Alkmaar: the friendly city that welcomes expats
Alkmaar: the friendly city that welcomes expats
When you move to the Netherlands as an expat, you may first think of the big cities: Amsterdam, The Hague, Utrecht and Rotterdam. Centrally located, close to everything and in the middle of the Randstad. Ideal. Or not? Because these cities are also busy, not pleasant by car, and you pay top price for a nice single-family home or conveniently located apartment.
Wherever you can live? Alkmaar
Alkmaar is centrally located in North Holland. Half an hour's drive from Amsterdam you will discover a pleasant, cozy city where everyone feels welcome. The city borders a large polder area and is close to the extensive North Holland coast and dunes.
But make no mistake: this atmospheric, friendly city has certainly not been left behind in time. Alkmaar is investing heavily in the future. There are ambitious construction projects in which living, work and recreation are dynamically combined. Alkmaar is also one of the most sustainable municipalities in the Netherlands, and its aim is to become completely climate neutral.
You will also find unique business projects in the broader North Holland region, such as Seed Valley, the enormous Microsoft data center, JRC (Joint Research Centre), European Commission, Pallas, NRG and TNO Energy Transition.
Relaxed living with all amenities around the corner
Alkmaar has a pleasant city center. In the side streets you will find hidden characteristic houses, where you can live in peace and quiet and yet have everything around the corner. Just outside the city center you will discover stately 30s homes and modern, luxurious apartments.
There are several residential areas within a 10-minute walk of the city center. These neighborhoods are all characterized by lots of greenery and a child-friendly design, with many single-family homes and facilities such as schools and childcare nearby.
And then there is Daalmeer, a large neighborhood on the north side of Alkmaar with family homes and apartments. The shopping center and park are around the corner, and it is a 5-minute drive to the Geestmerambacht nature reserve. Wonderful to relax after a busy working week.
International education for the children
Is your family moving with you? Then you are probably curious about educational options for your children. Good news: the European School is nearby – and is getting even closer. This school is currently still located in Bergen, but it is moving to Alkmaar. Many graduates of this school now have glorious international careers.
The European school in Bergen is almost the only international school in the Netherlands that offers nursery education, primary education and secondary education under one roof. Students from 4 to 14 years old can go here. And with the European Baccalaureate that they receive upon graduation, they can go to any university within the EU.
In short: Alkmaar is ideal for expats
We may be a bit biased, as proud residents of this city. But as far as we are concerned, Alkmaar is the perfect city for expats. With a cozy atmosphere, excellent international education, every facility close by and beautiful affordable housing, you can hardly find it better.
Are you by any chance an expat looking for housing in this city? You can contact us if purchasing agent. We are happy to help you find your dream spot.
