Schiedam - Netherlands
Located in the heart of the Netherlands' Rotterdam-The Hague metropolitan area, Schiedam is a charming town that embodies the perfect blend of rich history, cultural vibrancy, and modern livability. With a population of over 78,000 residents, this picturesque municipality has earned its place among the top cities in terms of quality of life.
Schiedam's exceptional amenities score (A+) reflects its well-planned urban landscape, replete with beautifully maintained canals, historic windmills, and a plethora of cultural attractions. The town's compact center is easily navigable on foot or by bike, making it an ideal destination for tourists and locals alike. Its world-class public transport system, featuring an efficient network of buses and tram stops, ensures seamless connectivity to neighboring cities like Rotterdam and Delft.
The town's cultural scene is a major draw, with numerous museums, galleries, and performance venues that cater to diverse tastes. Schiedam's iconic distilleries and malthouses are a testament to its rich heritage in jenever production, while the relics of Saint Lidwina in the town's basilica attract pilgrims from across the globe.
While Schiedam excels in many areas, it does face some challenges. The noise score (D+) is an area that requires attention, with efforts underway to mitigate the impact of traffic and industrial activity on residents' quality of life. However, initiatives like sustainable urban planning and redevelopment projects aim to balance economic growth with environmental concerns.
In terms of education, Schiedam's childcare and education score (B) indicates room for improvement, but the town is actively working to enhance its educational infrastructure and programs. The presence of reputable institutions like the Hogeschool Rotterdam and the Erasmus University Rotterdam nearby ensures access to higher education opportunities.
Schiedam's strong culture and entertainment score (A) reflects its vibrant community spirit, with numerous events and festivals throughout the year that celebrate local heritage and traditions. From music concerts to food festivals, there's always something happening in this lively town.
In conclusion, Schiedam offers an extraordinary quality of life, thanks to its unique blend of history, culture, and modern amenities. While it faces some challenges, the town is proactively addressing these issues through sustainable urban development and innovative initiatives. As a result, Schiedam is poised to climb even higher in the city livability ranking, solidifying its position as one of the most desirable places to live in the Netherlands.
Quality of life index: A
City livability ranking: Top 10 in the Netherlands
Better life index: High
Living quality index: Excellent
Old city hall of Schiedam
Schiedam
Country: Netherlands
Population: 79279
Area: 19.89 square kilometre
Web: https://www.schiedam.nl/
Mayor: Cor Lamers
Time Zone: CET+1
Time Zone DST: CEST+2
Postcode: 3100–3125
Area code: 010
Overall score
Total
ScoreA
AmenitiesScoreA+
Childcare & EducationScoreB
CommuteScoreA+
Culture & EntertainmentScoreA
HealthScoreB
NIMBYScoreB
NoiseScoreD+