Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ most “attractive” city to live in

Amsterdam is once again the “most attractive” city in the Netherlands to live in, according to the latest edition of the local authority almanac Atlas voor gemeenten, which ranks the 50 biggest cities in the Netherlands according to 50 different factors.

The capital merits its top position because of its cafés, restaurants and cultural sector, as well as its two universities. Amsterdam is also considered to be easily accessible and its medieval inner city is a major draw.

However, in terms of wider welfare and quality of life, Amsterdam only manages 39th place. That ranking is topped by Hengelo in Overijssel province, and Rotterdam is bottom.

Amsterdam’s poor showing is down to public safety issues, poverty and a distorted balance between work and private lives, the almanac’s compilers say. The city also scores badly in terms of nature and the environment.

Amsterdam is followed in the attractiveness ranking by Amstelveen, Utrecht and Leiden, while Maastricht is the biggest riser, moving up from 40th to 34th place.