Syksyinen kuva pienvenesatamasta Kotkassa.

Discover your new place of residence

In the Kotka-Hamina region you will find a wide variety of residential areas, each with its own character. Whether you’re looking for peace and quiet in the countryside or the bustle of the city centre, you’re sure to find your own place. We hope you enjoy your stay!

Residential areas in Kotka

island

Welcome to Kotka! Kotka has two centres, Kotkansaari in the centre and Karhula on the E18. Kotka offers a wide variety of apartment and detached house areas: the hustle and bustle of the city, sympathetic frontline houses and the peace and quiet of the seaside. Did you know that many of Kotka’s residential areas are located on an island!

You can read more about the different neighbourhoods in Kotka by clicking on the buttons below.

Aittakorpi

Aittakorpi is a single-family home and terraced house area in western Kotka, built since the 1970s. The area is also known as “Aittis”.

In addition to the school and kindergarten, Aittakorpi offers an excellent setting for outdoor activities and exercise. The Aittakorpi area is close to one of the city’s busiest shopping centres and good local and long-distance bus routes.

Eskola and Kymi

The residential area of Eskola consists of groups of buildings of different ages, from the centuries-old farm centres to the newer Alahovi and Eskola blocks of flats and terraced houses. In terms of services, the area relies on the rich supply of the nearby Karhula centre.

Eskola was once the centre of the municipality of Kymi. The large residential area of Kymi still extends north of Eskola. Winding village lanes in the fields connect the compact and charming villages of Peippola, Riihikallio and Ojannetta. Kymi is also known for its railway station. Kymi station is a 10-minute train ride from the city centre to Kotkansaari and half an hour to Kouvola.

Hapasaari

Haapasaari is an island in the middle of the Gulf of Finland and is the southernmost point of Kotka. Haapasaari was an independent municipality until 1974, when it was annexed to the city of Kotka.

The island’s population peaked in the 1940s, when 350 people lived on the island. Today, the island’s fishing village is mainly a holiday settlement. Various events are organised throughout the year at Hapasaari church and school. Haapasaari is home to a coastguard station and Finland’s smallest private cooperative shop.

The island can be reached by a regular ferry from Kotka Kuusinen.

Hirssaari

Surrounded by water, Hirssaari is a seaside residential area just outside Kotka’s city centre. The area is also known as “Hirssu”.

There are also older buildings in the area, but the most significant part of the residential area was built in the early 2000s, as part of the Kotka Housing Fair. The green and pleasant residential area offers services such as a kindergarten, a shop and a marina.

Hovinsaari

Hovinsaari is a lively residential area just north of Kotka’s city centre, Kotkansaari. The area is also called “Hovari”.

Hovinsaari and Kotkansaari are separated by the narrow Kivisalmi. Hovinsaari offers several distinctive residential environments, from old wooden quarters to areas of small villas and the well-kept surroundings of new apartment buildings. Residents are served by schools, shops and lively public transport. A small marina is also an integral part of Hovinsaari’s character.

Huruksela

The village of Huruksela is located in the northernmost part of Kotka, which is equally close to both Kotka and Kouvola city centres.

Surrounded by farmland, the tight-knit village community is clustered along an idyllic village lane. The landscape is steeped in history. Huruksela is one of the oldest settlements in Kymenlaakso.

Itäranta, Popinniemi and Suulisniemi

Kotka’s eastern residential areas Itäranta, Popinniemi and Suulisniemi are located on a sandy ridge surrounded by the sea. The forest and nature are close by. Itäranta is also home to a popular beach.

Kaarniemi

Kaarniemi is a rural residential environment close to the sea and good transport connections.

Kalliokoski and Hovila

Kalliokoski and Hovila are garden-like residential areas surrounded by the banks of the Kymijoki River.

Within the area there are several different types of residential areas. In Kalliokoski and Hovila, there are old idyllic villages, rows of terraced houses, courtyards of apartment buildings, as well as undeveloped riverside plots in the new Hortola area.

Close to services, good public transport connections, as well as a school and a kindergarten.

Karhula and Helilä

Karhula is the northern centre of the city of Kotka. Karhula and its northern part, Helilä, are built in an urban form and serve as a centre for local services and commerce for about 20 000 people in Kotka.

The Helilä and Karhula residential areas have excellent transport connections and a wide range of services. There are shops, health services, schools and excellent sports and recreational facilities.

In Karhula and Helilä, you can live by the Korkeakoski rapids of the River Kymijoki, in a nationally valuable landscape, either in a 19th-century wooden house or in a new city apartment building.

Karhuvuori

Located in the western part of Kotka, the Karhuvuori district has excellent services and a distinctive natural environment. Karhuvuori is also known by the nickname “Karkkari”.

A modern school and kindergarten are located in the high-rise area, as well as the Karhuvuori sports hall, Steveco Arena.

Katariina

At the southern tip of Kotkansaari is the characteristic residential area of Katariina.

A popular outdoor route runs along the area’s shoreline, linking the town centre with the internationally award-winning Sapokka Water Garden and Katariina Seaside Park. Katariina is also known as “The Park”.

In Katariina, you live in a detached house in the centre of the city, by the sea, close to services.

Koivula

A detached house area, surrounded by a natural riverside environment and outdoor trails. The area’s recreational facilities include a golf course and various rafting opportunities.

Korkeakoski, Kierikkala and Laajakoski

Korkeakoski, Kierikkala and Laajakoski are located north of the centre of Karhula, on the Korkeakoski branch of the Kymijoki River. Rural housing along the river.

Kotkansaari

Kotkansaari is the most urban of the districts. It is a bustling centre of large town houses, shops and cultural services. The island is currently home to around 10 000 residents. Excellent outdoor and recreational facilities.

Kuutsalo, Kirkonmaa and Rankki

Kuutsalo, Kirkonmaa and Rankki are islands off Kotka. The islands are home to a few dozen permanent residents, but in summer they are crowded with boaters and nature tourists.

Lankila and Korela

Residential areas close to excellent transport links, schools and commercial centres. The residential areas are clustered around the river, the Langinkoski Nature Park and the Imperial Fishing Lodge. The area also includes green allotment gardens.

Metsola

A green and idyllic residential area. The area is home to a modern school and excellent outdoor and recreational facilities. In Metsola you will find a nice allotment garden area.

Mussalo

A quiet residential area, popular with families with children. Excellent services such as school, kindergarten, grocery store, sports hall and good public transport connections. Also close to a nature trail, a beach and a golf course. The housing stock consists largely of detached and terraced houses.

Otsola and Ristinkallio

The Otsola and Ristinkallio residential areas are located east of Karhula city centre, close to good services and transport connections. The area is a large and green complex of detached houses of different ages.

Rauhala

Rauhala is a diverse residential area close to Karhula’s central services. Rauhala consists of detached houses and park-like 1950s apartment blocks.

Ruonala and Räski

Ruonala and Räski are single-family house areas close to nature, where you will find excellent opportunities for sports and recreation. Ruonala has its own school and other services are right next door.

Saksala, Tavastila and Juurikorpi

Saksala, Tavastila and Juurikorpi are the easternmost districts of Kotka. The wooded and rural area is located on the border with Hamina, with excellent transport connections. The areas consist of loosely built detached housing estates of different ages.

Sunila

A green and quiet residential area near the centre of Karhula. Designed by Alvar Aalto, the area is world-famous for its architecture. Close to the sea, with good jogging trails right next door.

Sutela, Kaukola and Pernoo

Sutela, Kaukola and Pernoo are old rural settlements on the western bank of the Kymijoki River. Excellent outdoor recreational opportunities and transport connections. There is also a major service centre in Sutela, where you can find a hypermarket, for example.

Tiutinen

The most seaside residential area in Kotka. Located on an island. A quiet location with a close-knit community.

Residential areas in Hamina

Aerial view of Hamina city centre at dusk.

Welcome to discover Hamina! Here you will find neighbourhoods to suit all tastes. Hamina’s special feature is its city centre, which has a circular layout.

You can read more about the different neighbourhoods in Hamina by clicking the buttons below. For more information, visit the Hamina housing website

Alakaupunki

A residential area of apartment blocks and detached houses, with the services of the city centre within walking distance. In addition, excellent kindergarten and primary school facilities, as well as post-secondary education opportunities.

Etelä-Poitsila and Hillo

Small houses and apartment buildings. The service centre in the area offers good services. Primary school, convenience store and other shops, health and other businesses, pharmacy, laundry, gas station, gym, community college, tennis hall.

Hevoshaka

A residential area just north of the city centre. Bicycle distance to schools. Good opportunities for outdoor activities.

Husula

Mainly detached houses, partly rural area. There is a local shop, a kindergarten and a school in the area. Good street and light traffic connections to the city centre.

Keskusta – The Centre

A historic fortress town with city-centre level services. Commercial and municipal services, as well as schools, are within walking distance.

The city centre is close to all amenities and well connected by road and public transport in all directions. There is a bus station and good public transport connections, especially to the west, i.e. towards Helsinki.

Nature is close by throughout the city centre.

Neuvoton

Small housing area, partly rural residential environment. Close to the sea. Good outdoor and recreational facilities.

Pohjois-Poitsila and Ruissalo

Areas popular with families with children. Good connections to all directions, including the city centre, the port and the Helsinki-Vaalimaa motorway. Good outdoor recreation areas and trails nearby. Kindergartens, schools, library, sports hall and local shop in the area.

Ruotsinkylä

Cosy residential area with large courtyards and gardens. Good street and public transport connections to the city centre and a wide range of outdoor activities.

Salmenkylä

An old detached house area and the oldest residence in Hamina. Along the Salmenvirta streams, which flows from Vehkajoki to the sea. Good road and light traffic connections in all directions and a wide range of outdoor and recreational opportunities.

Saviniemi

A prestigious residential area with a concentration of health and care services. Good outdoor and recreational facilities.

Tallinmäki/Ruukki

A popular area for families with children, with newer and older housing. Close to the seaside and wooded nature. Good street and public transport connections to the city centre.

Uusi Summa

A large residential area, close to the sea and with good outdoor spaces. Well connected in all directions.

Residential areas in Pyhtää, Virolahti and Miehikkälä

Autumn aerial view of Lake Huutjärvi in Pyhtää.
Carl Svanfält / Municipality of Pyhtää

You can explore the residential areas of Pyhtää, Virolahti and Miehikkälä on the Etelä-Kymenlaakso (south of Kymenlaakso) map service.