The new hometown becomes familiar gradually

Riksuu in love is a story series in which people from Riihimäki share their thoughts about their hometown. The text was originally published in issue 2/2019 of the Koti&Kaupunki residents' magazine.

Jari Salminen is a new resident of Riihmäki. The life path of Salminen and his spouse, who lived in Helsinki almost all their lives, led them to Riihimäki like a thief, because first the path took them to cottage shops in Lopen Vojakkala.

- Riihimäki became familiar when we went to our cottage via Riihimäki and did business on Riihimäki. We moved here in October and we are really satisfied, Salminen times.

The idea of ​​moving to Riihimäki matured little by little. When the couple found a suitable apartment building in Riihimäki, it was time to make a decision and leave Helsinki behind as a place of residence.

- One of the reasons we moved to Riihimäki was that we want to spend more time at our summer house and visit it on weekdays as well. Because of the cottage, we also did not consider living in a detached house in Riihimäki. We wanted a home where property maintenance is the responsibility of someone other than us, says Salminen.

The urbanity is attractive

The small town has charmed Salminen and his spouse. Although only a short time has passed since the change, Riihimäki has shown the couple many of his good sides.

One of the most important things in the new hometown is the Central Sports Park. Salminen, who likes to run, goes there often. The running docent is also fond of the sports park's running stairs.

- I like Riihimäki's site plan and its urban feel. In addition, I have paid attention to how clean Riihimäki is. The railway park is really beautiful. It's nice to walk through it for the morning train.

The couple has gradually become familiar with the local services. There is no rush, as they emphasize a leisurely lifestyle. You will get to know Riihimäki slowly, but surely.

“The train journey is really short”

Jari Salminen works at the University of Helsinki and commutes by train. In addition, he does a lot of remote working days at his home in Riihimäki. However, Salminen is also satisfied with the train journey to Helsinki, because already during the journey he can get busy and read, for example, bachelor theses or e-mails. Sometimes the train journey is a moment of rest.

Salminen emphasizes the affordable price of housing, the compact structure of the city and the good location as the attraction factors of Riihimäki.

- In international comparison, the commute of just under an hour by train is really short. Considering its location, Riihimäki's housing costs are reasonable compared to the higher prices in Helsinki, he reminds.

Marke Harkas