8 Best Towns in the Netherlands To Retire Comfortably
Retirement in the Netherlands can unfold in a remarkably wide range of settings. From the slower way of life in Veere, with its salt-laced air, to the well-preserved medieval history of Gorinchem, there's a range of inviting settings that could become your backdrop. No matter whether you are on land in Valkenburg or out on the water in Sneek, these remarkable towns make it easy for retirees to structure days around adventure.
Read on to discover how the Netherlands’ smaller towns make retirement an attractive option in the golden years of life.
Sneek
Starting off strong is Sneek, located in the southwest of Friesland province, just southwest of Leeuwarden. A quiet town known for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, the Waterpoort, and as a hub for water sports. This slow-moving town was once the only walled city in Friesland, and you can still take a look at the famous Waterpoort Gate. Explore the rich history at the Fries Scheepvaart Museum or take a boat tour through the canals.
The average house price in Sneek is €385,000. Retirees who enjoy a slower pace in life can live comfortably without stretching themselves thin. Every year, at the end of July/beginning of August, Sneekweek takes place. It is when the normally quiet city comes to life with street theatre, fair activities, and music.
Franeker
Slow down and take it easy in one of the 11 Frisian cities, Franeker. Located 12 miles west of Leeuwarden, it is close enough to a larger city for convenience. The average house price is €385,000, lower than the country's average of €389,000, making it comfortable without stretching the budget.
Visit the Eise Eisinga Planetarium with a working orrery, a model of the solar system that has been running since 1781. Those who prefer to be more active can take a walk through nearby Hemmema Park, a great spot for avid birdwatchers. A popular spot to eat is the Grillerije; just make sure you reserve a table. The food is always fresh, and the menu is diverse to accommodate a range of dietary needs.
Gorinchem
Located in the province of South Holland, the most beautiful fortified city, Gorinchem, sits at the confluence of the Linge and Boven-Merwede rivers. The average house price here is €455,000. Walk through the city and discover Memory Bricks in the pavement along the way. These bricks are placed by an anonymous artist who used transparent epoxy resin to capture small moments in the town's history.
Visit the Hendrick Hamel Museum for a unique viewpoint of a Westerner's journey through Korea in 1653. Take a tour with Biesbosch: National Park Cruise to listen to the history of the park while enjoying the view on the water. Take a Guided Walking Food Tour that takes you through 10 food stops, highlighting Gorinchem’s favorite restaurants and cafes.
Valkenburg
Settled in the province of Limburg, the central town of Valkenburg aan de Geul lies in hilly countryside and has a deep history. While only ruins remain, the Valkenburg Castle and the Velvet Cave beneath it offer a unique insight into the town's medieval roots. Get a taste of history at the Museum Valkenburg with exhibits on art, archaeology, and history. Valkenburg is home to the oldest red-wine vineyard in the Netherlands. St. Martinus offers vineyard and cellar tours, with a guide explaining how the vineyard started.
Every year, starting in November, Valkenburg turns into a magical Christmas town. It is a must-see event, with different fairy lights and Christmas markets in the caves. The average house price in the area varies, but generally hovers around €565,000, putting it at the higher end of the spectrum.
Veere
Tracing its roots back to 1281, the small town of Veere sits on the shore of the Veerse Meer Lagoon. The average house price is €492,000, which is hard to beat given the waterfront charm. Along the marina, you can relax with a drink at one of the many waterfront bars. A stop to understand the town's past is the Veere Museum, located in the old town hall and Schotse Huizen.
The proud figurehead of Veere is the Grote Kerk, which has played many roles in history but today is home to exhibitions, plays, and other town festivities. The sweet tooth lovers' paradise is Oma’s Snoepwinkel, a candy store where you can choose from over a hundred old-fashioned Dutch sweets.
Dokkum
Dokkum has the most violent start of any city on this list; set in the year 754, it starts with the murder of missionary Boniface and his 52 companions. While a rough start, this historic city has flourished and is the fortress city of the Wadden Sea, known for its strongholds, canals, Bonifatius Chapel, terraces, and breweries. The average house price in Dokkum is €299,000, leaving retirees comfortable while enjoying access to everything the city has to offer.
Visit the Dokkum's breweries to learn how this town figured out the solution to unpalatable water in the Middle Ages, while enjoying a tasting of beer. Follow the history at the Museum Dokkum, located in the middle of the historical center, where you can explore several historic buildings. Take a stroll around the Hexagonal Block, a stronghold that allows for a stunning walk around the windmills Zeldenrust and De Hoop.
Zierikzee
Zierikzee, a historic port town filled with over 500 listed buildings and monuments, is not one to overlook on this list. It is a hidden coastal hideaway with an average price of €338,000, perfect for spending your golden years without the stress of an expensive home. It is also one of the few places to get a Zeeuwse Bolus, a sticky cinnamon bun that is super popular, with bakeries selling out by midday.
Towering over the city is the “Fat Tower” or Sint-Lievensmonstertoren. This unfinished 15th-century tower was intended to reach higher than the 62 meters it now stands. If you can make it up the over 200 steps to the top, the view is worth it, as it offers a panoramic view of the whole city. To stay on the ground, visit the Stadhuis (Zierikzee City Hall), which houses a museum, and the spooky Gravensteen jail, a stark reminder that history isn’t always kind. Every Thursday morning, head to the Market Zierikzee for a variety of stalls selling food, fruit, and flowers, plus a welcoming community to meet.
Elburg
Last but not least on our list is Elburg, where walking through the town transports you back into the Middle Ages. The average house price is €455,000, allowing retirees to comfortably enjoy the setting.
The first thing that stands out is the Vischpoort. What used to be a defense tower now offers a balcony view of Elburg. It is also one of the oldest surviving cannon cellars in the Netherlands. For those who want to stroll, take a walking tour starting at the Zuiderwalstraat. The Museum Elburg is a striking building that holds an extensive collection of objects through the history of Elburg and the surrounding areas. The Foundation for the Preservation of Elburger Botters serves as the connection to the water, where skippers take you out on historic fishing boats and guide you through how fishing was done on these vessels.
Find Your Next Chapter in The Netherlands
These eight towns have taken us on a journey through the Netherlands, from medieval streets to waterfront dining. Each destination offers its own unique style, yet all invite you to connect, slow down, and embrace the golden years. No matter where you settle, the Netherlands offers opportunities for everyone to find their perfect home.
