Velsen - Netherlands

Velsen, a municipality in the province of North Holland, Netherlands, is a unique blend of industrial and natural landscapes. Located on both sides of the North Sea Canal, Velsen offers an intriguing contrast between its steel plant-dominated north side and the picturesque beaches and marinas on its south side. With a total score of B+, Velsen demonstrates its potential as a quality-of-life destination. Its amenities score of B- reflects the town's efforts to balance industrial activities with community-focused services. The presence of major employers like Tata Steel IJmuiden, combined with accessible public transport options and local amenities, contributes to this rating. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy Velsen's cultural scene, which earned a Culture & Entertainment score of B-. The Kennemerstrand beach on the south side of the canal offers a tranquil escape from urban life, while the nearby Seaport Marina provides opportunities for water sports enthusiasts. Furthermore, Velsen is home to several educational institutions, securing a Childcare & Education score of B. However, Velsen faces some challenges in terms of noise pollution and NIMBY sentiment. With a Noise score of C+, residents may experience disturbance from industrial activities or traffic on the North Sea Canal. Efforts are needed to mitigate these issues through sustainable urban planning and community engagement strategies. Similarly, Velsen's NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) score of B- indicates some resistance to new development projects, which could impact the town's ability to innovate and grow. Despite these challenges, Velsen is making strides in improving its livability. Urban redevelopment initiatives are underway, such as the revitalization of waterfront areas and the creation of more public spaces for recreation and relaxation. These efforts aim to enhance the overall quality of life for residents while also promoting a better balance between industrial activities and community needs. Velsen's strength lies in its unique blend of industry, nature, and community spirit. As the town continues to evolve through urban development projects and sustainable planning initiatives, it is poised to improve its ranking in global livability indexes. By embracing innovation and engaging with residents, Velsen can unlock its full potential as a desirable destination for those seeking a high quality of life. Overall, Velsen offers an authentic and intriguing experience for residents and visitors alike. With a focus on balancing industrial activities with community needs and environmental sustainability, this municipality is well on its way to becoming one of the most livable cities in the Netherlands.

Aerial view of Velsen

Velsen

Country: Netherlands

Population: 68617

Elevation: 6.0 metre

Area: 63.08 square kilometre

Web: https://www.velsen.nl/

Mayor: Frank Dales

Postcode: 1950–1951, 1970–1992, 2070–2082

Area code: 023, 0251, 0255

Overall score

Total

B+

Amenities

B-

Childcare & Education

Commute

Culture & Entertainment

B-

Health

NIMBY

B-

Noise

C+