A compact and simple hometown
- The Partanen family returned to Uusikaupunki after seven years away. In their familiar hometown, everyday life flows smoothly, and the busy schedule of a family with children stays manageable.
Every now and then, Antti Partanen slips into a subtle “mie” (I), and shortly after, a quick “sie” (you). These words, in the Kymenlaakso dialect, amusingly sneak into his fast-paced speech—remnants of years spent away—though he doesn’t even notice.
“I’ve told Antti that he can’t go around saying mie and sie here,” laughs his wife Juulia Partanen.
The couple, both originally from Uusikaupunki, spent seven years living in Kouvola before the sea breeze lured them back to their roots. Not that there was anything wrong with Kymenlaakso—on the contrary. They enjoyed their time there, appreciating the city’s lively sports culture and friendly people.
But the longing for home grew stronger with the arrival of children.
“I worked in shifts, and Antti was often away from home for long periods because of his job. Our daily life became quite a puzzle,” Juulia explains.
The dream of a support network closer to home grew in step with their children. On the southwest coast, grandparents would be nearby and present in the lives of six-year-old Helmi and recently turned four-year-old Alva.
They planned the move for about a year before finally returning to Uusikaupunki two years ago. From the beginning, they considered several possible hometowns, but in the end, the familiarity of Uusikaupunki was the deciding factor.
“We immediately felt very welcome here. People greeted us warmly, and familiar faces would stop to chat at the store.
I guess that’s the charm of your own hometown,” Antti reflects.
A new beginning felt easier in a familiar environment.
“Since we had already once started over in a new place, we didn’t want to go through that again. And on top of everything else, making new friends as an adult is not that easy. In Uusikaupunki, friends and a support network were already here,” says Juulia.
The Partanens frequently mention the open and sincere willingness to help that characterizes people in Uusikaupunki. There have been many small encounters that have brightened their daily lives.
After a long search, when the family finally found the right detached house in Palometsä, they were welcomed on moving day with a box of chocolates and a handwritten letter from their new neighbors. Even in the daycare hallway, amidst energetic kids, muddy overalls and rubber boots, Antti says encounters are filled with genuine warmth and kindness.
“People are really sincere and friendly. It’s been a really nice feeling.”
Life truly has become easier since the move. In a small community, things get done efficiently, and the family of four manages their schedule much better. The quality of life has improved thanks to the support network.
“Uusikaupunki is compact and simple. Daily life works well, people are easy-going, and there’s a warmth in every interaction,” Antti describes. “Maybe it’s a small-town thing—that the community functions and things get done without unnecessary hassle.”
Nature, which is important to the family, is close by in Uusikaupunki—you can access walking trails almost directly from your backyard. And especially in the summer, Antti and Juulia are reminded of how much they missed the sea during their time away.
They’re also delighted by how well children are considered in Uusikaupunki. The city maintains and renovates numerous playgrounds, organizes various events for families, and offers a wide range of hobbies and activities.
“If everyday life is smooth for us adults, it certainly doesn’t get dull for the kids either,” Antti Partanen concludes with a smile.