Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam was named in the 13th century after a dam was built in the Amstel River. In the 17th century, the city saw rapid development starting with digging canals in 1613. Later that century, the Spanish conquested Antwerp in 1685, leading to Amsterdam becoming one of the richest world cities at this time. This led to rapid population growth, which continued for the next century-and-a-half. While the Netherlands was not directly involved in wars, it was a place with religious acceptance for all backgrounds while Spain, Austria-Hungary, Germany, and other European nations were at war. Religious groups in Amsterdam and the Netherlands consisted of Roman Catholicists, Huguenots (French residents practicing Christianity), and Jews. Religious freedom was big in Amsterdam around this time.

Relating to wealth and economics, Amsterdam became wealthy because of the Dutch East India, Dutch West India, and other economic trading companies in the 17th century. This time was referred to as the Golden Age in Amsterdam due to trading and gaining wealth. The city would continue to gain wealth and respect for two-hundred-plus years.

This all changed on May 10, 1940, at the beginning of World War II when Germany invaded the Netherlands; this caused starvation and the deportation of Jews to Internment Camps. Amsterdam lost ten percent of its residents during the war. Following the war, new suburbs and cities were built near Amsterdam to accommodate the growing population and migrants from African countries coming north. The primary language is Dutch, and the nation's currency is the Euro; one Euro equals $1.13 USD.

Location

Job Opportunities

From finance to clothing and textiles to aerospace, Amsterdam is full of opportunities. Amsterdam is where the largest data transport hub in the world is located, making it one of the best digital infrastructures in Europe. With its large infrastructure, there are an abundance of marketing, financial, and information technology related occupations. One well-known company is FinTech Hub (financial technology hub), which provides financial services to residents and offers both business and IT jobs. In fashion, Amsterdam is known as the "Denim Capital of the World." Jobs in fashion include manufacturing for the world's best-known jeans (Levi's and Diesel), in addition to other clothing. In the aerospace world, Amsterdam's Airport Schiphol is home to aeronautics training. Companies including Bombadier and Mitsubishi have set up training and other operation at Amsterdam's airport. One other common job area is the food industry, with Amsterdam exporting a variety of foods worldwide; food companies include Cargill and Heineken. From its technology and finance to textiles to aeronautical work, Amsterdam's location makes it a prime city for employment.

Cost of Living

Residential options in Amsterdam range from living in the city center to true residential neighborhoods to living along the canal. Downtown one-bedroom units average 1,530 euros ($1,765 USD) monthly, while those outside the city fall around 1,240 euros ($1,433 USD). For larger apartment rental options, three-bedroom units cost around 2,650 euros ($3,060 USD) in the city center and 2,000 euros ($2,300 USD) in more suburban locations.

Basic utilities for an apartment average around 165 euros ($190 USD) per month, which include electricity, running water, and heating and cooling. Other expenses, including data and internet usage, average around 47 euros ($54 USD) per month. Commuting by car involves gas costs around 6.50 euros ($7.50 USD) per gallon. Cars are also more on the expensive side, with smaller brand-new cars starting around 25,900 euros ($29,900 USD).

Transportation

One common transport method is the Amsterdam tram. Starting at the City Center station, the tram branches out to the east and west neighborhoods of Zagreb. The city also offers the Metro, which runs underground and is the quickest way to get from the city to suburbs. One must have an OV-Chipkaart (public transit card) to check in or out at each station. Amsterdam offers bus lines that, similar to the Metro, extend from downtown to east and west suburbs. The bus lines also pass local beaches and historic areas. The OV-Chipkaart is used on all lines; this can be purchased for hours, days, or a month-long period.

The Amsterdam ferry routes are also convenient, travelling between the city center and attractions via canals. The ride is free with this service, and rides range from going across a channel in Amsterdam Noord to travelling to the outskirts of town.

Recreation

Sports are very popular in Amsterdam, both casually and competitively. Soccer is well-known, both professionally in the World Cup and leisurely. Other common sports include baseball, roller derby, and dragon boating. Amsterdam also offers river canal rides, where groups can rent boats and enjoy a nice evening with a dinner cruise.

There are plenty of historical museums and scenic gardens around Amsterdam. Notable places of interest include the Anne Frank House, a historical museum surrounding World War II and the Holocaust; the Rijksmuseum, a collection of historic European artwork; and the Van Gogh museum, the world's largest Van Gogh collection of art. There are gardens throughout Amsterdam, some with spinning windmills and others full of tulips. Amsterdam offers great recreation, ranging from soccer and dragon boat racing to exploring historical landmarks and gardens.

Climate

The climate of Amsterdam is influenced by both the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in somewhat cold winters and cool summers. During the Summer, Amsterdam's warmest season, highs range from the mid 60s to mid 70s (18 to 23 degrees Celsius) with lows around the mid 50s (9 to 13 degrees Celsius). Winter months are cold, but not freezing, with highs around the mid 40s to low 50s (6 to 10 degrees Celsius) and lows averaging in the mid 30s (1 to 3 degrees Celsius). Precipitation, in the form of rain, is somewhat consistent year-round; the most rainfall is between June and January, with 2.5 to 3.5 inches monthly. Between February and May, rainfall averages between 1 and 2 inches per month.