Altena - Netherlands
Discover Altena: A Charming Dutch Municipality with a Strong Sense of Community
Located in the heart of the Netherlands, on a picturesque river island in North Brabant, lies the charming municipality of Altena. With a population of approximately 56,000 people and covering an area of about 201 km², Altena is the largest municipality in terms of land area in North Brabant. This scenic town boasts a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and modern amenities, making it an attractive destination for both residents and visitors.
Amenities and Culture
Altena's C+ Amenities Score reflects its well-rounded offering of shops, restaurants, and leisure activities. The municipality is home to various cultural attractions, including the historic Dussen castle, which showcases Altena's rich history and heritage. The town's cultural scene is further enhanced by its numerous festivals and events throughout the year, contributing to a Culture & Entertainment Score of C+. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy a range of activities, from water sports on the river to exploring the surrounding countryside.
Commute and Transportation
Altena's Commute Score of C+ indicates that residents have relatively easy access to public transport, with various bus routes connecting the town to nearby cities like Dordrecht and Gorinchem. The municipality is also working towards sustainable urban planning, with initiatives aimed at promoting eco-friendly transportation options and reducing traffic congestion.
Health and Education
With a Health Score of B-, Altena demonstrates its commitment to providing quality healthcare services to its residents. The town has several medical facilities and hospitals, ensuring that residents have access to reliable medical care. In terms of education, Altena's Childcare & Education Score of C+ reflects the municipality's efforts in providing high-quality educational institutions, from primary schools to vocational training centers.
Challenges and Opportunities
While Altena excels in many areas, there are opportunities for growth, particularly regarding noise pollution (Noise Score: B+) and NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) sentiment (NIMBY Score: B+). To address these concerns, the municipality is investing in sustainable urban development projects, such as green infrastructure and eco-friendly building initiatives. These efforts aim to reduce noise levels and promote a more welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.
Quality of Life and Livability
Altena's Total Score of B- reflects its overall quality of life and livability. While the town faces some challenges, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and modern amenities that make it an attractive place to live and visit. As Altena continues to work towards sustainable urban development and addressing areas for growth, it has the potential to climb higher in the city livability ranking and global livability index.
In conclusion, Altena is a charming Dutch municipality with a strong sense of community, rich history, and natural beauty. While there are opportunities for growth, the town's strengths in amenities, culture, and education make it an attractive destination for both residents and visitors. As Altena continues to evolve and address its challenges, it has the potential to become one of the most livable cities in the Netherlands.
Snowy view of Altena near the Boven Merwede
Altena
Country: Netherlands
Population: 56352
Area: 201.86 square kilometre
Web: https://www.gemeentealtena.nl/
Mayor: Egbert Lichtenberg
Time Zone: CET+1
Time Zone DST: CEST+2
Overall score
Total
ScoreB-
AmenitiesScoreC+
Childcare & EducationScoreC+
CommuteScoreC+
Culture & EntertainmentScoreC+
HealthScoreB-
NIMBYScoreB+
NoiseScoreB+