Pros and Cons of living in Amsterdam

Living in Europe means that you are going to be truly spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a city or country to be your next home. There are so many great places to consider, each with its own charm, character, and reasons to settle down there.

One city that many people choose is Amsterdam. Whilst it is a popular holiday destination, you might not necessarily think about it when it comes to being a place to live.

So, to help inspire you to make the big move to this wonderful city, we have put together some of the pros and cons of living in Amsterdam and what they may mean for you. 

Pro- It is a cultural and historical hot spot

Whilst you are probably not going to base where you live on its history alone, knowing that you have a wealth of history and culture on your doorstep is definitely going to make a place seem a lot more tempting a choice. 

The city boasts more than 75 museums, including globally renowned institutions like the Rijksmuseum, home to masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer, and the Van Gogh Museum, which houses the most extensive collection of his work in the world. For those interested in more recent history, the Anne Frank House offers a moving and powerful insight into World War II and the life of one of its most well-known victims.

Whether you are looking for some history, some nature or perhaps art and culture, you are going to be able to find exactly what you are searching for in this city.

Con- It can be expensive

As one of the major European capitals, it goes without saying that life in Amsterdam can be expensive. Unfortunately, there’s no real way to avoid this. The city generally has expensive rent, everyday groceries, dining out, and even parking, which can all add up quickly. Budgeting carefully for day-to-day living will become second nature, especially if you're used to more affordable cities. While salaries are generally in line with the cost of living, newcomers may find it takes time to adjust to the financial demands of Amsterdam life.

Pro- It is oh so easy to socialise 

If you are planning on spending a fair amount of time out and about, then you are going to want to move to a country that has plenty of opportunities to offer you. This is definitely true of Amsterdam, which takes great pride in being able to offer variety for every quirk and taste. 

This includes places to eat out, shopping boutiques packed full of fashion and a lively and varied nightlife scene, including dance venues and small, intimate jazz houses and clubs. 

Con- It can be hard to find a home

Whilst there are plenty of places to buy and rent in the city, one thing that many people who move to Amsterdam find is that actually getting on the property ladder should be seen as a competitive sport. 

The demand for properties, of any type, in Amsterdam far outweighs the supply. This means that you are going to need to face some competition when it comes to securing your home. In fact, such is the challenge that some people have said that rental properties in the city can be gone in just a few hours of being listed as available. 

Pro- There is a high quality of life

When moving to a new city or country, one of the most important things you'll want is the confidence that you can build a long, happy life there. While no one can predict the future, you can choose a place known for its excellent quality of life, and Amsterdam is certainly one of those places.

The city has a relaxed, go-with-the-flow atmosphere that encourages a slower pace of living. It also boasts high-quality healthcare, an efficient public transport system, and a rich cultural scene that offers plenty to explore and enjoy.

Pro- The quality of education is high

In Amsterdam, there are government-funded public schools that children attend until the age of sixteen, meaning families don’t have to worry about covering the cost of basic education. These schools generally follow the Dutch national curriculum and are well-regarded across Europe, with the Netherlands consistently ranking high in global education indexes.

If you're concerned about the quality of public education, the good news is that Dutch schools are recognised for their strong academic standards, student well-being, and focus on creativity and independence. In addition, Amsterdam offers a wide range of international schools, both public and private, which can be a great option for expat families looking for English-language instruction or globally recognised curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB). This makes the city an appealing choice for families of all backgrounds and nationalities.

Con- The schools do teach in Dutch

Whilst the standard of education in Amsterdam is high, one issue that some families face is the fact that many of the lessons in the school are taught in Dutch. This is not ideal if you have older children, who will find it hard to pick up the language or if you are only planning on living there for a short period of time. 

That said, there are international schools that are able to offer bilingual teaching; however, the public ones are hard to come by, and the international schools that are more readily available will come at an additional cost that you are going to need to budget for.

 Pro-cycling is a way of life 

If you are a fan of cycling, then you are going to be glad to know that cycling, particularly as a chosen method of transport, is actively encouraged in Amsterdam. Around 60% of the people who live there will use a bicycle as a daily method of getting around, and plenty of money has been put in by the local government to ensure that the cycling network is of the highest quality. 

Not only this, but if you do decide that you are not quite as much of a fan of cycling, then there are other methods that are available for you to choose from and that are still incredibly reliable. 

So those are the pros and cons of living in Amsterdam. Ready to make your move?

As you can see, there are plenty of compelling reasons to call Amsterdam your new home, from its high quality of life to its vibrant culture and relaxed way of living. The only thing left to decide is when you're ready to make the big move.

When that time comes, Pinnacle Removals is here to help. With our expert European removals service, we’ll take the stress out of relocating so you can focus on settling into your new life in the Netherlands. Get in touch with our friendly team today to start planning your move to Amsterdam with confidence.