The Netherlands isn’t just one big city, as many people believe it to be as there are some worst places to live in the Netherlands.
In fact, the country boasts dozens of large and small cities, each with its own charm and benefits to living there.
These five cities are not so great and might be just what you’re looking to avoid. If you’re thinking about moving or relocating in The Netherlands, consider the following five places to avoid before making your decision.
The List of Worst Places to Live in the Netherlands
1. Vlaardingen
Vlaardingen is a city with a population of around 75,000 people. It is located on the western shoreline of the Vlaardingen Zuidplas, about 15 kilometers from Rotterdam.
In recent years, however, crime rates have been on the rise and it has become an increasingly dangerous place to live.
Wages are also generally lower than average which makes it hard for residents to make ends meet.
Other factors that discourage families from moving to this area include its less-than-ideal school system and lack of green space.
With the exception of grocery stores, most other necessities must be traveled outside of town in order to find them.
For example, if you want to purchase clothes or furniture, you’ll need to go elsewhere. The Dutch can be quite reserved and many locals do not speak English well either which may lead newcomers to feel isolated when they first arrive.
2. Nijmegen
Nijmegen is a city in the Dutch province of Gelderland. It is situated on both banks of the Waal River, close to Germany and Belgium.
Nijmegen has about 120,000 inhabitants and is located in a mostly flat area with some parts of hills, mainly in its eastern part.
The oldest remains date from around the year 600. The language spoken is Low Saxon (Dutch Low Saxon) as well as West Frisian. Nijmegen also has an international airport.
The University of Nijmegen is located there and because of this, it is one of the most important educational centers in the Netherlands. That’s why it’s so bad that there are only a few good schools in this city.
3. Arnhem
Arnhem is a city in the eastern part of Gelderland, and it’s known for hosting one of the largest fireworks shows in Europe. In addition to that, Arnhem also has a central market square and an indoor shopping center.
It’s also home to the Dutch football club AFC Ajax, who have won more international titles than any other team. Despite these positives though, Arnhem ranks as one of the worst places to live in the Netherlands.
One reason is that the unemployment rate here sits at 6.2%, well above the national average.
Crime rates are also higher than in most other cities, making this another place to avoid if you’re looking for peace and safety.
4. Eindhoven
Eindhoven is a city in the Dutch province of North Brabant.
It’s home to a world-renowned university and one of the largest technology parks in Europe, making it an attractive place for many, but also one of the worst places to live in the Netherlands.
However, if you’re looking for a safe place to live, Eindhoven may not be your best bet.
The average income is only $3500 lower than in Amsterdam but crime rates are higher than in any other major city in the country.
The highest crime rate has been linked to cannabis production, which has become increasingly legal despite many objections from locals.
The worst part about living in Eindhoven might be the train station; it’s constantly being closed due to overcrowding or being attacked by hooligans throwing rocks at trains from overpasses on busy days.
5. Zwolle
Zwolle is a small town with a population of about 120,000 people. It is located on the river IJssel and is the main hub for transportation. The city has many attractions including museums, theaters, and a beautiful old castle.
Zwolle has all of these things going for it, but there are also some downsides. For example, it is not known for its diversity and can feel like you’re being watched at all times.
The long winters only add to the list of reasons why this place isn’t perfect. If you have any other questions, we have an expert who would love to answer them.
6. Noord Holland
The fourth smallest of Holland’s twelve provinces, Noord-Holland has a population density of 1,183 people per square kilometer.
The capital, Amsterdam, is its largest city and accounts for nearly fifty percent of its total population (1.24 million).
The province offers excellent infrastructure with good transportation links to major cities such as Utrecht, Arnhem, Leiden, and Schiphol Airport. Unfortunately, it does not offer affordable housing or employment opportunities.
7. Zuid Holland
The South Holland area of The Netherlands is made up of three provinces: South Holland, Zeeland, and North Brabant. Its capital is The Hague and its largest city is Rotterdam.
With a population density of 836 people per square kilometer and a regional GDP per capita at €39,600 annually, Zuid Holland’s mild climate (averaging 66 degrees) attracts tourists looking to explore nearby beaches and rolling countryside, however, crime rates remain higher than other areas in The Netherlands.
8. Utrecht
While most people know Utrecht as a bustling hub of culture and commerce, few know that it’s actually one of Europe’s most polluted cities. High levels of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide frequently exceed federal standards, putting residents at risk for respiratory problems like asthma.
But you can protect yourself by investing in an air purifier or a whole-house ventilation system they do more than keep your home fresh; they also improve your health by filtering out harmful pollutants.
9. Flevoland
This is the newest province of The Netherlands and borders Germany. It contains four cities: Almere, Lelystad, Zeewolde, and Dronten.
There are no train services available between Flevoland and the rest of the Netherlands except for a limited number of trains from Almere Centrum station to Utrecht Centraal.
It is not a bad place, but there is not much entertainment here as well as job opportunities.
10. Gelderland
It’s not just about its super-boring name; Gelderland is an uninspiring region of The Netherlands, with little nightlife and even fewer decent transport links.
Its biggest draw, Arnhem, is barely worth mentioning: it’s a bland city without much to recommend it, although as a starting point for exploring some of Europe’s best natural parks, it could be argued that its relative location actually makes it one of The Netherlands’ better places to live.
Where in the Netherlands is best to live?
If you’re planning on living in the Netherlands, it’s important to know that there are some areas that are better than others.
One of the best places to live is Utrecht. It has a low unemployment rate and is one of the most liberal cities in Europe.
Another great city to live in is Amsterdam; this city offers more work opportunities and higher salaries, which helps people get out of poverty faster.
The final two cities on this list are Groningen and Rotterdam; both have decent unemployment rates for people with college degrees but have an employment levels below the national average for those without college degrees.
Overall, it’s important to make sure you look at your personal situation before settling down in any of these five cities.
What is the most common crime in the Netherlands?
According to Numbeo, the most common crime in the Netherlands is theft, followed by assault. The country’s low crime rate makes it safer than most developed countries.
However, there are some exceptions. Rotterdam has a high number of violent crimes, while Amsterdam has a high number of thefts.
Rotterdam and Utrecht have the lowest levels of property crime and burglaries respectively, but their rates for drug-related crimes are higher than the national average.
When looking at the cities with the highest levels of crime, Groningen is among them. Groningen ranks as one of Europe’s worst cities for drugs due to its highly concentrated drug trade that attracts criminal activity from other nearby regions in Europe.
What are the cons of living in the Netherlands?
There are many things that make living in the Netherlands great. But there are also a lot of downsides too. The weather is one thing, as it is not always easy being caught between both extremes of hot and cold.
Another downside might be the high cost of living, but luckily this country ranks among one of the most expensive places to live because it has such a high standard of living.
Another disadvantage might be its long distances it can take hours and hours on a train or bus just to reach your destination.
It’s important to consider all of these factors when you’re considering where you want to live. In the end, it’s all about what’s right for you and what you’re looking for!
Conclusion:
It is assumed that you enjoyed the listed above worst places to live in the Netherlands.
Although these places are not listed to discourage you from visiting or living there, it is important that you are aware of what may happen. Remember, bad things can happen anywhere and everywhere so be safe and enjoy.
Do you have suggestions or corrections to make regarding our article on the worst places to live in the Netherlands? Please leave a comment below.
