Peace and Quiet Over City Hustle: 26% of Dutch Plan to Move; Smaller Towns Gain Popularity

Peace and Quiet Over City Hustle: 26% of Dutch Plan to Move; Smaller Towns Gain Popularity

According to a recent Multiscope study among 3,800 respondents, 26% of Dutch adults—approximately 3.8 million people—intend to move within the next three years. Strikingly, preferences are shifting away from the bustling metropolises toward smaller cities, villages and the countryside. This trend reflects growing desires for peace, affordability and space among renters and homeowners alike.

Key Findings from the Multiscope Study

Multiscope’s research highlights a notable rebalancing of housing preferences across the Netherlands. Key statistics include:

• A 10 percentage‐point drop in the share of people who want to relocate to large cities.
• A 2% decline in interest for medium‐sized urban centres.
• Increases in popularity for:
  • Smaller cities: +5%
  • Villages: +3%
  • Countryside: +5%

The main motivator behind these shifts is the pursuit of peace and quiet, cited by 18% of respondents as their top reason. Many also point to the affordability and larger living spaces available outside major hubs.

Why Smaller Towns and the Countryside Are Gaining Appeal

1. Affordability
   • Rental and purchase prices in rural areas and smaller towns are often lower than in Amsterdam, Rotterdam or Utrecht. Tenants can secure more square metres for the same budget.
2. Spacious Homes
   • Properties in the countryside and villages typically offer gardens, extra rooms and private parking—amenities that are scarce or expensive in city centres.
3. Quality of Life
   • Reduced noise, cleaner air and proximity to nature appeal to families, remote workers and retirees seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Although the urban core remains attractive for career opportunities, many renters are weighing these lifestyle benefits more heavily when planning a move.

Urban Exodus: Why Big Cities Lose Their Shine

Despite their cultural institutions, hospitality venues and networking opportunities, large cities are witnessing a dip in popularity:

• Noise and Crowding: Daily bustle, transport crowds and busy nightlife can become overwhelming, especially for residents working from home or raising young families.
• Rising Costs: The gap between salary growth and rent spikes has widened in Amsterdam, The Hague and Eindhoven, prompting budget-conscious tenants to look elsewhere.
• Remote Work: The increase in flexible working arrangements allows employees to live further from the office, eroding the main draw of proximity to urban workplaces.

However, big cities remain the first choice for young professionals aged 18–35: 65% of those who plan to move to a large city belong to this age group, with over half valuing access to cafes, restaurants and entertainment.

Age Differences in Moving Preferences

The Multiscope survey reveals clear generational patterns:

• 18–35 Year-Olds: More likely to move to large cities (65%), driven by social life and career prospects.
• 35–50 & 50–67 Year-Olds: Show higher intent to emigrate (15%), exploring relocation beyond the Netherlands.
• Over 67s: Only 6% consider emigration, preferring to stay within local communities or move to quieter domestic settings.

These figures suggest that life stage, career phase and family needs strongly influence relocation decisions.

Emigration Considerations

Out of the 3.8 million planning a move, 12% are seriously considering moving abroad. Of this group:

• 75% aim for destinations within Europe.
• Motivations include lower living costs, milder climates and different lifestyle experiences.

While emigration remains a minority trend, it highlights the growing fluidity of modern housing decisions in a globalised workforce.

Implications for Renters and Landlords

For renters:

• Explore smaller towns and rural communes for better value and quality of life.
• Check eligibility for huurtoeslag (housing allowance) when choosing lower-priced homes.

For landlords and woningcorporaties (social housing associations):

• Consider refurbishing properties in or near smaller towns to meet rising demand.
• Offer flexible lease terms to attract remote workers and families relocating from cities.

Municipalities (gemeente) can also adapt zoning regulations to support balanced regional development, ensuring smaller communities have adequate infrastructure and public transport.

Tips for Renters Considering a Move

• Start research early: Use platforms like Luntero to filter by location, budget and amenities.
• Visit target areas on weekdays and weekends to gauge noise levels and community life.
• Assess commute times if you still work on-site occasionally.
• Verify internet connectivity and service coverage for home offices.

By weighing these factors, you can secure a home that aligns with both your lifestyle preferences and financial plan.

Conclusion

The Dutch housing landscape is evolving as a significant share of tenants and homeowners trade city lights for tranquil surroundings. With 26% of adults planning to move in the next three years, smaller towns, villages and rural areas are set to benefit from this shift. Whether you’re drawn by affordability, space or a better work-life balance, understanding these trends is crucial for making informed relocation decisions.

Looking for your next home in the Netherlands? Visit Luntero — the easiest way to browse and secure rental listings across every corner of the country.