Living in the City of The Hague
For those seeking city life, The Hague offers everything you’d expect to find. From bustling shopping streets and historic landmarks to cultural activities and nightlife, the city of The Hague has it all. And as the only major Dutch city located next to the coast, The Hague provides its residents with a unique offering – easy access to both a downtown area and the beach. The city also hosts the headquarters of numerous international companies. This makes it an attractive location for internationals relocating to the Netherlands for career opportunities.
Everyday Life
With a population of over half a million people, The Hague has attracted residents from all over the Netherlands and from the rest of the world. With many activities, events, and facilities to be found, The Hague offers the excitement and convenience you’d expect from any major metropolitan area. Yet, unlike other major Dutch cities, such as Amsterdam or Rotterdam, The Hague offers a greener and more tranquil way of life. Although it’s densely populated, The Hague has a range of natural areas where residents can go to relax. The city also boasts 11 kilometres of coastline and multiple beaches.
Made up of eight districts (Loosduinen, Escamp, Segbroek, Scheveningen, Centrum, Laak, Haagse Hout, and Leidschenveen-Ypenburg), The Hague offers a variety of housing options. From compact apartments in the city centre to traditional canal houses and family homes by the beach, there are many options to choose from. Families, professionals, locals, and internationals have all found a place in this diverse and welcoming global city.
Working and Education
The Hague is a central business hub for many international companies. As such, there are lots of job opportunities in the city. In Centrum, for example, you can find the headquarters of many global businesses. Many people who both live and work in the city enjoy a great work-life balance. This is due to the Netherlands’ relaxed work culture and easy commuting options to surrounding neighbourhoods, towns, and cities.
For education, The Hague is also well equipped. Within the city’s districts are a wide variety of schooling options, including daycare centres, primary, and secondary schools (both Dutch and international). The Hague also offers a broad choice of higher education programmes. Institutions such as Leiden University’s Campus The Hague, EPA TU Delft Campus The Hague, and The Hague University of Applied Sciences, are joined by many others in the region.
Healthcare
Keeping fit and healthy is made easier in The Hague due to its high concentration of medical centres and facilities. From local general practitioners to specialised care, all can be found (and easily accessed) from any of the city’s districts. And for hospital treatment, The Hague population can access Haaglanden Medisch Centrum (HMC) or take a short trip to Leiden for the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC).
Transport Links
As one of the country’s largest cities, The Hague is exceptionally well connected to other parts of the Netherlands. A wide public transport network means that it’s easy to get from A to B within the city and to other parts of the Netherlands. Travelling by car is also convenient with several motorways connecting the city to other regions.
Local Contact
City Hall: Spui 70, 2511BT The Hague
Find out more about the city’s diverse neighbourhoods and the surrounding cities in The Hague region. Looking to relocate? Learn how to find housing and work in the local area.