Living life in Rotterdam

Even though largely destroyed during the Second World War, Rotterdam, home of Europe's biggest port, has managed to become an international city at the forefront of architectural design.

Covering different housing needs and the "Aanpak Woonoverlast" action plan for dealing with noisy neighbours clearly illustrate the local authorities’ intentions to create a better living environment and to extend the average length of stay.

In fact, the "State of Housing" report, alderman of Housing and Spartial Planning Hemit Karakus' overview of the achievements that the Municipality of Rotterdam and its partners have achieved, clearly concludes that Rotterdam has taken major steps to create an attractive residential city.

The Netherlands' second largest city is divided into numerous districts (right column) and neighbourhoods, most of which could be characterised as ideal for expats:

› Centre
Rotterdam's distinctive triangular shaped city center contains a number of characteristic, historic buildings (many of which date back to the early 1900s), simple ones with shared staircases, modern apartments and spacious villas.

› Kralingen
Hip, international and just 15 minutes east of the city centre; a great area with students living next to millionaires close to the woods and the nearby lake.


› Kop van Zuid
Kop van Zuid (Feijenoord district) is an international and trendy area well-positioned along the southern bank of the Nieuw Maas. Here, expats and business professionals can find renovated warehouses and modern apartment blocks at upmarket prices.

› The Schiebroek neighbourhood (west of Hillegerberg) is also turning into an increasingly popular area for expats.

› Blijdorp
Blijdorp is a popular neighbourhood with attractive housing prices; an expat friendly area within walking distance to the Central Station, Rotterdam Zoo, shops, restaurants and cafes as well as cycling distance (less than 5 minutes) to Rotterdam Centre.