How to get Turku residents to greet their neighbours? One of Turku's largest rental housing providers takes on the challenge

Joo Kodit fosters a sense of community in Turku neighbourhoods with innovative initiatives.

Joo Kodit, operating across Finland, has rapidly grown into one of Turku’s largest rental housing providers. Currently, there are 983 completed Joo Kodit rental apartments in Turku, with the number set to surpass 1,000 this autumn.

When Joo Kodit recently asked its residents in Turku whether they felt a sense of community, one recurring wish stood out. People would love it if their neighbours greeted each other.

– We’ve noticed that many residents genuinely want to get to know their neighbours, and that small gestures can make a big difference. Research shows that a sense of community brings both happiness and a stronger sense of belonging. The impact is so significant that it can even extend people's lifespan, says Joo Kodit Community Manager Hanna-Maria Kiljo.

Welcoming new residents with pizza

This week, Joo Kodit is completing a brand-new apartment building, Turun Huoleton, in Turku’s Pukkila. To help new residents settle in, Joo Kodit is hosting a welcome event where everyone is invited to enjoy free move-in pizza and meet their neighbours. Day to day, residents can socialise in the building’s communal spaces, which include a sauna, a laundry room, and a free gym.

Joo Kodit is also actively present in residents’ daily lives. Tenants can join their rental representative for a workout at the gym, while Joo Fixer offers free assistance with installing ceiling lights, mirrors, and artwork in their new homes.

Joo Kodit builds communities in several locations

With around 8,000 rental homes across Finland, Joo Kodit has been fostering a sense of community through various initiatives for several years.

– Our goal is to create a culture of neighbourly support within our residential buildings. One of our latest initiatives involves placing small reminders in stairwells and lifts, encouraging residents to say hello, smile, and check in on their neighbours, explains Kiljo.

Residents of Turku’s Herttuankulma district, meanwhile, receive a Joo Kodit community newsletter packed with local information. Joo Kodit has also organised a variety of resident events, from flower-planting days and bicycle maintenance workshops to gym sessions, Christmas parties, and game nights. The highlight of the year is Joo Day, celebrated annually on 5 May.

Read more about the rental apartments of Turun Huoleton on the Joo Kodit website.