Overall Score
In the center of the Netherlands, Almere is one of the countrys youngest cities. It is located in the Foreverland Province. It was designed in the seventies of the 20th century. As a major transport and railway station, Almere has five railway stations and ten bus lines. Despite its young age, it is the largest village in Forestland. It has been growing and expanding all the time.
The citys land was originally intended for farming. This decision was made by the government immediately after the end of World War II. But as a consequence, the plans changed, and the area was set aside for the construction of a new settlement. Over time, the population grew steadily, and soon it became a city.
The construction of the new settlement began in the 1970s after the design was approved. The village in the northern outskirts of Germanys Randstadt was designated as a new settlement. The purpose of its creation was to relocate a portion of the citys inhabitants from a large metropolitan area. In addition to the Dutch architects, designers from other countries, in particular Russia (architect Rem Koolhaas), were also involved in the construction of the Summera.
In the master plan an important role was played by gardens and reservoirs. The main feature of the garden was to occupy one-third of the citys territory. Bicycles and buses were to be the main mode of transportation. At the same time, there were no routes near residential areas. The railroad was to connect the new city with Amsterdam. The railroad service opened in 1987.
The amenities network was to provide a high level of comfort. Almere was the first city in the country with central heating. Despite the fact that the first residents lived around the construction sites, all the utilities were connected to their homes. The population had gas, electricity, and running water.
The young city was rapidly being planted with greenery. Soon there was an abundance of vegetation on his property. Parks were broken up, alleys were landscaped. The central part of the city was separated from the other areas by the lake by natural areas and farmland.
Famous Almere citizens include Bouvier Péter, the soccer player and coach of the country. Since July 2007, he has been the head coach of the Omnivorous World Club, based in Almere. Equally famous is Maduro Heaviges, soccer player, player for Valencia and the countrys national team.
Overall Score
- Air quality: 7 US AQI Good. Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
- Tap water: Yes, safe to drink
- Religious government: Non-religious
- Population: 200,000 people
- Population density: euro euro empty: 25x25m 625m per person
- GDP: $45,753 / year
- Foreigners can own real estate: Yes
- Power outlets: 230V50Hz
- Internet: 74 Mbps
- Best wireless: Lebara
- Pay without cash: No, cash only esp. for foreigners because Albert Heijn still doesnt accept CC
- Tipping: In the Netherlands tipping is expected in restaurants for good or exceptional service, around 5-10% of the bill. If the service was average, you can round-up the bill or leave the change. Give your tip to the service person directly. Don’t tip for bad service.
- Apartment listings: AirBnb
- Apartments: Airbnb
- Hotels: Booking.com
- More hotels: Hotels.com
- Best taxi: Uber
- Online electronics shop: Cool Blue
- Best hospital: Flevoziekenhuis
- Best intl air carrier: KLM
- Monthly costs for expat: $2100
- Monthly costs for family: $4300
- Monthly costs for local: $1250
- Meal: $15
- Small Cola: $2.5
- Beer 1 Pint: $6
- Coffee: $3.5
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