​

 

If one thing in life certain: things will always change. The world has evolution, humans live and learn... and Helsinki? Helsinki is growing. And it has started to speed up. From some parts of Helsinki you can still feel the countryside vibe - just 5 km from central Helsinki you'll find Viikki which was considered as countryside over a hundred years ago. Now it's a neighbourhood - partly - as you can still find fields with cows. 

​

The most concrete areas at the moment are Jätkäsaari, Suvilahti/Kalasatama, Kruunuvuorenranta. Vuosaari (or prefer Aurinkolahti area) has got already ready. Before Aurinkolahti was free from houses. Same with Arabia, where were only factories and villas, but now you'll find lots of block of flats next to each other. And in these areas, you can still feel how it was before - gladly villas have been looked after and kept well since these days. But there are plenty of these kind of areas from different decades like Herttoniemenranta, Ruoholahti, Pikku-Huopalahti are good examples. 

​

Suvilahti and Kalasatama area is interesting. Ten years ago there was a harbour where no one would or even could go. Except the harbour workers. Then harbour moved to Vuosaari and space opened up. Yes, it's slightly weird that there was so huge harbour for cargo ships so near the central, but again: before Helsinki wasn't so populated. Kalasatama represents what we call "concrete hell", meaning the area is just concrete block of flats. In summer 2016 Isoisänsilta (= Granpa's bridge) opened in Kalasatama. This beautiful bridge gives an easy access to Mustikkamaa. And Mustikkamaa has the nature which is lacking from Kalasatama. So it's kinda of people's backyard. Also for people living in Kallio for sure. As well it helps people cycling to and from east Helsinki. 

​

So what has happened? Basic story: Helsinki has many polythecnics and university campuses, as well as vacational schools etc. Also most of the jobs are located in Helsinki. Or Espoo and Vantaa. So, many people from other parts of Finland are moving to Helsinki area. And it's sad at the same time because some municipalities are dying. But this is how it goes. Many people miss their home in the countryside or smaller cities, but basically there are no jobs.

​

But the most important thing is that Helsinki will keep itself as green as it is. 

​

Check out more how Helsinki is growing.