Life In Närpes

Närpes, a small town on Finland’s west coast, offers something unique for those seeking a balanced, peaceful lifestyle. For Saray González, moving to Närpes fulfilled a long-held dream of living and working abroad. In this interview, Saray shares the highlights and challenges of her new life in Finland and what makes Närpes such a special place.

A Dream to Live Abroad

Originally from El Puerto de Santa María, a small coastal town in southern Spain, Saray has always had a love for travel. With years of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry, she felt it was the right time to experience life outside Spain. Her first trip to Finland sealed the deal.

“People were so friendly, and Finland just felt different from anywhere else I’d been,” she says. “I thought, ‘Okay, I’ll give Finland a try.’”

Discovering Närpes

Initially settling in Vasa, Saray spent her first months exploring job opportunities across Finland. Despite receiving job offers in larger, tourist-oriented cities, it was Närpes that ultimately captured her attention. The town’s dedicated employment website, Work in Närpes, made her job search surprisingly simple.

“Närpes had a great website, well-organized with clear job listings,” she recalls. The website, workinnarpes.com, also provided all the essential information about living and working in Närpes, making it easier to prepare for the move.After finding a job that matched her skills in hospitality, she decided to move. She credits the friendliness and efficiency of the local community for making the transition seamless.

“The hiring process was surprisingly smooth,” Saray says. “Everyone was warm and welcoming—it felt like a positive start from day one.”

A Smooth Transition

Moving from sunny Spain to the Finnish countryside was a significant change, but Saray found it smoother than expected. Even practical matters, like finding housing, turned out to be easier than she had anticipated.  “It felt like it was meant to be for me to move to Närpes.”

Work-Life Balance – A Welcome Change

One of the most positive changes Saray has experienced is the improved work-life balance in Närpes. Having previously worked long hours as a manager in Spain, she now enjoys a more relaxed schedule.

“Here, I have a five-day workweek with two days off. In Spain, I was working 24/7, so this is a huge improvement,” she explains.

Working in Närpes has allowed Saray to slow down and embrace a calmer routine. “When you finish your workday here, you can go home, spend time with your dog, go to the gym, or just relax. It’s a peaceful place, which I think really helps with work-life balance.”

Embracing Finnish Nature and Lifestyle

For Saray, the Finnish landscape has been a delightful discovery. “I love spending time in the forest with my dog. It’s probably my favorite place here,” she shares.

Although the darker winters require some adjustment, the peaceful and clean environment is a refreshing change, offering a unique way to experience daily life.

While social life in Närpes is quieter than in larger cities, Saray finds quality in the calm. “Sometimes I miss the social life of Spain, but the quality of life here makes up for it. Finland has a way of giving you balance and inner peace. The lifestyle here is about finding happiness in both work and home life, and I feel that’s exactly what I’ve found here.”

Advice for Others Considering Närpes

For anyone considering a move to Finland, especially to a smaller town like Närpes, Saray offers some advice.

“Finland offers a high quality of life, and Närpes is a place where you can really find a balance between work and personal time. Even if the transition takes some adjusting, especially with the weather, the lifestyle here is worth it. You get a quiet, peaceful life, but with enough social opportunities nearby if you want them.”

In Närpes, Saray has found the fulfilling and balanced life she was searching for. With welcoming locals, a supportive work environment, and a unique blend of tranquility and opportunity, this small town is the perfect place for those seeking both a career and a peaceful life abroad.