Teresa Kuusiniemi lives in the Redi Towers and particularly appreciates Kalasatama’s central location and good transportation connections. According to Kuusiniemi, there is still some room for improvement in the livability of this developing area.
When and why did you move to Kalasatama?
I moved here in the fall of 2022, a little over a year ago, to the Red Towers. I’ve always lived in the eastern part of downtown, so Kalasatama felt like a natural next step—my social circle has formed around this area. I also have a summer cottage in Kivinokka, so living here makes things easier in that regard as well. Ultimately, though, I chose Kalasatama because I wanted to be close to my goddaughter and spend time with her.
Where did you live before, and how does that area compare to Kalasatama?
I used to live in Sörnäinen, so not far away. Kalasatama is a much quieter neighborhood, and the housing stock is more modern compared to Sörnäinen. The good thing about living near Redi is that all the basic services are close by, and I don’t have to go out of my way to get them.
How have you liked living in the area?
I’ve liked it here. I like that Kalasatama is close to everything, and there are good transportation connections here—you can get anywhere on foot. I work in Vallila, so in that respect, too, Kalasatama’s location is excellent, and my friends also live nearby. Since the area is still developing, its livability could be improved even further.
What’s the best thing about Kalasatama?
In addition to the location, the basic amenities—everything is really close by. Transportation connections are excellent: the metro is a convenient way to get around, and buses take you to both Pasila and downtown. If you want to go outside Helsinki, you can quickly reach those routes from here as well.
“I like that Kalasatama is close to everything, and there are great public transportation connections from here.”
— Teresa Kuusiniemi, Kalasatama resident
What services do you use in the area?
I use basic services, such as stores and the pharmacy. If something else comes to mind—like Christmas decorations—I check what’s available in this area first. Red’s new restaurant district has also dramatically improved the area’s dining options.
What else should be developed?
There are constantly renovations and construction sites here, which makes it difficult to get around on foot and use public transportation, and adds a certain amount of chaos to the environment. The area could use more trees, plantings, and greenery—right now it’s very rocky. Since the sea is right next door, summer swimming spots would be a great addition. It would also be nice to do things outdoors in the courtyard, other than just walking from one place to another.
Although the selection of basic restaurants is wide and varied, there aren’t really any restaurants here suitable for a night out, since the vast majority of the current restaurants are clinical and feel more like lunch spots. So, if you want to relax and spend the evening out, you’ll have to go elsewhere.