Helsinki’s streets gave way to the Kultavuori nature trails — “This is the best place ever”

The Lehtelä family, who moved from Helsinki, praise Seinäjoki's excellent recreational opportunities.
Two young boys in action at a scooter park. Their father and mother stand in the background.
The scooter park is especially liked by 5-year-old Urho (left) and 6-year-old Aaron. Parents Juho and Jenni Lehtelä are very satisfied with Seinäjoki’s recreational opportunities. After the photo was taken, the family has had a baby girl.

The Lehtelä family lives in a detached house in Kultavuori, Seinäjoki, where they ended up as returnees from Sompasaari in Helsinki. Seinäjoki offered the space and roominess the family with children was looking for.

─ We had been thinking about moving somewhere a bit more spacious and wondered if there might be options in the capital region. We spent the Christmas holiday in Seinäjoki at my parents’ place and that’s when the idea of Seinäjoki came up. Within a couple of weeks we set things in motion, enrolled the boys in daycare in Seinäjoki and started looking for a home here, recalls the family’s mother Jenni Lehtelä of the hectic period.

The Lehtelä family found a suitable detached house in Kultavuori.

─ We specifically wanted this area and a property where the yard is ready and the trees have grown around it, says the father Juho Lehtelä.

─ Now it feels to us like we live in the middle of the forest while still close to all services. This is the best place, Jenni enthuses.

Sports and culture

According to the Lehtelä family, Seinäjoki stands out especially for its high-quality services aimed at families with children. Praised are, among others, the maternal and child health clinic services, the activity-based forest preschool, the services located at Frami, and the abundant opportunities for hobbies. At the daycare the children have plenty of room to play, and the staff have welcomed the family very warmly.

─ The activity-based, nature-oriented forest preschool has been a really nice thing. Now we have a ski slope right next door, good running trails and the boys have the opportunity to take part in both football and ice hockey. We’ve also attended an art club, and that has been just lovely, Jenni says.

Good transport connections

The decision to move to Seinäjoki was also influenced by a nearby support network and good transport connections to Helsinki, as both parents continue to work in the capital region.

─ We occasionally go to Helsinki for work and it’s easy to make a day trip there from Seinäjoki, Juho says.

An eye-opening tip:

In Seinäjoki you have two more hours in your daily life than in Helsinki, because all services are so close.

Text: Jaakko Jokela
Photo: Jenna Koivisto

Read tips from Seinäjoki residents: Seinäjoki residents recommend