“Uusikaupunki is a hidden gem”

It all began many years ago with the swish of a petticoat skirt. A young Antti Sairio was fishing on the Karvianjoki when he noticed Hellevi Hirsimäki cycling across the suspension bridge that spanned the river.

The movement of young Hellevi’s petticoat skirt left a lasting impression on Antti, and the rest, as they say, is history. Now, decades later, the couple are still happily together. A little over four years ago, they moved from Ulvila to Uusikaupunki, somewhat unexpectedly.

“We hadn’t planned to move. It just sort of happened,” Hellevi explains.

The couple had spent time at the Rairanta camping site and gradually become familiar with the town and its services. Once the idea of a permanent move crossed their minds, things started moving quickly. They found a cosy three-room apartment in Sorvakka and decided to buy it immediately.

“Some people have wondered how we could move from a semi-detached house to an apartment building, but we certainly wouldn’t have moved just anywhere,” Hellevi says. “From here, we have stunning views of both the sea and the forest. The walking trails begin right at our doorstep, and all the services are close by. Sorvakko is simply the perfect place to live.”

“One of our neighbours described Sorvakko as the crown jewel of Uusikaupunki,” Antti adds.

Life is pleasantly active for the retired couple. Hellevi and Antti enjoy swimming, cycling, and taking part in group exercise classes at Ellen, located just around the corner. They also make the most of the town’s diverse range of events.

Through their hobbies, they have made many new friends. When they moved to Uusikaupunki, they did not know anyone in town.

– The people of Uusikaupunki are incredibly friendly and cheerful. We’ve been welcomed with open arms. From the very beginning, we have felt at home here,” Antti says.

The surroundings are equally impressive. The town’s maritime nature and rich history receive special praise from the couple.

– “In Uusikaupunki, history is always present. You can see it and feel it everywhere, and people take good care of it,” Antti notes.

“We’ve joined guided tours and visited the area’s beautiful churches,” Hellevi adds. “The Old Library is absolutely stunning. We’ve visited it with our grandchildren as well.”

Friends and relatives who have come to visit have also fallen in love with Uusikaupunki. For many, the small coastal town was previously unknown.

“You don’t necessarily just happen to pass through here, because Uusikaupunki isn’t really on the way to anywhere. It’s a bit of a hidden gem,” Antti reflects.

Hellevi and Antti also give the town’s services top marks. They are happy to shop locally and have yet to encounter anything they cannot find in their hometown.

“Our previous hometown had all the basic services, but we often had to travel to Pori for many things. In Uusikaupunki, we can find absolutely everything we need,” Hellevi says. “It’s such a pleasure to shop in the local boutiques. No one is in a rush, and the service is always so friendly. We’ve even become quite familiar with many of the shopkeepers.”

Life in Uusikaupunki is active, relaxed, and rewarding. Not once have they regretted their decision to move.

“Well, actually, there is one thing,” Antti says with a smile. “We only regret that we didn’t move here sooner.”