ive always loved both but i cant decide whether to live in the netherlands or flanders (dutch part of belgium) which one is cheaper for a house, cost of living and taxation? and which one would be best for my children to go to school and medical facilities? i know both are beautiful but which one is nicer for expat? i only speak english and would like to learn dutch but which one is better for a beginner to start learning?
Netherlands - 4 Answers
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1 :
Much dutch children go to school in Belgium for the discipline. The best way to learn Dutch: find a boy- or girl friend.
2 :
Flanders. Less crowded so houses are more affordable. School system is way better. Quality of medical care is about equal but waiting lists tend to be much shorter.
3 :
Where can you get work easily based on your education, skills, experience etc - that would be my predominent deciding factor I guess. Both countries have their fair share of expats and they tend to congregate around where the International companies and organisations are based e.g. Den Haag (Hague), Amsterdam & Brussels. Although Leiden & Antwerp also house a lot of expats who communite as well. Within easy communting distance then I would agree that you would be able to get accomodation cheaper on a euro-by-euro basis in Belgium. Healthwise there is not a lot of difference although indeed waiting times are lower in Belgium e.g. I had to have a tumour removed and was not prepared to wait the length of time here (Netherlands) to even begin the consultation process and fortunately due to International medical insurance (husband's job has a great family policy which is better than the Dutch one offered me through work) I was able to literally call, visit Leuven University hospital the next week and then have the operation the following week after. Cost of living is a tricky one for me to assess. I also used to work down the South of the Netherlands (Roosendaal, Bergen op Zoom and there were expats working for the International office there. They choose to live in Antwerp for the cost of houses and amenities available, but did their shopping in the Netherlands. What I would do is to have a look around on the job sites, see what is available for you, which locations etc seem to pop up. Then come over to both for a long weekend, talk to locals, check out the housing situation etc and try to get a feel (beyond being a tourist) for the respective areas and then you can make a comparison for yourself because of course most of the decision is based on subjective logic as well as the sensibililties of costs etc.
4 :
I think it's cheaper in Flanders than the Netherlands. To learn Dutch, you'll be good in both since you'll learn in an institution, or even from people in the street, doesn't matter. However people in Belgium speak Flemish, which is basically Dutch, but a tiny bit different, lol.
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