Moving to The Hague, The Netherlands

"Think long and hard about how you would live your life, what kind of life you really want. I chose to transition from working outside the home (US) to working at home (writer), so we wanted an urban, Dutch lifestyle. I actually enjoy wandering up to the shopping street to buy my daily groceries and run errands in the late afternoon. We use public transportation for everything except my picking up the kids from school (20 min. away) 3 days a week when they're in the middle of sports and activities (as they're in high school and have tons of homework). My husband walks to/from work, and we're able to eat meals as a family. My friends who live in the 'expat enclave' near the school 1) have no Dutch friends, 2) don't really speak any Dutch and 3) their husbands are 'ghosts' in their families - never around due to long commutes," replied a member in The Hague.

"The Hague is the third largest city in the Netherlands and is known for its international atmosphere. It is home to many international organizations, including the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. Expats should be aware that the cost of living in The Hague is higher than in other parts of the Netherlands. Additionally, the city is well-connected to other parts of the country by public transportation, making it easy to explore the rest of the Netherlands. Expats should also be aware that the weather in The Hague can be unpredictable, with cold winters and mild summers. Finally, expats should be aware that the Dutch language is widely spoken in The Hague, so it is important to learn some basic Dutch before moving to the city," commented one expat who made the move to The Hague.

"The Hague is a great city to live in, with plenty of options for housing. One of the best ways to find a place to live is to use online resources such as websites like Pararius, Funda, and Kamernet. These websites allow you to search for rental properties in The Hague and its surrounding areas. Additionally, you can also use social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to find rental properties in The Hague. Additionally, you can also contact local real estate agents who can help you find a suitable place to live. Finally, you can also look for rental properties in newspapers and magazines," said one expat who made the move to The Hague.

"We were fortunate in that my husband was here 6 months ahead of the family. He used that time wisely visiting neighborhoods and nearby towns to get the 'vibe'. He also spoke with anyone and everyone - where did they live, did they like it, did they wish they lived elsewhere, what did they wish they'd done differently. Through this we made the tough decision that we wanted an urban, Dutch experience, not 'expat suburbia' as if we were counting the days until we left. Then we honed in on the best neighborhoods within easy walk/commute, and went for best layout on a quiet street near (but not too near) good shopping and public transportation. We used a rental agency but we'd done the tough work," explained one expat living in The Hague, Netherlands.

"We rent a 'rijtjeshuie' which is basically a 3-story brick 'town house' on a quiet street in a relatively upscale neighborhood, near a popular shopping street that is a great mix of everyday requirements (good grocery store, hardware stores, drug stores, great specialty stores and also fun boutiques and upscale stuff to window shop). It's fairly typical in this part of Den Haag/The Hague, although probably a bit on the bigger side than some," said one expat in The Hague.

"Expat homes and apartments in The Hague are typically modern and spacious, with plenty of natural light. Many of the apartments are located in the city center, close to shops, restaurants, and other amenities. The Hague is known for its beautiful parks and canals, so many expats choose to live in apartments with views of the city's green spaces. The Hague is also home to a variety of international schools, making it a great choice for expats with children," remarked one expat who made the move to The Hague.

"Factoring in space/square footage, probably a little less. Depends on what you came from and where you settle here. It isn't cheap," replied a member in The Hague.

"The average cost of housing in The Hague is relatively high compared to other cities in the country. Renting an apartment in The Hague can cost anywhere from €800 to €2,000 per month, depending on the size and location of the property. Buying a house in The Hague can cost anywhere from €200,000 to €1,000,000, depending on the size and location of the property," commented one expat who made the move to The Hague.

"When deciding whether to buy or rent a home in The Hague, it is important to consider your budget, lifestyle, and long-term plans. Buying a home in The Hague can be a great investment, as the city is known for its strong real estate market. However, it is important to consider the costs associated with buying a home, such as closing costs, taxes, and maintenance. Renting a home in The Hague can be a more affordable option, and it can also provide more flexibility if you are not sure how long you will be living in the city. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in The Hague should be based on your individual needs and preferences," commented one expat who made the move to The Hague.

"When moving to The Hague, it is important to pack warm clothing, as the weather can be quite cold in the winter months. It is also a good idea to bring an umbrella, as the Netherlands is known for its rainy days. Additionally, it is important to bring a valid passport and any necessary documents for your stay. Finally, it is a good idea to bring a few items to make your new home feel more comfortable, such as pictures, books, and other personal items," explained one expat living in The Hague, The Netherlands.

"We downsized and generally packed well, but I'd say we should have brought more jeans, running shoes, voetbal cleats. (Items are much more expensive here and there is less selection.) Left at home? More of the 'stuff' that may fit in American closets (but you really don't use). I continue to weed out clothes that are too big/small/never worn. We find that we like to update our photos/paintings and artwork based on our travels, so we need to downsize some of that. (Tom Frost at Expat Alley wrote a great post about living with less because you outgrow your stuff and have new experiences.) I thought I was being ruthless but I need to be more so as closet/storage space (especially the hanging kind) is at a premium," said one expat in The Hague.

"Oh, I've committed many! And that's okay, it helps you become part of the community. Once I confused the word for greetings (groetjes) for vegetables (groentjes); another time I confused the words for 'rent' and 'prostitute'. Definitely be willing to laugh at yourself," remarked one expat who made the move to The Hague.

"It is important to be aware of cultural norms when visiting The Hague. It is considered impolite to be late for appointments or social engagements, so it is important to arrive on time. It is also important to dress appropriately for the occasion, as dressing too casually or too formally can be seen as disrespectful. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the Dutch custom of taking off one's shoes when entering someone's home, and to respect the Dutch custom of not discussing religion or politics in public. Finally, it is important to be aware of the Dutch custom of not tipping in restaurants, as this is seen as an insult," explained one expat living in The Hague, The Netherlands.

"The Hague is an attractive destination for expats due to its vibrant culture, excellent quality of life, and proximity to other major cities in the Netherlands. The city is known for its beautiful parks, canals, and beaches, as well as its rich history and culture. The Hague is also home to a number of international organizations, making it an ideal place for expats to work and live. Additionally, the city offers a wide range of housing options, from modern apartments to traditional Dutch homes, making it easy for expats to find a place to call home. Finally, The Hague is well-connected to other cities in the Netherlands and Europe, making it easy to explore the region," offered one expat living in The Hague.

"The Hague is home to a wide range of healthcare services, including general practitioners, specialists, hospitals, and pharmacies. The city is served by several hospitals, including the HagaZiekenhuis, the largest hospital in the region, and the Reinier de Graaf Groep, which specializes in mental health and addiction services. The city also has a number of specialized clinics, such as the Erasmus Medical Center, which focuses on cancer treatment, and the Leiden University Medical Center, which specializes in cardiology and neurology. Additionally, The Hague is home to a number of pharmacies, providing access to prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs," offered one expat living in The Hague.

"The Hague offers a wide range of medical services for its residents. The city has a number of hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide quality care and treatment. The city also has a number of specialized medical centers that offer specialized care for specific medical conditions. Additionally, The Hague has a number of pharmacies and health stores that provide a variety of medications and health products. The city also has a number of medical professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, who are available to provide medical advice and treatment," said one expat living in The Hague, The Netherlands.