Life in Tampere through the eyes of an IT professional

2025-06-06 13:58 Why Finland? Adaptation Relocation stories

When tech professionals move to Finland, most of them choose Helsinki or nearby Espoo. It makes sense — the capital has the biggest companies, lots of international offices, good infrastructure and direct flights to anywhere in Europe. Even in our community, most people live in the Helsinki area.

But some choose a different path — like Tampere.

Not because they had to, but because they found something that really matters: a balanced, comfortable daily life, a strong tech ecosystem, and a city that’s just the right size for both work and family.

Alexander, an experienced IT specialist, moved to Tampere a few years ago. He lives here with his family and works in embedded development for an international company. For him, the capital wasn’t the only “right” option — and Tampere proved to be a great fit.

🔷 What makes Tampere stand out?

It’s compact, calm, and well-equipped. Public transport is reliable and easy to use, especially since the launch of the tram network. Daily errands don’t take hours. The quality of life is high — without the pace and pressure of a large city.

🔷 The tech scene here is real

Tampere is home to a strong engineering legacy, thanks in part to Nokia’s long presence. Today, it offers technical universities, R&D hubs, startups, and a solid local community. The Hervanta area alone combines campus life with a growing tech district.

Alexander and his family live in Vuores, a green, modern district often described as “a small town in nature.” It’s peaceful, well-connected, and surrounded by forests and lakes — yet still close to the university and tech offices. The only downside is that the airport is in Helsinki — about two hours away. But in everyday life, that’s not a big issue. Everything else they need is close by.

We often talk about the capital region — but stories like this remind us: sometimes the best choice isn’t the most obvious one.

Tampere is a strong option for those who want both a fulfilling career and a livable, human-scale city.

What about you — which city did you choose in Finland, and why?