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ZUIDOOST A young, multicultural district which offers many green spaces and amenities, including shopping centres, markets and good transport links. More than 130 different nationalities live in this district, which is mainly made up of modern low-rise buildings offering small and large homes. The Bijlmer neighbourhood is mainly residential, and nearby you’ll find the big-entertainment world of the Johan Cruijff ArenA, the AFAS Live and the Ziggo Dome. NIEUW-WEST One of the greenest places in Amsterdam, the District of Nieuw-West (New West) includes GeuzenveldSlotermeer, Osdorp and Slotervaart. These are mainly residential areas which offer a mix of new developments and innovative architecture. Parts of this district are still being redeveloped to offer more housing, and people moving to the area can expect a relaxed pace with plenty of places to shop and spend some time enjoying the nearby nature – including scenic waterside spots around the Sloterplas lake. • Population: 844,947 (www.cbs.nl,2017) • International residents: 50.6% International schools • Amsterdam International Community School: www.aics. espritscholen.nl • Annexe du Lycée Français Vincent van Gogh: www. lyceevangogh.nl • British School of Amsterdam: www.britams.nl • International School Amsterdam (in Amstelveen): www.isa.nl • The Japanese School of Amsterdam: www.jsa.nl EXPAT CENTER AMSTERDAM • IN Amsterdam (formerly Expatcenter Amsterdam) provides a one-stop-shop service for international newcomers in the Amsterdam Area. They serve companies and their highly skilled migrant employees, scientific researchers, international entrepreneurs and international graduates. Links • www.amsterdam.nl • www.iamsterdam.com (English site)

AMSTELVEEN Population: 89,904 Amstelveen has many green areas, and excellent shopping and local amenities, particularly for sporty types. The extra space means parking is not a problem and many homes have garages. Amstelveen’s population is booming, expected to reach almost 86,000 citizens by 2020. Close proximity to both Schipol airport and Amsterdam make Amstelveen

attractive for international companies, and high living standards appeal to a growing expat community. The area is flanked by Amsterdam’s largest park, the Amsterdamse Bos, and the CoBrA Museum adds of a dash of culture. ALMERE Population: 206,284 Almere is the youngest city in the Netherlands and the second largest in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area. Almere has a modern and attractive city centre and five districts and boroughs. It boasts 42 kilometers of coastline, a rich natural environment, impressive architecture and attracts numerous exciting events throughout the year. Almere’s six train stations provide connections between Amsterdam, Utrecht, Groningen, Den Haag and many other cities. HAARLEM Population: 159,100 Haarlem is one of the Netherlands’ most beautiful old cities, offering a huge amount of historic sites. It has a lively community of 150,000 inhabitants. It is the capital of the province of Noord-Holland and has a real cosmopolitan feel about it. It is an energetic city, with an active business community, dedicated educational institutions and a municipality that creates an encouraging economic climate. Haarlem grants space for economic innovation, new jobs and more businesses. It is a popular location for multinationals, industrial companies and creative, innovative and technology-based businesses. HILVERSUM Population: 89,521 Hilversum is a city full of possibilities in the centre of the Netherlands. This beautiful city with its ‘young’, yet charming, monumental buildings is situated about 20 kilometres southeast of Amsterdam and 20 kilometers north of Utrecht. It is only a 30-minute ride by train to Schiphol Airport. With large international companies like Nike, Spil Games, and International Flavor & Fragrances (IFF), Hilversum has a lively international community. Hilversum offers a broad range of accommodation, from modern apartments to monumental villas. There are also excellent international schools offering both primary and secondary education.

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