Where to live: a guide to moving to the Amsterdam Area

More and more international residents are choosing to live in the areas beyond Amsterdam city centre, where there are more options for housing, a variety of international schools and easy transport connections.

Which part of the region is for you?

More and more international residents are choosing to live in the areas beyond Amsterdam city centre, where there are more options for housing, a variety of international schools and easy transport connections. Check the interactive map below to see what each location has to offer. 

Where to live in and around Amsterdam

Markermeer ↑ Den Helder ↑ Bergen Heerhugowaard Alkmaar Heiloo Hoorn Castricum Purmerend Edam Volendam Velsen Zaanstad Marken Lelystad Almere IJmuiden Oostzaan Zandvoort Haarlem Heemstede Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Amstelveen Diemen Muiden Hoofddorp Aalsmeer Ouder Amstel Bussum Naarden Huizen Blaricum Uithoorn Laren Hilversum AMSTERDAM Alkmaar, Bergen & Hoorn Zaanstreek & Waterland IJmond, Zandvoort & Castricum Haarlem & Heemstede Haarlemmermeer, Aalsmeer & Uithoorn Amsterdam, Amstelveen & Diemen Hilversum, the Gooi & Vechtstreek Almere & Lelystad
Explore the region
Each part of the Amsterdam Area has its own unique character, local attractions and industries. Click on an area to see what it has to offer.
Download the PDF guide to the Amsterdam Area (5 MB)

Visualise your future in the Amsterdam Area

Try the interactive MapitOut tool

Taking your ideal travel time and mode of transport into account, use our interactive tool to discover the parts of the Amsterdam Area that really hit the sweet spot. Visualise your daily routine and find your new home in an area that fits you and your family perfectly.

How to use the MapitOut tool

The tool provides a visual representation of your daily travel routine. Get started with this step-by-step guide.

Choosing the best place to live in the Amsterdam Area

Use the Mapitout tool to find out which part of the Amsterdam Area suits you best and to plan your daily routine before you move.

Quiz: Where should you live in the Amsterdam Area?

Find out which part of the region will make you feel right at home by answering some quick questions about your personality and interests.

Video: Highlights of the Amsterdam Area

Explore what each part of the region has to offer. No matter which location you choose, easy transport connections mean you’re never more than 30 minutes from the centre of Amsterdam.

Explore Amsterdam

Amsterdam neighbourhoods
Take the time to discover the hidden treasures of Amsterdam's different districts using this handy neighbourhood guide.

Life in Amsterdam
Immerse yourself in everything that makes Amsterdam great: its rich cultural heritage, high quality of life and dynamic economy.

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