topics
tools


Expatica countries
editor's choice

Religious services in English in the Netherlands

Maternity leave in the Netherlands

Expatica is seeking an editorial intern

Listing of international schools in the Netherlands

Guide to public transport in the Netherlands

Index Last Var.(%)
BEL 20 2304.58 1.43
DAX 6766.67 1.67
IBEX 30 8861.2 1.01
CAC 40 3427.92 1.52
FTSE 100 5901.07 1.81
AEX 326.33 1.01
DJIA 12862.23 1.23
Nasdaq 2905.66 1.61
FTSE MIB 16439.62 1.00
TSX Composite 12577.28 0.19
ASX 4320.1 -0.30
Hang seng 20756.98 0.08
Straits Times 2917.95 0.58
ISEQ 20 506.95 2.24
You are here: Home Housing Where to Live Where to live in Amsterdam
Enlarge font Decrease font Text size


17/08/2011Where to live in Amsterdam

Where to live in Amsterdam Moving to Amsterdam? Here's a guided tour through the best parts of the Dutch capital, which remains one of Europe's best cities to live in.

``…an Amsterdam canal in the summer is paradise.’’ - Elyssa Downs, British, Amsterdam

``My husband and I moved to Amsterdam with high expectations about living in a vibrant, international, liberal and tolerant place. So far I haven't been disappointed.’’ - Aliye Kurt-Suedhoff, Turkish-Canadian, Amsterdam

“Cycling along the canals to work is a daily joy. What a difference from the misery of London commuting!”
C.F., British, Amsterdam

 

Beautiful Amsterdam is a highly prized location with a diverse international population (over 170 nationalities) with people from Morocco, Turkey, United Kingdom and Germany topping the list of non-Dutch citizens. There are many distinct neighbourhoods densely packed together and the competition for housing everywhere is fierce.


Amsterdam is expected to have a population of 835,000 by 2030. This growth will be made possible by new residential developments: IJburg and Zeeburgereiland in Oost and Bongerd and Overhoeks in Noord.

Centre and canals
Apartments veer towards the snug rather than spacious in the centre and stairs are steep. Prices on the canal ring (grachtengordel) lined with 17th and 18th century houses are similarly vertiginous.

Jordaan
This district just west of the grachtengordel is an exceptionally desirable neighbourhood with beautiful canals and quirky, narrow streets occupied by a bohemian mixture of artists, yuppies and expats, with a core of working-class locals. Prices have exploded in recent years but in terms of price per square metre, it offers poor value and accommodation is often cramped.

South (Oud-Zuid)
Oud-Zuid is a popular location for expats with easy access to international schools, the Vondelpark and spacious, privately-owned housing.  There’s a leafy, gracious-living feel and cafes and shopping streets to match.

West (Oud-West)
Across the park, housing is cheaper (and smaller) but Oud-West is another area very popular with expats particularly districts like Helmersbuurt which is a little more urban and edgy than Oud-Zuid and not as expensive for buyers.

Zeeburg
Behind Centraal Station lies a very different Amsterdam, but Zeeburg (which comprises Oostelijk Havengebeid, the Indische Buurt and the new islands of Ijburg) offers architecturally interesting surroundings in one of Amsterdam’s hottest development areas. A little less family-friendly but a growing area.

 

Living on a boat

Of course, you can always consider living on a boat...

 

Facts:

Population 767,773 (www.os.amsterdam.nl)
International residents:
‘Non-Western foreigners’: 34.9 percent
‘Western foreigners’: 14.9 percent
International schools:
Amsterdam International Community School: www.aics.espritsholen.nl
British School of Amsterdam:www.britams.nl
International School Amsterdam: www.isa.nl
The Japanese School of Amsterdam: www.jsa.nl
Lycée Français Vincent van Gogh: www.lyceevangogh.nl
Links: www.amsterdam.nl
www.iamsterdam.com (English site)



2 reactions to this article

Kira posted: 2012-01-11 20:30:04

This is a very good article. Missing are two 'new' areas of Amsterdam, build on delta works: KNSM island and Yburg. These areas, located on the west of Amsterdam Central Station, offer more space-price and houses are new (and not tilted).

Check my website for more info about KNSM and Yburg aka Docklands: http://www.lifeinamsterdam.com/amsterdam-info/

On this page you will also find more information about the expat-friendly areas, each with their own look

Lunaria posted: 2012-01-31 21:53:39

I'm 17 and I'm moving to Amsterdam to study at the fashion school, I'm being accompanied by my best friend, and as we are two girls we are interested in a trendy little apartment in the middle of a shopping district that focuses on Amsterdam's architectural style . It is also very important for us that the place is filed with young people .
We also want to bring are little dog and we wonder if Amsterdam is a pet friendly city .

I would be happy to get some tips soon.
Thanks :)
By the way is it too expensive to live on a boat for two wealthy students? :D

2 reactions to this article

Kira posted: 2012-01-11 20:30:04

This is a very good article. Missing are two 'new' areas of Amsterdam, build on delta works: KNSM island and Yburg. These areas, located on the west of Amsterdam Central Station, offer more space-price and houses are new (and not tilted).

Check my website for more info about KNSM and Yburg aka Docklands: http://www.lifeinamsterdam.com/amsterdam-info/

On this page you will also find more information about the expat-friendly areas, each with their own look

Lunaria posted: 2012-01-31 21:53:39

I'm 17 and I'm moving to Amsterdam to study at the fashion school, I'm being accompanied by my best friend, and as we are two girls we are interested in a trendy little apartment in the middle of a shopping district that focuses on Amsterdam's architectural style . It is also very important for us that the place is filed with young people .
We also want to bring are little dog and we wonder if Amsterdam is a pet friendly city .

I would be happy to get some tips soon.
Thanks :)
By the way is it too expensive to live on a boat for two wealthy students? :D

Search for a home?

Browse all houses
ask your question
find the business you need
Discussion Forums

Americans in the Netherlands

Where can I watch the SUPERBOWL???

Discuss Dutch Culture

Best European Blog

Australians in the Netherlands

Driver's licence

Community Noticeboard The Netherlands

Cleaning Lady Housekeeper Offered

Community Noticeboard The Netherlands

Need a babysitter?

participate in the forums

Inside Expatica
Setting up home in the Netherlands

Setting up home in the Netherlands

A guide to telephone, internet and television along with utility services water, electricity and gas in the Netherlands.

Dutch immigration and residency regulations

Dutch immigration and residency regulations

Lost in the Dutch immigration system? Look no further than this guide compiled for our Survival Guide 2012.

A brief introduction to the Netherlands

A brief introduction to the Netherlands

Expatica offers a whistle-stop tour of life in the modern Netherlands.

Giving birth in the Netherlands

Giving birth in the Netherlands

The challenges and benefits of the maternity system in the Netherlands and how it differs to other countries.