Uusikaupunki lured Venla and Sakari back to their hometown
- Venla Laivo and Sakari Laakso headed to Turku for further studies right after high school. A few years later, the idea of returning to their hometown started to feel right. “Everything you need is close by here.”
The first to peek through the door is an expressive ball of fluff. Esme, the Old English Sheepdog, gets excited every time the door opens—there’s likely a playmate or at least some cuddles in store.
Venla Laivo and Sakari Laakso’s cozy terraced home is perfect for Esme. The backyard borders a forest, offering space to romp around at any time, and the Ketunkallio outdoor trails start right at their doorstep.
The home’s location is ideal in many ways. Everyday groceries are just a stone’s throw away, and the city center is only a couple of kilometers away.
“This area is really peaceful. I love how close nature is,” says Venla.
The young couple has been together since confirmation school. Now, as both turn twenty-four this year, they’ve already shared nearly a decade together.
Their years together have included high school, graduation, a move to Turku for studies—and then a return to Uusikaupunki a few years later. In their friend group, they’re rare for making the move back, but Venla and Sakari appreciate the relaxed atmosphere of a small town.
“In Turku, I realized I don’t enjoy city centers much—I’d rather live somewhere quieter,” Venla explains.
The decision to move came in autumn 2023 when Sakari was about to leave for a six-month student exchange in Belgium. At that moment, returning to Uusikaupunki felt good and safe for Venla. Family, her floorball hobby, and her stablemates were waiting back home.
“I had been driving from Turku to Uki the whole time anyway—for floorball practice and to take care of my horse. Life got a lot easier after the move,” Venla says.
When Sakari returned from Belgium, he also moved his things back to Uusikaupunki. Now that both are finishing their studies, they’re entering a new phase of life.
They’ve recently started new jobs, and daily life is settling into a steady rhythm.
“Everyday life is what it is, wherever you are. But Uusikaupunki offers a lot for free time.
For a small town, the restaurant scene is really good, and during the week, robots deliver food almost to your door. Everything is so easy and convenient,” Sakari says.
The couple also appreciates the wide range of hobbies the city offers. Venla already had to cut back on her activities—there just wasn’t time for everything. In the fall, Sakari joined a beginner’s course in Brazilian jiu-jitsu run by the Uusikaupunki Combat Sports Club.
“I’ve had a bit of a break from hobbies lately, but once everyday life and schedules settle around the new job, I plan to get back on the mat. I’ll finally get to try out the Wintteri martial arts hall. At least in photos, it looks amazing,” Sakari says.
Both see the Wintteri multipurpose building as a great investment in the future.
“As a young person from Uusikaupunki, it feels great that the city is making this kind of investment,” Sakari reflects.
“Wintteri could be one of those things that attract other young people to move here,” Venla adds.
The two still drive to Turku regularly. Venla and Sakari enjoy going to concerts, and there are plenty of those in the bigger city. Most of their friends also still live in Turku.
“It’s really not a long drive. Often after a concert we just drive home for the night, but it’s also nice that we’ve got a place to crash in Turku if needed,” Sakari says.
During holidays, the tables turn—friends return to their old hometown, and everyone gathers at Venla and Sakari’s place before heading out to Bistro Bay for the evening.
“Bistro is our go-to spot.”
Right now, life feels full and good for Venla and Sakari in Uusikaupunki. The coming years will show where their permanent home will be—most likely somewhere nearby.
“For now, the plan is to work, enjoy our hobbies, and travel a bit. Then, at some point, we’ll probably start looking for a home of our own—maybe a detached house,” Sakari says.
Venla dreams of a peaceful detached home too—but not too far from services. That kind of place could very well be found in Uusikaupunki.
“Everything we need is close: the sea, our hobbies, and family. There’s really no reason to go elsewhere,” Venla sums up.