Amsterdam - Post Report Question and Answers

In Amsterdam proper, it is mostly apartments. As you move out from the city center and into the suburbs there are stand-alone single family homes and townhouses. Expats with families and pets tend to gravitate to the Oud Zuid and Amstelveen areas - which are also closer to the international school. Almost all Dutch housing is characterized by small bedrooms, steep, open staircases, and very limited storage. Commuting time varies, but the Metro, tram, and bus system is excellent and provides complete coverage of the entire area. There have been recent (last 1-3 years) news articles and government inquiries into leasing companies, private landlords, and expat relocation services gouging expats by charging exorbitant rents and routinely keeping deposits at the end of leases without justification. - Oct 2014

Mostly apartments in the same neighborhood as the Consulate--5-minute bike/tram ride, or 10-15 minute walk. The neighborhood is great since it is residential (mix of Dutch and international residents) but with easy access to high-end stores, quaint cafes, grocery stores, pharmacies, etc. At the same time, you are in the same area as the famous Rijksmuseum, Stadelijk Museum and Van Gogh Museum and 15-20 minutes by tram or bike to the city center. However, make no mistake that the apartments aren't large. We had a 2 bedroom/1 bath for a family of 3--another bedroom would have been very helpful considering all the visitors we had--with limited closets. You may have to deal with narrow, steep steps. - Jun 2014