Every year, researchers rank all 342 Dutch municipalities to determine which are the most attractive places to live. Now, the 2025 results are in.
The annual Atlas voor gemeenten measures woonaantrekkelijkheid (residential attractiveness) across more than 50 indicators, including housing prices, safety, amenities, and environmental quality.
And the winner of 2025? Amsterdam!
Attractiveness ≠ quality of life
What makes Amsterdam so irresistible? While the historic city centre, excellent public transport, two universities, and an abundance of restaurants and cultural venues all contribute to its appeal, there is one interesting irony…
Amsterdam might top the attractiveness charts, but it ranks a rather disappointing 39th out of 50 municipalities when measured for brede welvaart (broad prosperity), a comprehensive indicator of quality of life.
READ MORE | 17 Dutch towns with the funniest names
The capital’s main weaknesses? Safety scores are particularly poor, and many residents struggle with work-life balance.
Amsterdam’s housing crisis certainly doesn’t help matters either. When it comes to nature and environmental quality, Amsterdam also ranks disappointingly low.
What about the other municipalities?
Amsterdam’s first place is followed by the cities of Amstelveen, Utrecht, and Leiden — but the real winner in this year’s rankings isn’t actually a winner at all, it’s Maastricht.
The southern city climbed from 40th to 34th place over the past decade, making it the strongest riser in residential attractiveness.
What changed? Improved safety perceptions and better local amenities have transformed Maastricht’s fortunes.
READ MORE | Where to live as an international in the Netherlands: the complete guide
The city also saw the biggest increase in broad prosperity amongst the 50 largest municipalities studied. Dimensions like safety, employment opportunities, and material wellbeing all improved significantly.
Way to go, Maastricht!
Are you team Amsterdam-despite-the-chaos, or are you ready to embrace Maastricht’s steady climb? Let us know in the comments below!
