Why Expats Love Living in Almere & Lelystad. A Family-Friendly Guide
Thinking of moving to the Netherlands with your family? If you’re looking for more space, a supportive international community, and easy access to Amsterdam, then Almere and Lelystad in Flevoland might just be your dream destinations. This guide covers everything expat families need to know from housing costs to schools, safety, transport, and lifestyle.
Modern, Spacious Cities Built for Families
Almere and Lelystad are unique cities built on reclaimed land, showcasing world class Dutch urban planning. These aren't cramped, historical towns, they’re designed with space in mind. Think wide streets, modern architecture, green zones, and homes with actual backyards!
Expats enjoy:
Larger living spaces at affordable prices
Contemporary homes with gardens and parking
Smart city layouts with playgrounds, bike lanes, and parks woven into the neighborhoods
These cities are still growing, with Almere now over 220,000 residents strong, making it one of the fastest growing areas in the country.
Top Family-Friendly Features
Flevoland is a haven for families. Both Almere and Lelystad have:
Speelbuurten (play neighborhoods) closed to cars
Safe bike routes connecting schools, homes, and parks
Dozens of playgrounds and outdoor fitness zones
Beaches within 10 minutes' biking (like Almeerderstrand)
Forests like Almeerderhout and nature reserves like Oostvaardersplassen nearby
In Lelystad, you'll love the green parks like Zuigerplasbos, perfect for spotting deer, walking, or lakeside picnics.
Schools, Childcare & Community
Almere features nearly 100 primary schools and 17 secondary schools, many with bilingual or international curricula. The International Primary School Almere follows the IB curriculum, ideal for English speaking expat families.
Even Lelystad residents can enroll their children in Almere’s international schools, thanks to the short commute.
Beyond academics, kids can join:
Music academies
Sports clubs
After-school programs and community centers
And for parents? Active Facebook groups like Family Expats in Almere and expat networks such as International Almere offer advice, meetups, and peer support.
Easy Commuting to Amsterdam
You don’t have to give up your career in the capital. Here’s how close you are:
Almere to Amsterdam Centraal: ~20–25 mins by train
Lelystad to Amsterdam: ~35–40 mins
Direct trains to Schiphol Airport from Almere (~30 mins)
Excellent bus links and A6 motorway access
Over 440 km of bike paths just in Almere!
The infrastructure is built for convenience, and both cities offer better parking than Amsterdam, often with private driveways.
Affordable Housing & Rentals
Tired of Amsterdam’s sky high rent? Almere and Lelystad offer more space for less. Here’s a breakdown (2025 average prices):
Almere apartments (1–2 beds): €1,100–€1,600/month
Almere family homes (3+ beds): €1,500–€2,500+
Lelystad houses: €1,200–€1,800
Studios in Almere/Lelystad: €700–€1,100
Shared housing options: from €400/month
You’ll find modern high-rises, townhouses, and even waterfront villas. Almere Poort is trendy and close to the beach, while Lelystad offers quieter, suburban charm at an even better value.
Expat-Friendly Environment
Roughly 25% of Almere’s population is international. English is widely spoken, and services are often tailored to expats. Almere even offers a dedicated International Welcome Center, where you can handle paperwork, registration, and get community info—all in English.
While Lelystad is quieter, it taps into Almere’s expat network. Both cities host events, markets, and activities that make newcomers feel at home.
Outdoor Fun & Local Lifestyle
Weekend boredom? Not here.
Go sailing, kitesurfing, or beach-hopping
Take forest hikes or wildlife walks in Oostvaardersplassen
Visit Batavia Stad outlet or the Batavia ship replica
Explore Lelystad’s aviation museum or Almere’s cultural KAF theater
Hit up outdoor cafés, food festivals, or family marathons
Whether it’s cycling with your kids or grabbing a fresh stroopwafel at the market, life here feels balanced and stress free.
Making the Right Choice
Choose Almere if you want:
Shorter commute
International schools
City-style infrastructure
Choose Lelystad if you prefer:
Nature first lifestyle
Even lower housing costs
A quieter, tight knit vibe
Either way, you get a community where you can thrive—not just survive.
Final Thoughts: Planting New Roots in Flevoland
Relocating as a family is no small feat but Almere and Lelystad make it easier. From spacious homes to top notch schools and a lifestyle full of green space and fresh air, Flevoland offers everything expat families need to feel at home.
And the best part? Amsterdam is just around the corner whenever you need a big-city buzz.
