What is it like to live in Etelä-Haaga?
Comfortable rental apartments on the edge of the inner city. Known for its green surroundings, Etelä-Haaga has a welcoming and peaceful atmosphere. Everyday services, schools and day-care centres are all within walking distance, while excellent transport links provide easy access to a wider range of amenities. Etelä-Haaga is a place where people of all ages feel at home.
Handy transport links, including the tram
Public transport connections in Etelä-Haaga are second to none. The area is served by Huopalahti railway station, with journeys to central Helsinki taking as little as ten minutes, while numerous bus routes provide convenient connections across the capital. Most SATO homes are located in the well-known Kultareuna area, which is also just a short walk from the terminus of tram line 10.
Transport links became even better when the Jokeri Light Rail began passenger services in 2023. The tram stops close to Huopalahti station in Etelä-Haaga and provides convenient connections towards Keilaniemi and Itäkeskus.
Everyday services, independent shops and a lively market square
Everything you need is close at hand in Etelä-Haaga, including grocery shops, restaurants, a health centre, a pharmacy and a library. The neighbourhood offers schools from primary through to upper secondary level. The location is also ideal for commuting, with the Pitäjänmäki business district and the office hubs of Ilmala and Pasila just a few kilometres away.
Although Etelä-Haaga is located just outside the inner city, residents can still enjoy the area's charming independent shops. The long-established florist Piilola has been serving customers in Etelä-Haaga since the 1970s, while those with a sweet tooth can pick up freshly baked pastries from Haagan Leipä for a leisurely weekend breakfast.
During the summer, Haaga Market Square is the perfect place to enjoy a traditional cup of market coffee and browse the stalls of craft makers and flea market vendors. The square remains lively throughout the winter too, hosting events such as street food festivals and a traditional Christmas market.
The Rhododendron Park is the jewel of this green neighbourhood
Etelä-Haaga is famous for its many beautiful parks, the most celebrated of which is the Rhododendron Park, affectionately known as Rodopuisto. The southern part of this public park is filled with evergreen rhododendrons, while the northern section features azaleas. Visitors can admire the colourful displays from viewing platforms or while strolling along the accessible boardwalks that wind through the park. When the flowers are in bloom in June, thousands of residents from across the Helsinki metropolitan area, along with visitors from further afield, come to enjoy the spectacular display.
In addition to its leafy walking and jogging routes, Etelä-Haaga offers plenty of opportunities to stay active and look after your wellbeing. Hotel Haaga is a true wellness hub. Its Fit Haaga fitness centre offers everything from yin yoga to water aerobics, a modern, well-equipped gym and massage services.
The swimming pool at Helsingin Suomalainen Yhteiskoulu (SYK) is also open to the public, much to the delight of local residents. And for badminton or padel enthusiasts, the Talihalli sports centre in the neighbouring district is only a short distance away.
Peaceful living and a strong sense of community
Etelä-Haaga attracts a wide variety of residents, from families with children and students to working professionals and older people. The area has retained the atmosphere of the original garden suburb, with spacious blocks and leafy courtyards creating a pleasant living environment.
Life in this peaceful neighbourhood is easy and relaxed, with a strong sense of community reflected in everyday life. Local playgrounds host family cafés and after-school activities, while the active residents' association, Pro Haaga, helps bring the community together.
SATO's refurbished rental apartments are located in the historic Kultareuna area. These culturally significant low-rise apartment buildings, built during the 1950s and 1960s, reflect the distinctive architecture of their era.
Places similar to Etelä-Haaga
Are you moving to Etelä-Haaga from abroad? Would it help you to know that Etelä-Haaga is like Bromma in Stockholm, Vanløse in Copenhagen, Amstelveen near Amsterdam, and Rathfarnham in Dublin? They all combine leafy residential neighbourhoods, excellent public transport, everyday services, and easy access to a vibrant city centre. Nice, right? Welcome to Finland!