Rotterdam Area Guide

Where to live in Rotterdam

Published on : 10-01-2013, 13:21 by Perfect Housing

New to Rotterdam and wondering where to live? There are plenty of areas in Rotterdam to consider in the city and surrounding villages, each with its own local highlights, hotspots and charm.

Expats typically tend to settle in the city centre or one of Rotterdam's beautiful green suburbs. Many expats, for example, find their way to the trendy Kralingen and Kop van Zuid neighbourhoods, the bustling Prins Alexander district,or can be found further afield in the exclusive Hillegersberg area. For more information you can also take a look at our moving to the Netherlands guide.

City centre: Stadsdriehoek

Expat housing in the historic centre

The name Stadsdriehoek, or 'City Triangle', refers to the original triangular shape of historic Rotterdam. The modern, lively heart of the city is popular with expats for good reason: museums, shops, restaurants and some of the most interesting contemporary architecture in the country can be found in plenitude. The city's main business district, centred around the World Trade Center, is located in this area of Rotterdam.
Housing prices reflect the neighbourhood's desirability, but a range of residential options - from simple buildings with shared staircases, to modern apartments and spacious villas - ensures diversity.Parking in Stadsdriehoek is limited: new residents will likely need to wait for a parking permit, but are generally granted a temporary permit nearby for the duration of the wait.

City centre: CS Kwartier

Expat rentals near Central Station

Together with Stadsdriehoek, this area forms the heart of central Rotterdam. Bustling Central Station is one of the city's most important ports, welcoming thousands of people each day. The centre's numerous museums, shops and restaurants are all within easy reach, and the Rotterdam International School is close by. As in Stadsdriehoek, parking is limited, but temporary permits for nearby parking are generally granted for the duration of any waiting list.

Oude Westen

Multi-cultural expat housing

This lively, culturally diverse Rotterdam area is located close to Central Station and attracts many artists, entrepreneurs and creatives. Home to the city's Chinatown, the streets are lined with cosy pubs, hip cafes, trendy restaurants and small theatres. Numerous specialist shops can be found here, many featuring foreign goods. House prices tend to be relatively more affordable than in the centre, and local amenities include schools, banks, community centre, library and a local swimming pool.

Maritime Quarter / NieuweWerk

Upscale expat apartments

This upmarket neighbourhood in Rotterdam is one of the country's most affluent. Luxury apartments, magnificently transformed warehouses, museums and some of the city's best restaurants line the streets surrounding the historic harbour. Rotterdam's main recreational area, simply called The Park, and the nearby Museum Park, lend a suburban feel to this central area.

While you will pay accordingly for the pleasure of living here, the breathtaking views over the Maas River and the central location may make it worth the expense.

Ommoord / Zevenkamp

Child-friendly expat neighbourhood

Ommoord/Zevenkamp is a popular area in Rotterdam with expats thanks to its quiet, peaceful atmosphere. Child-friendly and green, this neighbourhood boosts numerous playgrounds and is well-connected to public transport. The city centre is 20 minutes away by metro, and the renowned Alexandrium mall is easily accessible.

Hillegersberg

Upmarket expat living

This beautiful, green suburb north-east of the city is extremely popular with expats and locals alike. House prices reflect its attractiveness and its chic, upmarket reputation. Several international schools are located here, and the commute to the city centre is a mere 10 minutes by public transport.

Kralingen

Trendy expat housing and apartments

Hip, young and international, Kralingen is just a 15 minute commute east of the city centre. The nearby lake and recreation area (KralingsePlas), the forest (KralingseBos) and the Trompenburg Arboretum contrast nicely with the ultra-modern business centre, Brainpark, and the Alexandrium shopping complex. The Erasmus University Campus can be found here and the neighbourhood is extremely well-connected to public transport and the highway system. Find an apartment in Kralingen.

Kop van Zuid

Modern expat living on the Nieuwe Maas

This newly built area in Rotterdam lies along the south bank of the Nieuwe Maas and is an international and trendy area popular with expats and business professionals. Here you'll find an interesting collection of renovated warehouses and modern apartment blocks, all at upmarket prices. The renowned Hotel New York can be found here and the imposing Erasmus Bridge is just one example of the exciting architecture that populates the area. Kop van Zuid is located in the Feijenoord district, close to the team's football stadium and is just 10 minutes by metro from the city centre.

Prinsenland

Affordable expat housing

Located in the bustling Prins Alexander district, this is an up-and-coming expat neighbourhood east of the centre. Prices here are relatively more affordable than downtown, and its child-friendly reputation attracts many families . The area is close to Rotterdam's largest shopping centre, the Alexandrium Shopping Centre, the Erasmus University Campus and several international schools.

Vasteland – Scheepvaartkwartier- Nieuwe Werk

While you will pay accordingly for the pleasure of living in the Scheepvaartkwartier (Maritime Quarter) and NieuweWerk, the breathtaking views over the Maas River and the central location may make it worth the expense. Commuters can reach the city centre and central station by metro in less than 10 minutes, and the Maas Tunnel, the A13 to The Hague and Dordrecht, and the A15 to Europoort are easily accessible by car.

Use our search engine to browse through our Rotterdam apartments in your prefered neighbourhood.

More information about living in Rotterdam and its different areas can be found in our Expats in Rotterdam page.