The best places to live in Eindhoven
Eindhoven is a compact city and most places are within walking distance or just a short trip away on public transport. Expats will find a range of areas and suburbs in Eindhoven to suit both their lifestyle and budget, from modern inner-city living to quaint, suburban communities on the outskirts of the city.
Here are some of the most popular expat areas of Eindhoven.
Central areas in Eindhoven
Centrum
Centrum is the heart of Eindhoven, a commercial and largely pedestrianised city centre. It consists of several districts including Bergen, Binnenstad, Fellenoord and TU-terrein. Bergen is one of Eindhoven's oldest districts and is home to antique stores and quaint cafes. TU-terrein is home to the Eindhoven University of Technology, which means it draws plenty of students.
The city centre is a great place for young professionals and students, with apartments being the most common form of housing in this area. Many old factories and office blocks have been repurposed into luxury serviced apartments and add a modern, stylish feel to central Eindhoven.
Expats living here will have access to plenty of amenities, including shops and restaurants, as well as top museums and St. Catharine’s Church. The train station is also within walking distance. The catch: residents will pay a premium for property within the city limits.
Strijp-S
Previously an industrial park owned by electronics giant Philips, this neighbourhood has attracted plenty of young people in recent years. Strijp-S has become a creative hub, home to great living spaces and design companies which continue to drive innovation in the city.
Strijp-S is known for its hipster vibe and former factories which have transformed into trendy cafes and shops. Housing prices have increased over the years though, and given its proximity to Eindhoven’s city centre, accommodation may not suit everyone’s budget.
Northern districts of Eindhoven
Woensel
Woensel, located just north of the city centre, is a largely residential area with tree-lined streets. Previously a separate town, Woensel is now integrated with the city of Eindhoven. Accommodation is available in a variety of forms ranging from apartments to terraced houses.
Woensel-Zuid
Woensel-Zuid is home to some of Eindhoven's most affordable accommodation. Groenevoud, a neighbourhood of Woensel-Zuid, is an up-and-coming area where vintage clothing stores and great restaurants can be found. Expats can save by looking for housing here, just outside of the city centre, and cycling or catching the bus to work.
Towns and villages surrounding Eindhoven
Smaller villages and towns surrounding Eindhoven are popular with expats, especially families with children. There is a range of options in these family-friendly areas from tiny apartments to elegant freestanding homes.
Popular villages and towns include Son, Breugel, Best, Nuenen and Veldhoven. These are all green and leafy suburban areas, offering a wonderful place to raise a family, while still being close enough to the city thanks to easy access via public transport.
Further reading
►For more on finding housing see Accommodation in Eindhoven
►Check out the Cost of Living in Eindhoven for help planning a budget
Photo credits: Eindhoven Centraal and Eindhoven, both by Vishall Helm, sourced from Unsplash. Watermill at Opwetten, Nuenen by Wammes Waggel, sourced from Wikimedia Commons.
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