Exploring Leppävaara

Where City Connections meet Community

My name’s Celina and from March to September 2024 I lived in a Comodo apartment in Ullanlinna. I didn’t realize it at the time but the unexpected move allowed me to experience life in Helsinki from a different perspective. After I moved back home I decided to continue the adventure by spending more time in the other districts of Helsinki. So join me, as I see what life would be like in Punavuori, Kallio/Hakaniemi, Jätkäsaari and Töölö.

The Suburb that Welcomes you with Open Arms
Referred to as the largest and busiest suburb in Espoo, approximately 80,000 people live in Leppävaara. When I went to visit Sello, a mall in Leppävaara, it took me a moment to remember I had been there. I mean if you’ve lived in Finland for 20 years, the probability is you’ve visited most of the malls near the capital.

The mall, kind of just like the area, has a sense of community– which when you read about the area makes sense since this was once an agricultural area and one of the core fundamentals of farming was all about community. Now, although Leppävaara has evolved into a buzzing urban center, with excellent transport and services, that sense of community remains. 

It’s no wonder I sensed the community vibe since when you start reading about Leppävaara, community is largely written about. Leppävaara predominantly had a lot of Swedish residents and I am not sure whether it’s associated with how welcoming the area is to foreigners but that’s what they say!

Sello Mall: The Hub of Modern Leppävaara

So since for me, I really get to know places by their malls, of course the core of my visit was to Sello. I took an uber but that was silly really, since you can pretty much take the train and it stops right in front of the mall. And whilst you have connections directly from Helsinki to Leppävaara, you also have connections to other suburbs of Espoo, Keilaniemi and Otaniemi

So the mall: Sello has 160 stores and services, so significantly smaller than Pasila’s Tripla however, it suits Sello and its characteristics of cozy, friendly and community. Now shopping is a lot more fun when you have a mission and I was actually in search of white work pants for the summer. 

Shopping, Culture and Community merged in one Place

And not long after doodling this architectural masterpiece (think, long, interesting, air conditioned glass house which also includes a library and concert hall) I found Kekäle where I found a new summer work outfit. So, thank you Kekäle! Whilst I don’t know the origin of the store, I can tell you the clothes come from different designers and countries and my outfit was from Denmark. I knew it before I even checked the label because I’m naturally drawn to Danish brands. 

After this I walked through the entire mall and when you walk out the other end, that’s where you’ll find this super cute courtyard, where there’s this very welcoming terrace. I went to Leppävaara on a very sunny day so the terrace was buzzing with people and on the outside of it you had some sort of security man, which gives you a sense of safety too. The people you see in the neighborhood vary from teenagers to families and also different nationalities, so what you read online is the truth – this area is known to be welcoming to foreigners.

More than just a Mall - Libraries, Cinema and More
This same courtyard leads you to the library. I didn’t go in but it sure looked like a big library. And what more, Sello also has its own cinema and that’s when I got this Déjà vu moment, I am 99% I’ve gone to the movies here.

And all the while, you doodle about this mall, with its selection of stores and all the necessities you need, you have this calm and collected feeling. It’s not a busy mall,  Leppävaara doesn’t come across like a busy neighborhood, even with its connections. But rather, calm and serene with everyone going about their daily business in their own time.

A Suburb Full of Choices
Those connections can take you to explore more of what Leppävaara has to offer, like for instance, now when Finland has finally hit a heatwave, there’s Leppävaara swimming center with two pools and a jacuzzi to offer. Or, if history is your thing, then the Gallen-Kallela museum (a museum now, but what was originally the home of renowned Finnish painter Akseli Gallen Kallela.) 

Whatever your “thing” is, be it nature, entertainment, history… the community of Leppävaara definitely has it. Hence, if you don’t mind being a 15 minute train ride from Helsinki, and are looking to become part of a community, then get a temporary apartment from Comodo here. From my own personal experience and from what I’ve read, no matter where you’re coming from or your reason for visiting or moving to Finland, Leppävaara will welcome you with open arms. 

Want to stay in Espoo, Leppävaara? Request a quote today!

Or email us info@comodo.fi.

Want to take a more detailed look at other furnished options? Click here.