Are you looking for a vibrant city with a rich history, picturesque canals and lively culture? Then Leiden is the place for you! Falling in love with this beautiful city is inevitable, and we can tell. In this blog post, we share 7 convincing reasons why you should move to Leiden. So pack your bags, because after reading this post you will want nothing more than to experience the charm of Leiden for yourself! For your move to Leiden, choose the best moving company in Leiden and surrounding areas, we are happy to help you!
History and culture
Leiden is a beautiful, historic city in South Holland and is known for its rich history and vibrant culture. If you are looking for a new place to live, Leiden is definitely a city you should consider. Below I will share 7 reasons why Leiden is such a great place to live.
Leiden’s past goes back more than 2,000 years. The Romans were the first inhabitants of this city, and later it was also occupied by the Franks and the Vikings. In the Golden Age, Leiden was an important center for textile trade and science, with famous inhabitants such as Rembrandt van Rijn and Jan Steen. The traces of this rich history are still visible in the beautiful historic center of Leiden.
Leiden has a vibrant cultural scene with many festivals, exhibitions, concerts and other events throughout the year. A highlight is the annual “Leids Ontzet” festival in honor of the liberation from Spanish occupation in 1574, which is celebrated with parades, markets and festive activities.
Leiden is also called “Little Amsterdam” because of the many picturesque canals that run through the city. These are lined with beautiful old houses, bridges and cozy terraces where you can enjoy the view of the water.
Leiden is home to a wide variety of stores, from well-known chains to unique boutiques. You can also find numerous restaurants, ranging from traditional Dutch cuisine to international cuisines.
Despite Leiden being an urban environment, there is also plenty of greenery to be found in and around the city. Consider, for example, the beautiful Plantsoen park or the nearby beaches of Katwijk or Noordwijk.
Affordable home prices compared to other major cities
One of the main reasons for moving to Leiden is the fact that housing prices there are affordable compared to other major cities in the Netherlands. This makes Leiden an attractive option for both first-time buyers and families.
In Amsterdam and Utrecht, two major cities close to Leiden, house prices have risen dramatically in recent years. This has caused living in these cities to become less and less affordable. Unlike these cities, Leiden still offers relatively inexpensive options for housing.
The average price per square meter for a house for sale in Leiden is currently around € 2,800, while in Amsterdam and Utrecht it is € 5,500 and € 4,200 respectively (source: Kadaster). Also when looking at rents, the difference between Leiden and other large cities is significant. The average monthly rent for an apartment of 60m2 in Leiden is around €1,000, – while in Amsterdam and Utrecht this quickly goes towards €1,400, – (source: Pararius).
The lower price level of homes in Leiden not only means that you get more value for your money, but also that you have more choices in terms of types of homes and locations within the city. For example, you can opt for a spacious apartment on one of the many canals or instead for a family home in one of the surrounding green neighborhoods. Do you prefer a somewhat smaller (student room)? Then consider renting a storage space in Leiden.
In addition, it is also important to emphasize that, despite affordable housing prices, Leiden is still a vibrant and attractive city. With its historic downtown, many cultural attractions and vibrant student population, Leiden has plenty to offer residents of all ages. Are you completely won over? Our moving company Leiden is happy to help you move to this beautiful city.
Vibrant student life and international community
Another reason Leiden is a great city to move to is its vibrant student life and international community. With one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands, Leiden attracts thousands of students from home and abroad every year.
If you choose to study or work in Leiden, you will soon find that the city has a unique blend of both historic charm and modern amenities. The center of Leiden is known for its cozy streets, atmospheric squares and beautiful canals. Here you will find numerous cafes, restaurants and stores that are perfect for enjoying a bite to eat with friends after a long day of studying.
The vibrant student life is also reflected in the many activities and events organized by various student associations. Whether you like sports, culture or parties; there is always something to do in Leiden. Moreover, the city also offers a wide range of cultural institutions such as museums, theaters and cinemas that regularly offer special discounts for students.
In addition, Leiden is also very internationally oriented with over 120 nationalities living here. This not only makes it easy to meet new people, but also to broaden your horizons by learning about different cultures and traditions.
Leiden’s international community is also reflected in the many international events and festivals held throughout the year. For example, there is the Leiden International Film Festival, where you can enjoy a wide range of international films, and the Holi Fusion festival that attracts thousands of people each year to gather and party.
Central location and good accessibility by public transportation
One of the many reasons why Leiden is a great city to live in is its central location and easy accessibility by public transportation. This is because the city is in the middle of the Randstad, which means you can be in other cities like Amsterdam, storage Rotterdam, The Hague or Utrecht in no time.
But also within Leiden itself, public transportation is well organized. By train you can quickly reach Leiden Central Station, which is also a beautifully restored monumental building. From here you can easily go in all directions, both regional and national. There are also several bus lines that take you to all corners of the city, ideal for when you don’t feel like cycling or walking.
And above all, let’s not forget that Leiden also has its own network of canals. Yes really! Just like Amsterdam, this historic university city also has its own canals on which you can sail around with a sloop or tour boat, for example. This makes traveling through the city not only easier but also incredibly cozy and atmospheric.
In addition, Leiden has a wide range of parking options for both cars and bicycles. For example, you can use one of the many guarded bicycle parking facilities in the city center or park in one of the parking garages around the city. This means you won’t have to spend hours looking for a spot for your car or bike and you can explore the city without worry.
Moreover, Leiden is also easily accessible by public transportation from surrounding towns and cities. You can easily travel to Leiden by bus or train from Katwijk, Noordwijk or Oegstgeest, for example. This makes it perfect for people who work outside the city but would like to live in a vibrant and historic environment.
Various stores, restaurants and activities
Leiden is not only a historic and attractive city, but also a vibrant place full of diverse stores, restaurants and activities. Whether you enjoy shopping, like to eat out or are looking for fun activities, you will find it all in Leiden.
Shopping in Leiden is a real pleasure. The city has a varied selection of stores, from large chains to small boutiques. In the cozy streets of the city center you can stroll around and score unique items from local entrepreneurs. There are also several indoor shopping centers, such as the Haarlemmerstraat and the Aalmarkt. Here you can go for all your daily necessities or to browse among the latest fashion collections.
Leiden also has much to offer in the culinary field. With more than 300 restaurants and eateries, there is something for everyone. From cozy cafes to chic restaurants and from world cuisines to typical Dutch dishes, Leiden always has a place for a tasty meal. There are also regular culinary events, such as food festivals and tastings, where you can learn about different cuisines.
But there is also plenty to do in Leiden for the active types. The city has many sports clubs where you can become a member or just join individual classes or training sessions. There are also several gyms and fitness centers for the avid sportsmen and women. Furthermore, Leiden has a wide range of cultural activities, such as museums, theaters and concert halls. Not to mention the many festivals and events organized throughout the year, such as the Leids Ontzet, the Lakenfeesten and Jazz Week.
Need help with your move to Leiden?
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