Thinking about moving to Tallinn? Below we highlight some of the pros and cons of living in Tallinn.
As the capital city of Estonia, Tallinn is a unique blend of old and new. Its medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is juxtaposed with modern skyscrapers and tech startups. The city is a hub for digital nomads, thanks to its advanced digital infrastructure and e-residency program. But like any city, living in Tallinn has its pros and cons. Let’s delve into the specifics of what it’s like to live in this Baltic gem.
Pros of Living in Tallinn
One of the biggest advantages of living in Tallinn is its high standard of living. Estonia ranks high on the Human Development Index, which measures factors like life expectancy, education, and income. The city offers a high quality of life with affordable living costs compared to other European capitals. For instance, rent prices are significantly lower than in cities like London or Paris.
Tallinn is also a tech-savvy city. It’s known as the Silicon Valley of Europe, with a thriving startup scene. Skype was born here, and many other successful tech companies have their roots in Tallinn. The city is a hotspot for digital nomads, thanks to its e-residency program, which allows anyone in the world to start and manage an EU-based company online. Co-working spaces like Lift99 and Spring Hub provide a conducive environment for entrepreneurs and freelancers.
Another pro of living in Tallinn is its rich history and culture. The city’s Old Town is a well-preserved medieval city, with cobblestone streets, Gothic churches, and colorful merchant houses. It’s like stepping back in time. The city also hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year, such as the Tallinn Music Week, PÖFF (Black Nights Film Festival), and the Medieval Days.
Despite being a capital city, Tallinn is surrounded by nature. There are numerous parks and forests within the city limits, such as Kadriorg Park and Pirita Forest. The city is also located on the coast, so you’re never far from the sea. In summer, locals flock to Pirita Beach to soak up the sun.
Lastly, Tallinn is a safe city with a low crime rate. The city has a strong sense of community, and it’s common for locals to leave their doors unlocked. Volunteering is also a big part of the culture here. Organizations like Let’s Do It, Estonia! and Tallinn Animal Shelter rely on volunteers to carry out their work.
Cons of Living in Tallinn, Estonia
While there are many advantages to living in Tallinn, there are also some downsides. One of the main cons is the weather. Estonia has a northern European climate, which means long, cold winters. The temperature can drop below -20°C, and daylight hours are short. This can lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons.
Another downside of living in Tallinn is the language barrier. While English is widely spoken among the younger generation and in the business world, it’s less common among the older population. Estonian is a Finno-Ugric language, which is completely different from most other European languages. This can make it challenging to integrate into local society and access certain services.
While Tallinn has a thriving tech scene, the job market is relatively small compared to larger European cities. If you’re not in the tech industry, finding a job can be more challenging. The average salary is also lower than in Western Europe, although this is offset by the lower cost of living.
Public transportation in Tallinn is reliable, but the city is spread out, and getting around can take time. While the city center is compact and walkable, if you live in the suburbs, you’ll likely need a car. Traffic can be an issue during peak hours, and parking in the city center can be expensive.
Lastly, while Tallinn is generally safe, like any city, it has its share of petty crime. Pickpocketing and bike theft are common, especially in touristy areas. It’s important to take precautions, such as not leaving your belongings unattended and using a good bike lock.
