Rotterdam

Living in Rotterdam

Rotterdam was largely rebuilt after the Second World War, which gives the city centre a distinctly modern character compared with most other major Dutch cities, alongside pockets of older housing in areas like Delfshaven that survived the wartime bombing. Kralingen, near the Kralingse Plas lake, is known for a mix of older villas and apartment buildings, while Feijenoord and the riverside districts south of the Maas have seen significant redevelopment in recent years, adding new-build apartments alongside established neighbourhoods. Rotterdam's public transport network includes an extensive metro system connecting the city with surrounding municipalities, along with trams and buses. The city is generally considered to offer more space for a given budget than Amsterdam, though this varies significantly by neighbourhood and property type, so comparing current listings directly is more reliable than relying on a general reputation.