Beyond Amsterdam: Best Cities to Live in the Netherlands

Darien Wilson
Jun 3
5 min read

Updated: Jun 5

tall brick row house with "te koop" sign and a bakfiets — A house for sale in Amsterdam

When most Americans think of the Netherlands, Amsterdam usually comes to mind. With lanky houses tilting along scenic canals, bicycles chiming along brick-lined streets, lively nightlife, and rich cultural scene, it's no wonder Amsterdam stands out in our minds.

But if you've moved beyond dreaming and you're planning to live in the Netherlands, I encourage you to think beyond the Netherlands' most famous city. While Amsterdam is renowned for good reason, this popularity means it has been hit particularly hard by the housing crisis. As a result, it's among the most expensive cities in Europe, and the housing supply is extremely limited. Beyond Amsterdam, the Netherlands is full of beautiful, livable cities—especially if you're looking for affordability, authenticity, or a slower pace of life.

So what are the best cities to live in the Netherlands, beyond Amsterdam? In an effort to bring genuine American voices to this post, I polled the 7,500 members of the Americans in the Netherlands (AITNL) Facebook group about where they’d recommend living outside of Amsterdam. Over 130 people responded, and here’s what they said:

Best Cities to Live in the Netherlands Beyond Amsterdam

Here are the top recommendations for livable Dutch cities from Americans already living in the Netherlands:

kayakers on the canals in Utrecht on a sunny day — Looking for canals? Utrecht has you covered.

The Hague (Den Haag) – 19%
Haarlem – 13%
Utrecht – 12%
Leiden – 10%
Rotterdam – 7%
Eindhoven – 6%
Arnhem – 6%
Delft, Breda, Hilversum, Amersfoort, Maastricht – 4% each
Soest, Groningen – 3%
Others: Dordrecht, Nijmegen

Americans in the Netherlands' Thoughts On Their Favorite Cities

What do Americans in the Netherlands love about their cities?

The Hague

“The Hague is really wonderful with many expats, beautiful neighborhoods, the beach, forests, very clean… Consulates and embassies, great place to shop, go out and have fun!”

Haarlem

“Haarlem is beautiful. Lots of canals, scenic streets, and a short train or bike ride into the dunes and the North Sea… Lots of friendly people and easy access to Amsterdam.”

Utrecht & Leiden

Both Utrecht and Leiden are popular for their beautiful canals, cultural life, and proximity to Amsterdam.

However, their popularity has brought some of these cities the same issues as Amsterdam has: these four cities are some of the most expensive cities in the country after Amsterdam, and housing supply is limited.

Arnhem

“It’s beautiful, it’s green, it’s clean, it’s friendly! You can get to Berlin in five hours and Paris in just over five. Arnhem has an international school, design school, Expat Cinema, and the best park run in the Netherlands!”

Breda & Dordrecht

“Dordrecht had a fantastic Saturday market and never let you forget you were in an old city. Breda feels younger, better for families… Not the biggest expat community, but that’s part of the fun.”

a large stone building with Gothic architecture and red and white shutters — Gouda's Stadhuis, or City Hall, completed in 1459

Gouda

While no one mentioned Gouda in the AITNL survey, it is high on my list of hidden gems. You are likely familiar with Gouda thanks to its world-famous cheese, but this quiet city is also a nice place to live. A short commute to many larger cities, Gouda is picturesque and charming.

"We really loved how close many nature areas were so we could walk our dog."

The Gooi Region: Hilversum, Bussum & More

Tucked between Amsterdam and Utrecht, the Gooi region is known for its greenery, affluence, and international community.

Hilversum, the media capital of the Netherlands, a.k.a. "Hillywood," is home to many internationals (including employees at Nike’s European HQ) and offers both Dutch immersion schools for newcomers and international schools.
Bussum is quieter, with a charming town center and excellent train access.

If you’re seeking a quiet lifestyle with space, excellent schools, and quick access to both Amsterdam and Utrecht, the Gooi may be a perfect fit.

Hilversum

“For me, the size of about 100k is just right. No tourist traffic, good schools, international community, and forests nearby to walk my dog.”

With their proximity to the many job opportunities in Amsterdam and Utrecht, these cities are functionally similar to American suburbs or commuter cities, but with far more density. If the party scene or rich cultural experiences are your top priorities, you might be happier in bigger cities.

Some towns in the Gooi, like Laren and Blaricum, are wealthy, car-dependent, and harder to reach by train—and thus a lifestyle there may feel less "typically Dutch."

Looking for Affordability?

Check out these lesser-known cities:

Almere & Lelystad – In the mid-20th century, the Netherlands reclaimed land from the sea, and created the new province of Flevoland. These modern cities were built on this reclaimed land. They are relatively affordable, have good housing availability, and have train connections to Amsterdam. But since they were constructed recently, they lack the charm of older cities, and may lack a "European feel".
Tilburg – A southern city with a large student population and a rich industrial history.
Eindhoven – “Very international and modern… just the right size,” said one American. Nearby Veldhoven is home to ASML, one of the largest employers in the Netherlands.
Groningen – Voted the "happiest city in the Netherlands” and home to a large student population.
Zeeland or Drenthe – Seeking nature and a slower pace? Some Americans in these areas said they love it, but noted that it can feel isolating because there are fewer internationals.

Choosing the Right City for You

Everyone's priorities are different. Ask yourself:

Do I want a lively expat scene—or do I expect to fully integrate?
What sort of balance do I want between walkability and public transit vs. more space and quiet?
How do I feel about commuting?
Do I prefer new and modern, which might bring more convenience and homes with higher energy ratings, or an older place with lots of character and charm?
Am I looking for international or Dutch immersion schools?
Do I want to be near a beach, forest, or cultural hub?

The Netherlands is compact and well-connected, so even if you don’t live in Amsterdam, chances are good you can still visit and enjoy everything it offers.

Final Thoughts: There’s No One “Right” City

Every city has pros and cons. Amsterdam has a long list in the pro column, but limited housing supply and high prices put it beyond the reach of many. Many Americans who move to the Netherlands are delighted with cities beyond Amsterdam.