Hi. I will be moving to Lappeenranta in August with my husband. I am wondering if it is a good city for married couples and families. I have only visited once, for a day but to me it seemed mostly a university town, a place for young students to study or party. I didn't even see any families walking around. And their guidebook just seems to cater towards men. Are there things for couples to do in the city? Is it a good place to raise a family? Thanks in advance.
Kati
Lappeenranta-good city for families?
Re: Lappeenranta-good city for families?
Summer town certainly, like so many of Finnish towns. But I had no problems there during the first 30 winters either.
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Re: Lappeenranta-good city for families?
I did check it out. I was there for a day, on a Friday. We ,did, the city. As stated in my post ,I didn't even see any families walking around., That's why I posted. To see if people who live/lived there had a different perspective than mine. Anyone? And if you say there are good things for a couple to do, how about some suggestions?
Re: Lappeenranta-good city for families?
Friday and family... they were in the Prisma or CM, at work, at school or at home. Friday was never a day for a family stroll, dunno if that is Lappeenranta related though.
edit. and for couples... what would you normally do? If I suggest that you chill at local HD club or communal garage with other people who like to tinker with cars, would that suite you?
edit. and for couples... what would you normally do? If I suggest that you chill at local HD club or communal garage with other people who like to tinker with cars, would that suite you?
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Visa is for visiting, Residence Permit for residing.
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Re: Lappeenranta-good city for families?
http://www.lappeenranta.fi/?deptid=11177
I think young families do the same there as in any other small provincial town. Go shopping at the mall, go walking, cycling, sledging around the lake, go for a burger, rent a video. In the middle of winter people obviously spend more time indoors.
It isn't a big city, so don't expect theme parks, adventure playgrounds etc.
I'm spending a couple of days there after Easter, if I see any families I'll report back on here!
I think young families do the same there as in any other small provincial town. Go shopping at the mall, go walking, cycling, sledging around the lake, go for a burger, rent a video. In the middle of winter people obviously spend more time indoors.
It isn't a big city, so don't expect theme parks, adventure playgrounds etc.
I'm spending a couple of days there after Easter, if I see any families I'll report back on here!
Re: Lappeenranta-good city for families?
HopLop LAPPEENRANTA on villiin seikkailuun tempaava sisäseikkailupuistopenelope wrote: adventure playgrounds etc.
http://www.hoplop.fi/lappeenranta/index.shtml
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Visa is for visiting, Residence Permit for residing.
Visa is for visiting, Residence Permit for residing.
Re: Lappeenranta-good city for families?
Hi. I have been living here in Lappeenrant for about 4 1/2 years now, and I think it's a relatively nice area for families. Of course it depends on which neighborhood you are in, as Lappeenranta is a really sprawling city with quite a few smaller "city centers", so your location definetly determines what kinds of activities and the overall atmosphere, etc.
There are tons of activities to do around here if you enjoy spending time outdoors, and there are a lot of different moms and kids groups, hobbies and clubs for kids (and adults), nice parks, etc., also in summer time there is even more to do. I can't say anything about the schools, as my son is still quite young, but his päiväkoti is wonderful, there are a lot of really friendly and sociable mom's here, and it's quite easy to get to know your neighbors, etc.
I find the amount of Russian tourists to be a real downside, though. Having a lot of tourists, from anywhere really, around all the time is a bit hectic and the increase in traffic (on the streets, in stores, etc.) can feel a bit stressful at times, too. So, one has to factor that in, too, as the impact of a year-round tourist presence on your daily life is quite dramatic.
That being said, I don't really have anything but positive vibes from living here. It's safe and people here are friendly.
There are tons of activities to do around here if you enjoy spending time outdoors, and there are a lot of different moms and kids groups, hobbies and clubs for kids (and adults), nice parks, etc., also in summer time there is even more to do. I can't say anything about the schools, as my son is still quite young, but his päiväkoti is wonderful, there are a lot of really friendly and sociable mom's here, and it's quite easy to get to know your neighbors, etc.
I find the amount of Russian tourists to be a real downside, though. Having a lot of tourists, from anywhere really, around all the time is a bit hectic and the increase in traffic (on the streets, in stores, etc.) can feel a bit stressful at times, too. So, one has to factor that in, too, as the impact of a year-round tourist presence on your daily life is quite dramatic.
That being said, I don't really have anything but positive vibes from living here. It's safe and people here are friendly.
Re: Lappeenranta-good city for families?
Thanks for your response.
Re: Lappeenranta-good city for families?
If you want to see people and families, hit the harbor on saturday. You will see lots of people there, and remember to eat vety. (it's the option with everything in it, and quite unhealthily delicious)
You'll figure it out if you have not already.
You should also take into account possibility of living outside actual Lappeenranta. You get pretty easily to actual city from for example Luumäki, while housing is much more affordable around the sticks. And with highway having been extended the traffic is much easier.
Of course, further in the sticks you are, less you will manage with something except Finnish. But then again... That much more motivation for anyone not being able to speak it to learn.
You'll figure it out if you have not already.
You should also take into account possibility of living outside actual Lappeenranta. You get pretty easily to actual city from for example Luumäki, while housing is much more affordable around the sticks. And with highway having been extended the traffic is much easier.
Of course, further in the sticks you are, less you will manage with something except Finnish. But then again... That much more motivation for anyone not being able to speak it to learn.