The area is designed in a modern way to meet the needs of today’s people; the functional, highly equipped houses have made Herttoniemenranta a very desirable area to live in. With good underground connections a tube ride straight to the centre of Helsinki takes approximately 10–15 minutes.

Laajasalo

Consisting mainly of detached houses Laajasalo is a peaceful neighborhood on a cape thrusting over the open sea. This is a lovely area to reside in, where the green yards, parks and versatile outdoor recreational activities are common features.

Aurinkolahti and Vuosaari

“Pearl of Eastern Helsinki”, Aurinkolahti, is a brand new residential area. Architecture and the plan solution of the entire district have been widely noted and complimented by the experts. This modern settlement located right by the sea has harmonious and pleasant character. With direct underground connections a tube ride to the centre of Helsinki takes about 20–25 minutes.

Kallio, Vallila and Alppila

Kallio, Vallila and Alppila establish the grounds of eastern central city area. Most of the apartments in here are small and suitable for singles, young couples or elderly people living alone. Meander streets and narrow alleys add a bohemian feel to the district. These areas used to be inhabited mainly by factory workers, whom were separated from the bourgeois of the centre with a long bridge. Nowadays Kallio and Alppila offer trendy residences for young adults while Vallila is known for its beautiful wooden houses and a lively market square. Public transportation offers excellent connections to the city centre.

RESIDENTIAL AREAS IN ESPOO

Kivenlahti, Espoonlahti, Laurinlahti, Nuottaniemi, Haukilahti

The peaceful and prestige areas of Kivenlahti, Espoonlahti, Laurinlahti, Nuottaniemi and Haukilahti are located in the southern part of Espoo, and all of them are greatly appreciated. Green lawns, great outdoor recreational areas and beautiful sunny beaches offer a variety of activities that are especially suitable for families with small children at home. Buses to the centre of Helsinki operate on regular basis.

Westend

Westend is the most esteemed residential area of Espoo, which is inhabited by the wealthiest townspeople. Rugged houses and the atmosphere of affluence characterize this region. Bus connections to the centre of Helsinki are excellent.

Tapiola

Tapiola is situated in the border district of Espoo and Helsinki. It is a popular area to live in as it offers particularly vivid settings for both work and leisure, being one of the major urban centres of Espoo. The region was constructed in the 1960’s and was designed as garden city by the architect Aarne Ervi. Prosperous parks and gardens can be seen everywhere, and almost as rich as the flora & fauna is the diverse cultural life of Tapiola. Bus connections to Helsinki city centre are excellent.

Kauklahti

Kauklahti is a quickly developing, but still quite tranquil neighborhood which gained the attention of entire Finland when it hosted the national Housing Fair on 2006. Restful and easy-going atmosphere welcomes especially families with small children. Direct train connection to Helsinki with which the trip takes about 20-25 minutes.

Viherlaakso

Viherlaakso is small, convivial residential area in the very heart of Espoo. The name of the region actually means “Green Valley” and accordingly the district indeed is very verdant and attractive. All basic conveniences can be found here, and the easiest way to get to Helsinki is to take a bus. Travel time is somewhat less than half an hour.

Leppävaara

Leppävaara is the centre of modern living and business in Espoo. Enticing residential area, since the tranquility of the green garden-like environment is combined with up to date variety of conveniences. Leppävaara has excellent connections to Helsinki with public transportation. Local trains will take you to the railway station in only about 15 minutes.

RESIDENTIAL AREA OF KAUNIAINEN

Kauniainen is a town of its own inside Espoo. There is a touch of country village in the air, though the district is mainly populated by the most affluent people of Finland, which shows from the luxurious high-quality houses and gorgeous gardens. With a direct train connection to the Helsinki railway station, the train ride takes about 20 minutes.

RESIDENTIAL AREA OF VANTAA

Vantaa is the fourth most populated city in Finland. Vantaa and its neighbors Helsinki, Espoo and Kauniainen – these four together make up the Helsinki Metropolitan Area. Country like fields and forests of Vantaa counterbalance the urbanization of certain areas and large-scale industry. The biggest airport of Finland is situated here, and a famous attraction is also the science center of Heureka. New housing stock is growing rapidly and the city has quality residences to offer. One of the greatest advantages of the region is its excellent means of transportation.

Tikkurila

Tikkurila is the commercial and administrative center of Vantaa. Services, stores and amusement are all within an easy reach, along with cultural attractions such as Heureka science park, Vantaa City Museum and the beautiful Orthodox Church. Housing is built widely and the buildings are not very high – most apartment blocks only have from two to four stories, which gives a humane feel to the area. Vast green areas surround the network of roads, and means of transportation are great both by car and by using public transportation. For example from Tikkurila train station you can get to Helsinki city centre rapidly by using a Pendolino-train.