Living in Amsterdam views.

Cwbguy · 31-12-2014, 12:13 PM

Would love to hear any views, good or bad, about living in Amsterdam.

Good side seems to be affordable property, compared to London, easy to get around, some nice markets, a few hours away from London, decent restaurants and providing the seedier area is avoided, pretty safe.

Heard bureaucracy can be a bit of a pita, what are the other downsides?

vmlinuz · 31-12-2014, 12:15 PM

Apparently they take kids away from their parents if they're found chalking flowers on a government-owned wall...

Claire ex-ax · 31-12-2014, 12:20 PM

You have to learn Dutch.

Trebor · 31-12-2014, 12:25 PM

Good window shopping but keep off the grass.

Hurtmesome · 31-12-2014, 12:30 PM

Originally Posted by vmlinuz:

Apparently they take kids away from their parents if they're found chalking flowers on a government-owned wall...

Perhaps you have to learn how to read first linuz. It's not what I said, but maybe you have difficulty understanding. Although a woman was arrested during a memorial for having a silent protest (holding a sign) and some black people also during the arrival of st. Nicholas. I'll look up the links. One moment.
@Cwbguy, plus sides. It's has a town feeling. You can use your bicycle most of the time and not use public at all. (Dutch ppl use bicycle in any weather). Rent is indeed cheaper compared to London but not cheap for expats. Decent restaurants, but I must honestly say that overall quality of restaurants in Rotterdam is better. (lower rents over there). The canals are really nice during summer (whole of Jordaan actually), I believe I told you before. Reasonably safe place.
Not so nice is: tax will kill you. Stay clear from Damrak/red light district. Bureaucracy is ok, I've had worse in USA/UK. Luck of the draw I guess.
Their are worse places then NL I can only say, but yea....tax will kill you