Why Move to Almere?
Almere is a marvel of modern urban planning. Built entirely on reclaimed land (polder), it only saw its first residents in 1976. Today, it is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. It offers something that many historic Dutch cities lack: space, modern housing with high energy efficiency, and a deep integration of nature into the urban landscape.
For many expats, Almere serves as the perfect 'spillover' city for Amsterdam. You can enjoy a significantly larger, more modern home for the same price as a tiny apartment in the capital, all while being just a 20-minute train ride away from Amsterdam Centraal or Zuid.
Living in Almere means having access to over 42 kilometers of coastline, numerous parks, and unique architecture that has won several international awards. It is a city designed for families, with wide cycle paths that are completely separated from car traffic, making it incredibly safe for children.
Almere at a Glance
- Extremely modern housing with high energy standards
- Excellent value for money compared to Amsterdam
- Fantastic for families with lots of parks and water
- Commute to Amsterdam in just 20 to 30 minutes
- Unique architecture and award-winning city planning
- Large and growing international community
Cost of Living
Almere is more expensive than the far north or south, but it offers substantial savings compared to Amsterdam and Utrecht. Here is what to budget in 2026:
Rental Prices
| Property Type | Monthly Rent |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1-room | €900 – €1,200 |
| 1-bedroom apartment | €1,100 – €1,500 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | €1,400 – €1,900 |
| Family house (3+ bed) | €1,800 – €2,800+ |
Buying Prices
| Property Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Apartment (1-2 bed) | €320,000 – €480,000 |
| Family house | €450,000 – €900,000+ |
Monthly Expenses (Single Person)
| Expense | Amount / month |
|---|---|
| Groceries | €300 – €450 |
| Health insurance | €140 – €180 |
| Public transport (to AMS) | €150 – €250 |
| Utilities (modern build) | €140 – €220 |
| Internet + mobile | €60 – €80 |
| Gym membership | €40 – €80 |
Source: CBS, Funda, Pararius (2025-2026 data). Modern builds in Almere often have excellent energy labels (A+++), leading to lower utility bills.
Best Neighborhoods
Almere Poort
Modern, coastal, commuter-hubThe closest district to Amsterdam and currently the most popular with expats. It features the 'Duin' area, a unique neighborhood built on artificial sand dunes with its own beach. It offers a resort-like feel with very fast train connections.
Almere Stad
Urban, convenient, livelyThe heartbeat of the city. Here you'll find the major shopping district, the central station, and a wide variety of housing, from modern city apartments to spacious family homes around the Weerwater lake.
Almere Haven
Cozy, traditional, waterfrontThe oldest part of Almere, designed with a more traditional 'village' feel. It has a cozy harbor with many restaurants and cafes. It's perfect for those who find the rest of Almere too modern and prefer a more classic Dutch atmosphere.
Oosterwold
Sustainable, spacious, uniqueA unique, experimental area where residents build their own homes and are required to use 50% of their land for urban farming. Perfect for those who want an alternative, sustainable lifestyle.
Registration & BSN
Registering at the Gemeente Almere is mandatory within 5 days of your arrival if you plan to stay for more than 4 months. The city hall is located in Almere Stad.
Step-by-Step
- 1 Make an appointment online via almere.nl.
- 2 Bring your passport or ID.
- 3 Bring your rental or purchase contract.
- 4 Bring your birth certificate (and marriage certificate if applicable), legalized or with an apostille if required.
- 5 You will receive your BSN immediately during the appointment.
Almere is part of the IN Amsterdam (formerly Expatcenter) network. If you are a highly skilled migrant, your employer may be able to handle your registration through the Amsterdam office even if you live in Almere.
Getting Around
Owning a car in Almere is much easier than in Amsterdam. Most houses have private parking or ample street parking. However, be aware of the morning congestion on the A1 and A6 highways towards Amsterdam.
Family & Community
Almere is a very international city, and its educational offerings reflect this. There are several high-quality options for international families.
Key international schools in Almere:
- International Primary School Almere: Offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme.
- International School Almere (Secondary): Offering the IB Middle Years and Diploma Programmes.
- Letterland: An international primary school located in the heart of Almere Stad.
Beyond schools, Almere has a very active international community. Groups like 'Expats in Almere' are very active on Facebook and organize regular meetups.
Healthcare
Almere is served by the Flevoziekenhuis, a large and modern hospital located right in the city center. There are also numerous health centers (gezondheidscentra) in every neighborhood.
It is standard in Almere to register with a 'gezondheidscentrum' rather than a solo GP. These centers often house GPs, pharmacies, and physiotherapists under one roof.
For medical assistance outside of regular hours, call the 'Spoedpost' at the Flevoziekenhuis (0900 203 0 203).
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about relocating to Almere, answered.
Is Almere a safe city?
Yes, Almere is generally very safe, especially for families. The separation of traffic and the modern urban design contribute to a safe living environment.
How long is the commute to Amsterdam?
By train, it takes about 20-25 minutes from Almere Centrum to Amsterdam Centraal. From Almere Poort, it is even faster to Amsterdam Zuid.
Is Almere boring?
This is a common stereotype, but it's changing fast. With a huge new theater (Kunstlinie), a growing nightlife in the harbor of Almere Haven, and endless outdoor activities, there is plenty to do.
What about the energy label?
Most homes in Almere are relatively new and have excellent insulation. Many are connected to 'stadsverwarming' (district heating), making them very energy-efficient and future-proof.