Why Amsterdam Continues to Attract Millions Despite Its High Costs
Amsterdam, a city that often comes across as overly expensive and overcrowded, remains a coveted destination despite its high costs. From the influx of students and expatriates to its unique education system, this article explores the underlying factors contributing to Amsterdam's enduring appeal. We'll break down the reasons why the city, known for its high rents, continues to draw people from across Europe.
The Unique Attraction of Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a city that requires a thick wallet to navigate. Rent is high, governmental regulations abound, and communication can often feel like a challenge to some. The city is overcrowded, the waterfront smells of overflowed waste, and there are allegedly red-hot brothels rolling around. Add to this the excessive taxes that have left cycling as a form of daily transportation, and it can be quite the challenge. However, despite these challenges, the city remains a magnet for people from both within and outside of Europe.
Key Factors Contributing to Amsterdam's Popularity
Several unique factors contribute to the city's enduring appeal, one of which is its anglophilia and the domination of the English language in education. Dutch universities have embraced English as the primary language, making it easier for international students to enroll and study. This has created a surge in the student population, attracting wealthy families from Lisbon to Helsinki who can afford the high rents.
Dutch Anglofetishism and the Student Market
Dutch universities have eradicated their own language in favor of English, which has led to a large variety of studies in English. This anglophilia has attracted a significant number of students from all over Europe, including the children of wealthy parents. Such students can afford the high rent, contributing to the city's expensive real estate market. Moreover, expatriates with high salaries find the 30 ruling, a Dutch tax rule, extremely attractive. Under this, individuals earning above 75,000€ per year pay less taxes than a regular engineer, making it easier for them to save and invest in the city's property market.
Buildings, Taxes, and Housing Shortages
Another factor is the severe housing shortage. Due to strict environmental laws and continuous protests against new constructions, the number of new buildings in Amsterdam is at a historical low. This situation is compounded by the populace's preference for maintaining the historic appearance of the city, which further limits the amount of new housing available. As a result, new residents are constantly arriving, contributing to a high demand for housing, driving up prices.
The Amsterdam Mentality
Lastly, the city's attitude and the pride associated with living in Amsterdam cannot be overlooked. There is a sense of local pride that can often manifest as an "I am from Amsterdam" attitude. This pride can encourage people to overbid for housing, especially expatriates and natives alike. Despite the availability of more affordable housing options in satellite cities like Hilversum, Haarlem, and Purmerend, the pride attached to living in Amsterdam often makes people overlook the better options.
While Amsterdam presents significant challenges, its unique blend of factors continues to make it an attractive destination. Whether for the education system, the lifestyle, or the pride associated with living there, the city remains a beacon for many.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Amsterdam's enduring popularity is largely due to its unique combination of factors. From its anglofetishism, the dearth of new constructions, and the strong sense of pride, the city continues to draw millions despite its reputation for being expensive. Understanding these aspects can help potential residents, visitors, and newcomers make better-informed decisions about living in this vibrant and complex metropolis.