Cities and neighbourhoods

Utrecht has the youngest population of any Dutch city and offers an inspiring environment that is both vibrant and creative. It is the fastest growing city in the Netherlands and the healthiest. According to the United Nations, Utrecht is also one of the happiest cities in the world.

Nestling in the geographic heart of the Netherlands, Amersfoort is Utrecht Region’s second largest city and is only 15 minutes from Utrecht by train. Founded more than 800 years ago, Amersfoort is a modern, pleasant city with a photogenic historic centre.

Set within the characteristic Dutch polder landscape, Abcoude is located just outside of Amsterdam and affords magnificent cycling and hiking opportunities. A charming town with many lovely historic houses and characteristic buildings.

Just outside the city of Utrecht lies the beautiful town of Bunnik with a history that goes back 2,000 years. The town is part of a lively area that offers tranquillity and lots of expansive greenery. Bunnik has consistently topped the list of Utrecht Region’s most liveable locations.

Conveniently located close to Utrecht city centre and Utrecht Science Park, De Bilt is ideal for recreation and getting lost in nature. Along with the greenery, forests, parks and meadows, there is a great variety of shops, restaurants, schools and various other amenities.

Houten is a fascinating new community but with roots planted firmly in the past. The green surroundings and waterways offer a healthy and pleasant environment and blend nicely with the unique urban infrastructure which pays ample attention to the needs of cyclists and pedestrians. Houten is also a popular business destination due to its location in the centre of the Netherlands.

Nieuwegein is close to Utrecht and affords excellent access to the countryside. The city offers affordable housing and possesses a robust economy. The municipality came into its own from the 1970s onwards as it rapidly began to develop to meet the increasing demand for family housing near Utrecht. As a result, Nieuwegein is at its core a young and thriving city.

Oudewater is the oldest city of the ‘green heart’ of Holland. The small city has a historical centre, beautiful surrounding nature, and a modern, lively community. The municipality of Oudewater has 10.000 residents, living in Oudewater itself and in surrounding villages and is centrally located in the Randstad and the Netherlands. 

Stichtse Vecht lies between Amsterdam and Utrecht. Due to its green character, picturesque villages and the many 17^th- and 18^th-century historic buildings situated along the river Vecht, the municipality is nicknamed ‘Pearl at the Vecht’.

Veenendaal lies between Utrecht and Arnhem and nestles on the edge of the extensive forests of Utrechtse Heuvelrug. Veenendaal (veen means peat) takes its name from the local peat. During the 16^th century, peat was the most important source of fuel and Veenendaal was established as a peat colony.

Woerden is the capital of the ‘green heart’ of Holland. A beating heart, where city and countryside meet, where cows graze and cheese is made. A place where a city that is both historic and contemporary can be found nestling gently in a unique, expansive countryside.

The beautiful town of Zeist and its surroundings are characterised by greenery, lakes, canals and other water features. Zeist is close to the A12 and A28 motorways and Driebergen-Zeist railway station, which offers direct connections to Utrecht Central Station and Amsterdam Zuid.