Where to live in Helsinki?

I'm considering moving to Finland for work.  Can anyone provide advice as to good places to live in Helsinki?  I need to be commutable to Espoo and preferably in an area close to shops, the city center, culture, nightlife etc.  Would love to be somewhere with character.  My budget is pretty healthy.  Any advice very welcome - thanks!

Espoo lies to the west of Helsinki. Western areas of Helsinki are a little on the expensive side. Commutable to Espoo? What area in Espoo in particular? Most buses to Espoo start off from the very center of Helsinki. Actually, I think the city center would be perfect for you, if you can afford it. There are also trains to Espoo.

Maybe you could take the location of your job in Espoo as a starting point. Go to http://www.reittiopas.fi/en/ and have a look at bus lines etc. to and from Helsinki passing by your office in Espoo.

Hi citizen1,

Thank you for your help! :)