How I ended up in the countryside??
I’m Victor, and I work as an industrial firefighter in Alaska. I do month-long shifts: one month working in Alaska, and one month at home in Finland. My home is now in Pomarkku, where I live with my family surrounded by nature.
We ended up in Pomarkku when we bought a house in my wife’s childhood surroundings, right by the river her mother used to gaze at as a young girl and dream of one day standing in that yard. Now, she visits us there often.
Lovely things about the countryside:
- Peace and quiet – just like in 90s America, when kids spent the whole day riding their bikes and only came home for dinner.
- A safe place to grow up – kids can play outside without worry.
- Pomarkku’s sport center – I can’t wait for my daughter to grow up so we can book the hall just for us and play basketball or soccer together as a family.
Awful things about the countryside:
- The trip to Pori for errands – always feels like a long journey.
- The high price of fuel in Finland – especially compared to some other countries.
- Limited activities for families with children – many parents would love playgroups and meetups, but there’s not much available in the village.
Tips for living in countryside:
Pomarkku is the perfect place for families with children and for those who want space to breathe. We have a wooded yard with a view of the river and it feels like our very own national park with tall trees, rocks, and the powerful flow of water.
Being close to nature is great for your mental health. Life in the countryside is calmer, less stressful, and usually more affordable.
