Almere

Almere was only founded in the seventies 19th. century after draining a part of the IJsselmeer. It nowadays counts 190.000 inhabitants. It is the fastest growing city in the Netherlands and therefore it is now Hollands 7th. biggest city.

The new modern, experimental way of building is not very much appreciated and because of that most people in Holland do not like the city. Although there is loads of space and green spots to find, this image is hard to change.

We have lived in Almere Haven with the Wirjoredjo family. We hired their topfloor and lived there for 8 months.
We got to know the city quite well and now we can actually understand the reason of this bad image of Almere. For young people there is just not much to do but going to the cinema. Amsterdam is only 25 km. away but a real threshold. For families it is maybe different. As said, there is space even in residential areas, many parks to find and the beach is not far away...great for kids and their parents...

This all said we think it is a good place to live for families, but we were happy when we finally could change Almere for Amsterdam... 

Some impressions...