The best places to live in Eindhoven
Eindhoven is a compact and walkable city, with most places within a short stroll or a trip away using 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, the city has something for people from all walks.
Here are some of the most popular expat areas in 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 charming cafés. TU-terrein is home to the Eindhoven University of Technology, meaning it draws in plenty of students.
The city centre is a great place for young professionals and students, with apartments being the most common form of housing. 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 the St. Catherine’s Church. The railway station is also within walking distance. The only catch? Residents will pay a premium for property within the city limits.
Strijp-S
Previously an industrial park owned by electronics giant Philips, Strijp-S has attracted plenty of young people in recent years. This neighbourhood has become a creative hub, home to great living spaces and design companies that continue to drive innovation in the city.
Strijp-S is known for its hipster vibe and former factories, which have transformed into trendy cafés and shops. Housing prices have increased over the years, though, and given its proximity to Eindhoven’s city centre, the accommodation here may not suit everyone’s budget.
Northern districts of Eindhoven
Woensel
Located just north of the city centre, Woensel 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 with plenty of vintage clothing stores and great restaurants. Expats can save by looking for housing here, just outside 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 the excellent public transport links.
Further reading
►For more on finding housing, see Accommodation in Eindhoven
►Check out the Cost of Living in Eindhoven for help on budgeting
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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