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High quality of living

In Oulu, unit prices of apartments are nearly 50% lower than in Helsinki. New residential buildings have recently been constructed near the city centre, and on the brim of the city there is plenty of land available to build your dream house. Renting an apartment is also an inexpensive option; the rent levels are in sync with the housing sales prices. You can choose the alternative that best suits your situation.

The city centre will be significantly developed in the next few years with additional parking space constructed underground. This will help reduce vehicular traffic in the city centre, and most of the streets can be dedicated to pedestrians and bicyclers. The aim is to boost business in the city centre and make it more attractive.

Urban life close to nature

New innovations do not come to light without an inspiring environment, adequate space and peace and quiet to think. Oulu is an ideal living environment for those who appreciate not only nature but also urban culture and the well-being brought by prosperity. The spirit of Oulu with great creative power stems from the meeting of opposites and breaking of boundaries. The darkness of the winter is more than compensated with the vast hours of light in the summer.

The closeness of nature in Oulu is astonishing. Where else can you ski to work in an international top institution? Those who do not want to ski can enjoy the well-functioning public transportation or the bicycling network that has been ranked the best in Europe on several occasions. Oulu has the most active bicycling culture in Finland.

Oulu is also an ideal venue for those who love culture. The town has inspired artists in various fields over long periods of time; some in a very individualistic way. One of the hardest musical instruments on Earth to master, the air guitar, has been treated to its own world championships in the locality since 1996. Oulu is also the original home of The Shouters, an internationally known male choir who shout - not sing - popular songs.

The people of Oulu know about learning

People working in Oulu are known for their great attitude and professional competence world-wide. It is the companies with skilled, committed labour that keep Oulu in a good position in comparison with other major technology clusters of the world.

Residents of Oulu are well educated and have good language skills. English-language education, for example, is available from preschool to the Doctor's degree. The University of Oulu with six faculties is the second biggest university in Finland. In addition, the high level of education in the city is guaranteed by the Oulu University of Applied Sciences, various vocational institutions and other highly valued institutes.