In Rotterdam, there are 13 municipal districts and 62 neighborhoods. The river Nieuwe Maas divides Rotterdam into two parts – Rotterdam noord and Rotterdam zuid. The city center / commercial center lies on the northern bank of the Nieuwe Maas, in the eastern part of Rotterdam. The northern part of Rotterdam (Rotterdam noord) is connected to the southern part (Rotterdam zuid) by tunnels and bridges (for instance the eye-catching Erasmusbrug or the Maastunnel). There are several nice neighborhoods south of the city in Rotterdam zuid. The old historical / maritime district is in Delfshaven, slightly west of the city center.

Depending on your housing budget, you can choose to live in converted docks / warehouses that have been converted into hip and contemporary residences, or right in the city center in a high-rise serviced apartment or penthouse, or in the newly developed neighborhoods outside the city center that consist mainly of newly-built single properties (ideal for families). Expatriates can choose to rent a furnished or unfurnished property. Kop van Zuid and Kralingen are popular with single expatriates for its up-market housing options. Part of the attraction of Kop van Zuid is that the housing options are converted docks / warehouses. Hilegersberg and Schiebroek, are leafy suburbs north east of Rotterdam city. These two neighborhoods are popular with expatriate and local families alike due to its proximity to the city center and its lush “countryside" feel. International schools are located nearby. A large shopping center, the Alexandrium, is also located nearby. Not all rented property in Rotterdam is exclusively priced. In part due to its large population of international students in Rotterdam, it is possible to secure affordable rents in certain areas (e.g. Schiedam)

Expatriates interested to purchase a property in Rotterdam may wish to check out the City Information Center (located at Coolsingel 197) that offers useful information about housing and urban developments in Rotterdam. The center is managed by the Planning and Housing Department. If you are considering a purchase in Rotterdam, it is a good idea to engage the assistance of a realtor or housing agent ('makelaar') to help you with the transaction. For a list of housing agents specializing in properties in and around Rotterdam, click here.