Are you an American entrepreneur over 50 dreaming of a fresh start in the Netherlands under the DAFT visa? You’re not alone—and you’re not limited to just Amsterdam or The Hague.

After living in Europe for over a decade and spending six years in the Netherlands, I’ve learned that lifestyle—not just cost or commute—should lead your decision on where to live. Whether you crave canals and cobblestones or want wide-open space and affordability, the Netherlands has a city (or town!) tailored for you.

In this post, we’ll go beyond the typical picks and explore a range of Dutch cities that suit different lifestyles, budgets and professional needs—especially for Gen-Xers reinventing life abroad.

---

First, a Quick Recap: Leiden vs. The Hague

You may have seen my earlier video where I compared Leiden, the intellectual university town, and The Hague, a cosmopolitan city by the sea. Each offers a very different vibe—Leiden is charming and compact, The Hague is international and coastal. Both have DAFT-friendly features like good transport, international services, and thriving professional scenes.

Want more detail? Here’s the full breakdown of lifestyle and housing in Leiden vs. The Hague.

---

Now Let’s Expand: Best Dutch Cities by Lifestyle

Let’s explore Dutch cities and regions that align with 10 common lifestyle preferences.

---

1. For the Academic and Youthful Vibe

If you’re energized by student life, café culture and innovation:

• Leiden – Cobblestones and canals with elite academic roots.
• Utrecht – Central and buzzing, with Utrecht University and canal cafés.
• Groningen – 25% student population, affordable housing, very English-friendly.
• Delft – Beautiful architecture, tech innovation from TU Delft.
• Eindhoven – Fast-growing tech hub with a modern, international edge.

---

2. For Wide Open Spaces and Land

Prefer a rural feel with nature, quiet, and maybe even a farmhouse?

• Drenthe – Sparsely populated with charming countryside.
• Friesland towns (like Dokkum or Sneek) – Water sports, space, and cultural pride.
• Eastern Gelderland (Achterhoek region) – Affordable homes, German border access.
• Northern Limburg – Rolling hills and generous lot sizes.

---

3. For Urban Energy and Professional Life

Want a fast-paced city with business hubs and nightlife?

• Amsterdam Zuid/Zuidas – The Dutch Wall Street meets expat central.
• Rotterdam Kop van Zuid – Architecture lovers and entrepreneurs unite.
• Utrecht (Lombok/Oog in Al) – City access meets family-friendly zones.
• The Hague (Statenkwartier) – Elegant living near embassies and global orgs.

---

4. For Coastal Living

Yes, the Netherlands has real beach towns—and some are surprisingly livable year-round.

• Scheveningen (The Hague) – Beach meets city.
• Noordwijk – Beach, space tech, and good schools.
• Bergen aan Zee – Artistic village meets dunes and North Sea charm.
• Zeeland – More remote, more affordable, true sea-lover’s paradise.

---

5. For Quiet, Family-Friendly Living

Looking for great schools, parks and a low-key lifestyle?

• Amstelveen – Big expat community, great international schools.
• Haarlem – Historic and calm, but only 20 minutes to Amsterdam.
• Hilversum – Known as a media city with lots of green.
• ’s-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch) – Authentic Dutch with big-city perks.

---

6. For Nature Lovers and Outdoor Enthusiasts

Want to be near forests, parks and hiking trails?

• Arnhem/Oosterbeek – Near the massive Hoge Veluwe National Park.
• Apeldoorn – Royal palaces, space, and affordability.
• Ede or Wageningen – Green, peaceful, and scientifically innovative.

---

7. For Culture, History and the Arts

Is your soul stirred by museums, architecture and heritage?

• Amsterdam – World-class museums, historic architecture and creative energy
• Maastricht – EU roots, stunning architecture and a touch of France.
• Delft – Birthplace of Vermeer, rich with charm and art.
• Deventer – Medieval streets, Hanseatic heritage and a creative vibe.
• Amersfoort – Charming old town with surprising affordability.

---

8. For Affordability and Value

If your goal is to get more space for your money:

• Leeuwarden – 40% cheaper than Randstad cities, cultural capital of Friesland.
• Tilburg – Industrial turned creative, affordable and growing.
• Roermond or Venlo – Southeastern cities with lower rents and charm.
• Almere – A planned city near Amsterdam with great transport.

---

9. For English-Speaking and International Support

You’re new to Dutch life and want help navigating it:

• Amsterdam – Still #1 for English fluency and expat networks.
• Utrecht – Walkable and inclusive.
• Eindhoven – Tech-heavy and global, with English signage and services.
• The Hague – Embassies, international clinics and support centers.

---

10. For Tech and Innovation Careers

Moving abroad to build your next startup or join a tech firm?

• Eindhoven (Brainport) – Home to Philips, ASML and major innovation hubs.
• Delft – Tech and sustainability innovation meets heritage.
• Amsterdam Zuidas – Corporate meets creative in a hyper-connected hub.

---

What It Means for You as a DAFT Visa Holder

Most cities in the Netherlands have similar basic costs—groceries, healthcare, insurance—but housing and lifestyle can differ wildly. That means your choice isn’t just about budget; it’s about how you want to live.

You might choose a beachfront apartment in Noordwijk, a canal house in Delft or a farmhouse in Drenthe. The DAFT visa gives you the freedom to base your decision on lifestyle, not just logistics.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Lifestyle Preference	Cities to Explore
Intellectual/Academic	Leiden, Utrecht, Groningen
Rural/Spacious	Drenthe, Friesland, Gelderland
Urban/Professional	Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht
Coastal Living	Scheveningen, Noordwijk, Zeeland
Family-Friendly	Haarlem, Amstelveen, Hilversum
Nature-Focused	Arnhem, Apeldoorn, Ede
Cultural/Artistic	Maastricht, Delft, Deventer
Cost-Conscious	Tilburg, Almere, Leeuwarden
English-Friendly	Amsterdam, Eindhoven, The Hague
Tech-Focused	Eindhoven, Delft, Amsterdam Zuid

---

Final Thoughts

Where you live shapes how you live. Whether you’re sipping wine on your houseboat in Leiden, taking client calls from a rooftop flat in Rotterdam, or biking through the dunes near Haarlem—your Dutch life should fit you.

Don’t limit your dreams to just one or two cities. The Netherlands is compact, well-connected, and diverse. That means you have more options than you think.

💬 Let me know in the comments—which lifestyle speaks to you? Are you looking for space, sea air or city buzz?

📩 Have questions about the DAFT visa or Dutch living? Reach out—I’ve been where you are, and I’m here to help.

Our story is far from over—keep Enjoying the Journey.

---