Rotterdam: your gateway to vibrant expat living

Why we love Rotterdam

Rotterdam is often referred to as the "Resurrection City" of The Netherlands. Since Rotterdam was bombed during World War II, our city faced the task of rebuilding from the ashes. However, Rotterdam didn't merely rebuild; it reinvented itself.

In the post-war era, Rotterdam embraced modern architecture and innovative urban planning. The skyline showcases modern designs and structures that symbolize Rotterdam's amazing spirit of renewal. Today, the city’s slogan is “Rotterdam, make it happen”.  Its diverse cultural scene, bustling port and contemporary charm make Rotterdam a captivating destination for locals, expats and visitors. The label "Resurrection City" not only commemorates its past but also celebrates the vibrant, thriving metropolis that has emerged from adversity.

Why Rotterdam is a true expat city

Rotterdam, a city known for its bold skyline and cultural dynamism, emerges as a top choice for expatriates seeking a distinctive living experience. Here's why Rotterdam, with its modern charm and diverse offerings, is the perfect destination for expats looking to call our city home.

1.     Thriving Job Market

As a major economic hub, Rotterdam provides expats with a lot of career opportunities. The bustling port, one of Europe's largest, fuels a thriving job market. This is particularly in logistics, shipping, and trade. The city also hosts numerous international companies, adding to its economic appeal. The worldwide orientation of our port and international companies make the English language very common, which is an asset for expats.

2.     Cultural Diversity

Experience a true melting pot of cultures in Rotterdam. The city's multicultural vibe is evident in its diverse culinary scene, international events, and festivals. These events bring people from all over the world  together, creating an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.

3.     Quality of life

Consistently ranking high in global quality of life indicators, Rotterdam offers a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. The city's commitment to sustainability, green spaces, and efficient public services ensures residents enjoy a high standard of living with easy access to recreational areas.

4.     International schools

For expat families, Rotterdam offers top-notch international schools. These institutions follow globally recognized methods, providing expat children with a seamless educational transition. Rotterdam's dedication to education is evident in its diverse range of high-quality schooling options. In the main international rankings, Erasmus University Rotterdam is even ranked in the top 3% of the best universities in the world.

5.     Transportation hub

Rotterdam's strategic location and good transportation infrastructure make it an ideal travel hub within Europe. The central train station connects to major Dutch and other European cities. Also, Rotterdam has its own airport, Rotterdam The Hague Airport. It serves as an international airport with both scheduled and charter flights. Only half an hour train ride away you’ll find Schiphol Airport, offering endless aviation possibilities!

6.     Cultural scene

Immerse yourself in Rotterdam's vibrant cultural scene. From museums and theaters to galleries, the city provides expats with a constant source of artistic and cultural entertainment.

7.     Diverse architecture

Rotterdam's post-war reconstruction has given the city a skyline that is a masterpiece itself. The cityscape is filled with architectural structures like the Cube Houses, Markthal and the iconic Erasmus Bridge, creating a skyline that sets Rotterdam apart.

8.     Community engagement

Integrating into the local community is often considered quite easy in Rotterdam. The city actively promotes community engagement through events and initiatives. Since Rotterdam has been rich in diverse cultures and languages for a long time, most people speak English very well. This makes blending in Rotterdam easier than in other cities.

What about housing?

Since Rotterdam is such a popular city, both nationally and internationally, finding a good and suitable home can be a challenge. It’s a well-known fact that we have a housing shortage in The Netherlands, so homes are quickly rented out. Additionally, there is a significant variation in the quality of homes and the services provided by rental agents and property managers. At Riva, we excel in our service and expertise. With over 10 years of experience in renting homes to expats and international students, we made this market our expertise. We understand better than anyone the wishes and needs of our (international) customers. So, we are not only focused on the landlord, but we also consider a positive rental experience for the tenant equally important.

We understand that moving to another country and everything that comes with it, such as finding suitable housing, can be an exciting and also a challenging endeavor. Therefore, we would like to assist you in this process. If you are looking for a home above 2000 euros per month, we offer an additional service where we guide you and organize a home search from our own inventory. It's worth mentioning that one should earn at least three times the gross monthly rent to be able to rent a house. These criteria are important for homeowners and that’s why we always ask a potential tenant to provide several documents before scheduling a viewing with Riva.

Contact

Do you have any questions about living in Rotterdam, or is there something else we can help you with?

Contact us by mailing info@rivarentals.com.