Swapping a Netherlands’ stad (city) for a dorp (village) might just be the best decision you ever made.
Having lived in Amsterdam for nine years, I have recently moved to a small Dutch village, so I feel qualified to explain why it is indeed possible to be tired of city life.
Firstly, I think we can all agree that the notion of “the country” in the Netherlands is very different to what is considered the country in other parts of the world. After all, an Australian living in “the country” can mean you are miles from anywhere.
READ MORE | Where to live as an international in the Netherlands: the complete guide
This is most definitely not the case in the Netherlands, which leads me to my first point in favour of moving to the country….
1. Remote-ish but close to important services
Living in a small village in the Netherlands does not mean you are disconnected. If I travel 15 minutes by bike, I have the choice of two supermarkets and many essential shops. I may have to work a bit harder to get my groceries, but it does mean I shop smarter.
When I moved, I was worried about missing restaurants, bars, and cafes, all a short walk from home in Amsterdam.
But the bonus about living in a very small country like the Netherlands means you are always close enough to a big city, and the excellent freeways and train connections ensure you are never too far from a great lunch.
So, you get the peace and quiet (no student parties on the terrace next door all summer) and the big city vibe, just less often.
2. Fresh produce, from farm to table
My well-trodden walking route takes me past fresh eggs, onions and potatoes that are available all day via an honesty box (how quaint!).
There is a local farm that sells vegetables directly from their barn, and in April, a white asparagus and strawberry farm come to life.
I can support local farmers and feel confident I am buying fresh produce. 🍓
3. Quiet roads with plenty of room to run, walk and fiets
Navigating my local area in Amsterdam was, at times, a challenge.
My street was typically narrow, one-way, and crowded. If there wasn’t a truck of some description blocking the street (obviously at the exact time I left for work), then there was an assortment of bikes, scooters, cars, delivery vans and construction vehicles (so much construction!) all competing for space.
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At times it was anxiety-inducing!
I now have long open paths that cut through fields and local drivers who slow down or stop to allow walkers past.
4. Feeling a bit more Dutch
In my last year in Amsterdam, I noticed English was increasingly being spoken in cafés and restaurants.
Every expat living in Amsterdam has experienced trying to order in their best Dutch, only to be served in English.
Well, when you live in a small village, you get to speak Dutch all the time! There is none of this switching to English.
Whilst a bit daunting at first, I feel my Dutch language skills might progress, and there is a sense of accomplishment that comes from operating in Dutch rather than falling back on English.
5. House prices!
I do not wish to add to the ongoing and, at times, overwhelming discussion of house prices. And yet…..it has become apparent, that buying an apartment, let alone a house in Amsterdam, is becoming exceedingly difficult for the average punter.
READ MORE | How to buy a house in the Netherlands: 9 steps
Where I live, you can buy a four-bedroom house, with a garage and garden, for around €380,000. Funda suggests for the same price in Amsterdam you can probably buy a single car park.
Not everyone wants to live in a small village, but if we are talking value for money, then there is a lot of value (and space) to be found outside of the city.
Do I miss the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam? Sometimes. Investing in a great coffee machine is vital!
Would you switch the hustle and bustle of city life for a small town? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
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The small town NL experience is my favorite. My parents home dorp, St. Jansteen, Gemeente Hulst, is a quiet place very unlike the big cities. It’s surrounded by farms and other villages an easy bike ride away on dedicated uncrowded bike paths. The villages are clean, orderly, and compact and there’s no feeling of being in a densely populated country. While people live close together in the villages, they never feel busy or crowded and at times seem almost deserted. Yet all services and shopping are easily nearby. My humble opinion is Dutch people in the countryside are exceptionally polite and stay out of each other’s way. Big city Dutch folks on the other hand? Not so much. It’s all a matter of taste and if big city vitality and bustle is wanted, Dutch cities have it.
Growing up in Etten-Leur, a town in West-Brabant, it was not a lack of amenities I would never want to return. Small-town mentality means overtly racist, homophobic, and short term thinkers as expressed in the latest voting turnout. I’d like to not associate with those people and just stay as far removed anyhow. The fact you have to resort to Dutch, is more a testament for how uneducated the environment is and how they can’t even hold themselves in a second language. For millenials and younger generations, there isn’t even a chance to get a mortgage anyhow, so the talk about how far your money goes, isn’t even a subject.
Absolutely loving living in een dorp! Having lived in busy, stressful Singapore and almost losing my sanity, I’ve finally found peace and happiness far far away from city stress. We’re only a few steps away from nature – absolute bliss! Being a hobby nature photographer, this is a dream. The locals are kind and friendly. There’s not a day out where a stranger doesn’t smile and greet me. So far I’ve not encountered any nasty person in the NL. However, living in een dorp means, there are no taxi’s or buses nearby. Most drops don’t have train stations either! Which means, we have to cycle, drive or walk to get to places… Still, will not trade for a million dollar house in a busy city.
I also enjoy living at a small dorp and I disagree completely from previous comment. The neighbours are all very nice and polite, they help us with practicing Dutch and do not mind explaning in English if needed.