Explore represented Emmen areas and specialist research routes before narrowing your search to individual homes
Emmen's living guide provides an organised starting point for people preparing a move and wanting to understand local context first. Browse available areas alongside local guides, platform research, market information and environmental resources. Each route is distinct from a home search, so use the dedicated Emmen rental destination when you are ready to look for homes.
A vibrant city known for its unique urban planning and rich history.
Emmen, located in the Dutch province of Drenthe, is a dynamic city that serves as a central hub in the Zuidenveld region. Its distinctive urban layout, often referred to as the 'open, green city', showcases a commitment to preserving the surrounding landscape. New residential areas are thoughtfully developed at a distance from the city center, allowing for the conservation of valuable natural spaces. Emmen is affectionately nicknamed 'Vlinderstad', or Butterfly City, a nod to its historical connection with the former Noorder Dierenpark, which has now evolved into the Wildlands Adventure Zoo Emmen. This transformation reflects the city’s ongoing dedication to blending urban life with nature, making it an attractive destination for families and nature lovers alike.
The history of Emmen dates back to ancient times, with evidence of human habitation stretching back over 5,000 years. Originally an esdorp, or village on a sandy ridge, Emmen began to flourish with the cultivation of surrounding peat bogs in the early 19th century. Pioneers settled in the area, cultivating buckwheat and contributing to the city’s growth. Despite facing challenges, including the decline of peat extraction and economic hardship, Emmen has continually evolved. The opening of the Noorder Dierenpark in 1935 marked a significant milestone, establishing the city as a center for tourism and leisure. Today, Emmen is not only a place of historical significance but also a vibrant community with modern amenities, making it a great place to live and visit.
Ordered by how many homes are currently advertised rather than alphabetically, so the areas where something actually comes up are the ones you see first. Open a district to read its neighbourhoods.
Knowing a city is served by a handful of platforms rather than dozens changes how you plan a search. These are the services that publish homes here.
The measured side of the city, each reading kept where it belongs so the figures come with their own methodology rather than a headline out of context.
Browse Emmen's represented local guides and area routes first, then use the dedicated rental page when you are ready to search for a home.
