Best Cities to Retire To in The Netherlands

The Netherlands as a Retirement Destination

Many Americans will choose to retire in The Netherlands as it offers many benefits for people of retirement age. There are considerably lower tax rates, especially in the realm of capital gains tax and there are many social service programs throughout the country which benefit the elderly as they begin to age and experience an increase in medical conditions. Read on to discover the Best Cities to Retire To in The Netherlands to reside in once you’ve reached retirement age and why The Netherlands may be the perfect place to live out your golden years!

Utrecht

Utrecht used to be the most bustling city in Holland before Amsterdam took over. There’s a nicer quaintness about the city of Utrecht which is hard to place a finger on unless you’ve visited, but don’t let that fool you. The city itself is still very much a major, driving force in Holland’s overall economy and you’ll find yourself with an endless amount of things to do during all four seasons. Everything from visiting historical sites, to great restaurants, to visiting the city’s wide array of botanical gardens. There’s several great finds throughout every corner of the city. Housing is nearly on-par with Amsterdam, the most expensive city in The Netherlands, but you can still find some great deals if you search diligently. Overall, Utrecht is a great city to land in when you’re making the move from your home city to Holland.

Amsterdam

Ahh, Amsterdam. The ultimate getaway city in Europe where most believe anything goes. While there is some truth to this statement as the city has a very high level of tolerance for activities which are illegal in many other cities/countries throughout the world, don’t let that deter you from considering it as a residence in your retirement. Amsterdam has so many amazing things to do, see, eat, and live by that it’s no wonder why so many expats choose to call it home. The city itself is extremely walkable and the apartments and residences are always no more than a hop, skip, and a jump away from a cool bar, a nice shop, or an up-and-coming “coffee shop” where you can explore the city on some weed edibles and have yourself a good ol’ time with the natural healing powers of the plant’s bisabolol properties.

The Hague

The Hague is a coastal-city which offers several physical fitness aspects to it. There are many areas to run, swim, and enjoy nature for what it really offers. The Hague offers a multitude of museums, cultural centers, and is home to the U.N.’s international court of justice.  The housing prices throughout the city are much more affordable than Amsterdam or Utrecht. Overall, The Hague can be the perfect spot for you if you prefer being near the water and having an endless amount of outdoor activities available outside your doorstep.

While still a world apart, those retirees considering retiring to Florida, would possibly like The Hague, in the Netherlands.

Eindhoven

Eindhoven is home to many startups and harbors what some would say a “Silicon-Valley” vibe. This can be a great city for those retiring from the original Silicon Valley in California. There are many startups and cohorts to mentor brilliant young minds and there are many niches to choose from. You can choose everything from healthcare to finance to digital marketing to education and more; whatever your passion is, you’ll be able to find a sector suited just for you. Additionally, the housing prices are drastically cheaper than the original Silicon Valley, so that’s a win-win in our books!

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a city which was hit hardest during WWII. Due to this factor, much of the city is “new” by The Netherlands’ standards. Regardless of its construction age, there are so many magnificent pieces of architecture throughout the city of Rotterdam. If you’re an architecture fanatic, you’ll be impressed with what the city has to offer. There’s a very famous indoor/outdoor farmer’s market in the heart of the city which has a plethora of food selections for you to enjoy. The housing within Rotterdam is affordable and should be suited for most budgets.

Steps to Retiring in The Netherlands

Overall, if you want to make the jump into The Netherlands, you’ll want to do your research and certainly take an extended vacation to the areas which interest you prior to fully committing. There are many resources for retirees to view about Holland and we hope you’ll take full advantage of them. Thanks for taking the time to read this article and if you have any questions about retiring in Holland, feel free to leave a comment below!