Best Places To Live In The Netherlands

The Netherlands attracts thousands of expats every year, due to it’s stable economy, exceptional education system and great weed quality healthcare facilities. This led to the country being ranked as the top place to live for expat families, by the World Economic Forum, back in 2018.

If you’re looking moving to the Netherlands, then we can help. We have put together a list of our top five destinations, which we think are worth considering: 

1. Amsterdam 

There is no better contender than the Dutch capital, when it comes to the best places to live in the Netherlands. The city is home to over 180 nationalities and we are not surprised. Here, you will be greeted by picturesque canals, many historical attractions and a plethora of green spaces – what more could you ask for?

Expats are attracted to the city’s international job opportunities, with numerous European headquarters and a large variety of industries calling Amsterdam home. It is also a popular place for flourishing small businesses and start-up companies, which opens up even more opportunities for those searching the job market.

Amsterdam offers something for everyone to enjoy. You will find a whole array of activities and things to do here, with countless museums, restaurants, theaters and concert halls. The city also hosts many unique cultural experiences, such as canal-side concerts and a number of outdoor festivals – perfect to enjoy in the summer.

2. Rotterdam

If you are looking to move somewhere with a more laid back approach to life, then Rotterdam could be the home for you. This creative haven is popular with a whole variety of musicians and artists, who take inspiration from the cities modern architecture and vibrant clubs and bars.

Rotterdam has become one of the top international cities in the world, with a huge number of multinational companies positioning their headquarters here. The job opportunities here are very appealing for expats and, resultantly, draw in people from all over the world.

Whether you are thinking of moving to Rotterdam with a family or solely for business, there is a home for everyone. You will find neighbourhoods which are perfect for family life, with plenty of playgrounds and peaceful, green spaces, neighbourhoods that are perfect for those looking for the high life, with luxury apartments and restaurants, and neighbourhoods that are perfect for business professionals and artists, who are looking for more of a cultural hub.

3. Utrecht 

Utrecht is the perfect place to move to, if you are looking to relocate with all the family in tow. According to Lonely Planet (2012), Utrecht is one of the world’s top ten unsung places and was named one of the top five happiest places to live by BBC Travel. If this doesn’t convince you to move to the city, then we’re not sure what will!

Here you will find a range of highly ranked primary and secondary schools, which offer a good quality education at a very little cost. The city is also homed to a world-renowned university, so as parents, you can be reassured that your child will have great educational opportunities all through their younger years.

Bang in the middle of the Netherlands, Utrecht has great access to major cities such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam, as well as international cities like Cologne. This makes it ideal for those who are keen explorers and want to see more of the country they live in, and for those who regularly undertake business trips.

4. The Hague

Are you looking to move somewhere that combines city life with the joys of the seaside? If so, then The Hague is the place for you. Located right next to the shores of the North Sea, the city stretches along the 11km stunning sands of Scheveningen beach. Here you will find the iconic pier, busy beach clubs and plenty of other activities for everyone to enjoy. If you are a keen foodie or enjoy eating out, there are countless restaurants and bars along the coastline, where you can enjoy the most incredible sunset dinner.

The Hague attracts thousands of expats due to it’s charming nature, mixing both modern skyline and historical buildings. You will always see the city centre busy and will never run out of things to do here, with the huge array of shops and museums to explore.

There is nothing to worry about when it comes to fitting into The Hague. You will find a mixture of Dutch and international citizens, from over 100 different countries so the city has become an international hub, just like Amsterdam, making it easier for expats to settle in to their new home.