Schouwen-Duiveland - Netherlands

Nestled in the southwestern Netherlands province of Zeeland lies Schouwen-Duiveland, a unique municipality and island that captivates both residents and visitors with its distinctive charm. Home to 33,737 inhabitants as of January 2016, this enchanting locale covers an area rich in waterways and land below sea level, save for a modest dune reaching about 42 meters above sea level. Schouwen-Duiveland's strategic location offers seamless connections across the Brouwersdam and Grevelingen to Goeree-Overflakkee on its northside, while the iconic Stormvloed Kering and Zeeland Bridge grant access to North Beveland from the southside. The island's flat terrain and vibrant summer tourism scene—particularly popular with German visitors—underscore its appeal as a holiday destination, especially in the youthful and energetic area of Renesse. Schouwen-Duiveland boasts an overall B- score in our urban livability analysis, reflecting areas where it excels alongside opportunities for growth. The island's amenities score stands at B-, indicating a reasonable range of facilities that cater to both local needs and tourist interests. This includes charming cafes, boutique shops, and essential services dispersed throughout the island, contributing positively to residents' quality of life. Cultural offerings on Schouwen-Duiveland are noteworthy, with its culture and entertainment score also at B-. Residents and visitors can enjoy a variety of cultural events, local festivals, and recreational activities that bring the community together. The island's artistic heritage is palpable in its galleries and theaters, providing vibrant experiences that enhance urban livability. Transportation and accessibility play pivotal roles in Schouwen-Duiveland’s appeal. While the commute score sits at B-, reflecting a need for improvement, sustainable urban planning efforts are underway to optimize public transit services. The well-connected transport infrastructure, including fixed connections via bridges and the integral role of waterways, facilitates easy navigation across the island, underscoring its commitment to improving accessibility. The health score, also noted as B-, indicates that while residents have access to healthcare facilities, there is room for enhancement in terms of health-related quality of life. Efforts are being made to improve this aspect through better land use policies and increased availability of medical services. Similarly, childcare and education receive a solid B rating, reflecting adequate educational resources, though continued investment is necessary to ensure high-quality educational opportunities that align with the island's living standards. In terms of challenges, Schouwen-Duiveland faces issues reflected in its NIMBY score of B- and noise score of B+. The NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) sentiment suggests some resistance to new developments or changes in land zoning. Addressing this through community engagement and transparent urban redevelopment plans can help align residents' interests with sustainable development goals. Meanwhile, the noise score highlights areas where environmental quality could be enhanced. Initiatives focusing on reducing noise pollution through strategic planning of public spaces and transportation routes are essential for improving overall livability. The island’s unique flat geography presents opportunities for innovative land use strategies that prioritize sustainable urban development. These efforts can enhance its standing in both national and global livability rankings, such as the Better Life Index or Global Liveability Index, by addressing existing challenges while building on its strengths. In conclusion, Schouwen-Duiveland offers a distinctive blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and promising development prospects that contribute to its overall quality of life. While there are areas for growth, particularly in transport accessibility and noise management, the island’s commitment to sustainable urban planning and community engagement positions it well to improve its standing in city livability rankings. With continued focus on enhancing amenities, health services, and educational opportunities, Schouwen-Duiveland holds significant potential to ascend higher in future assessments of urban livability.

Zierikzee city centre

Schouwen-Duiveland

Country: Netherlands

Population: 34065

Elevation: 0.0 metre

Area: 301.34 square kilometre

Web: https://www.schouwen-duiveland.nl/

Mayor: Jack van der Hoek

Time Zone: CET+1

Time Zone DST: CEST+2

Postcode: 4300–4329

Area code: 0111

Overall score

Total

B-

Amenities

B-

Childcare & Education

Commute

B-

Culture & Entertainment

B-

Health

B-

NIMBY

B-

Noise

B+