Oulu feels like a friendly little tech town by the sea. The vibe is calm and curious. Summers are bright and warm enough to bike to the beach. Winters are long and snowy. Most travellers enjoy the midnight sun in June. For some, the dark winter nights with a chance of northern lights will be amazing. Arguably not the best place if you hate cold.
Internet here is rock solid. I worked from a cafe with steady Wi Fi and no dropouts. There are co working spots and a young startup scene. Cost of living is lower than big Finnish cities. Not super cheap but you get more space and quiet.
Things to do are simple and real. Walk the river, join a sauna, try the beach volleyball at Nallikari. I read about an after-work winter swim group and almost joined. The community feels small and welcoming. Students and expats mix with locals. If you like calm, good connections and nature a short bike ride away, Oulu is worth a try.