After the entire historic core of Rotterdam was destroyed in the bombings of 1940, the city was rebuilt in what is called ‘De Wederopbouw’ (the Reconstruction) period. Defined by an austere, modern, efficient and pragmatic style, the post-war architecture from this time is now deemed monumental. With their renovation project, Rotterdam based HOYT Architecten seeks to preserve an unused church built in 1953 in Overschie Their design not only preserves the character of the church integrating artefacts and elements from the existing site With minimal interventions to the exterior the architects added two layers on top of the roof discreet new windows with frames hidden behind the wall The church’s defining elements — the tower altar and nave — are all kept intact as much as possible the apartments are carefully designed around the central corridor The architects retain the original vast height of the large hall encountered upon entering the church there is a clear line of view to the monumental stained-glass windows which were among the few religious items left by the bishop Embedding any artefacts and elements of the old church into the new design one apartment integrates the giant safe of the church into its kitchen while others feature masonry arches or a balcony on the confessional the architects design eight extra apartments on top of the church Their somewhat brutalist concrete design contrasts the brick façade of the church while also complementing the rational architecture of the post-war period the architects took into consideration the interests of the three key stakeholders the city wanted to protect the monumental structure an integral part of the city’s urban and social fabric and the developed wanted the most efficient plan with the best apartment design. The building consists of 33 distinct apartments varying in size from about 50 sqm to 120 sqm.  name: Transformation of church to apartments in Rotterdam designer: HOYT Architecten designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions’ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here. AXOR presents three bathroom concepts that are not merely places of function but destinations in themselves — sanctuaries of style A large fire destroyed the Bethelkerk on Oranjestraat in the middle of the residential Overschie neighborhood in Rotterdam overnight The emergency services evacuated five surrounding homes as a precaution Records show firefighters and paramedics were initially dispatched to Oranjestraat to tackle the fire at about 10:53 p.m the situation was declared a Grip 1 regional emergency The protocol calls for all responding personnel to unite under a single incident commander By the time the fire was struck out at about 2 a.m and a large part of the facade at the front did not survive Only part of the outer walls is still standing Residents of homes evacuated earlier in the incident were still prevented from returning later in the morning “We were in bed early, and we heard ambulances and screams from people on the street. That’s how we found out about it, and, of course, you eventually smelled it too,” a local told Rijnmond. The fire is a major blow, he said. “Especially at this time of year when there are many services during Advent. It's terrible.” The church was built in 1923, with interior surface space measuring at 699 square meters. It is located on a 1,090-square-meter plot, according to land registry data. The Dutch Reformed Church community-based at the church is made up of about 300 members, according to the Bethelkerk’s website. Members are mainly located in the Overschie neighborhood but also reside in other places within the greater Rotterdam area. They meet for weekly services on Sunday mornings, but the building is also used to provide space for an Evangelical Church community, as well as activities for elderly people and parents. © 2012-2025, NL Times, All rights reserved. Notifications can be managed in browser preferences. Rhys Jones | Thursday 07 December 2023 14:46 GMT A massive fire broke out at a church in Rotterdam, Netherlands, collapsing the building’s roof in the process. The Bethelkerk church in the Overschie neighbourhood went up in flames late on Wednesday evening (6 December). Several homes in the vicinity of the church were evacuated at the time of the fire, but have since returned to their homes. Local news reports that firefighters and paramedics were on the scene at roughly 10:53 pm. A 36-year-old man has reportedly been arrested concerning the fire after turning himself in on Thursday morning, although the cause of the fire has yet to be revealed. Kim Kardashian wears Marilyn Monroe’s dress As Baltimore begins the process of planning to replace the Francis Scott Key Bridge, labor experts have pointed to how Latino workers will be the one who rebuild it. Anderson Clayton attends the North Carolina Young Democrats Convention in Durham. 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Prince Louis caught brushing down Price Williams jacket during VE Day celebrations The 1998 diesel has been converted into a stylish two-bed Beckham luciendo su peinado mohicano antes de un amistoso internacional contra México en 2001 Discover which of Rotterdam’s vibrant and distinct neighborhoods could be your perfect new home By Shanthy Milne After sustaining catastrophic damage during World War II (WW2) rebuilding itself as one of the Netherlands’ most architecturally innovative and experimental cities The city’s unique design and urban planning are now a major draw for locals and expats alike If you’re also thinking of moving there here’s what you need to know about the city: Looking for somewhere to rent in the Netherlands Spotahome takes the hassle out of househunting by doing the hard work for you and book rental properties all from the comfort of your own home Take the stress out of househunting in the Netherlands with Spotahome Rotterdam is nestled on the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt Delta (Rijn-Maas-Scheldedelta) in the province of South Holland (Zuid-Holland) in the Netherlands A delta is where rivers join together – in this case the Rhine (Rijn) and Scheldt (Schelde) – and flow onwards – in this instance to the North Sea (Noordzee) Rotterdam is split into two halves by the river Nieuwe Maas (New Meuse). While its city center lies primarily on the northern bank of the river, recent urban development has also spread to the south side of the river, into an area called the Kop van Zuid (Head of South) As with most Dutch cities, traveling by bicycle is the most popular form of transport in Rotterdam. However, if cycling isn’t your thing, rest assured that there is also a reliable and well-connected public transport network including regular bus, tram, metro, and ferry services The train station Rotterdam Centraal (Rotterdam Central Station) is also one of the country’s major transport hubs providing local and international connections to Belgium Roughly 664,000 people live in Rotterdam (2022) making it the second-largest city in the Netherlands They will tell you exactly what they think and won’t mince words (more so than the average Dutch person) They’re also hardworking – the unofficial city slogan is “niet lullen but scrubbing) – and always strive for a bigger and better future This future-forward mentality of its inhabitants is also reflected in Rotterdam’s unique and innovative cityscape. Back in 1940, it took German bombers just fifteen minutes to decimate the city center rather than restoring their city to its former glory the residents of Rotterdam chose to adapt and build a new city that embraced the future you’ll also find numerous modern statement-art statues Rotterdam’s popularity among Dutchies and (international) students means that the housing market is very competitive Whether you’re interested in buying or renting you will need to move fast to secure a property You can find housing in Rotterdam using property websites with customizable search filters Subscribing to property updates on these platforms is a good way to ensure you can respond promptly to suitable listings. Another great way to find a home is by using Living in Rotterdam, Facebook groups Expats searching from abroad will benefit from using a local intermediary. However, even if you are already in the Netherlands, it can be helpful to go through a Dutch real estate agent (makelaar). The Dutch Cooperative Association of Real Estate Agents (Nederlandse Coöperatieve Vereniging van Makelaars – NVM) lists certified agents for international housing in Rotterdam compared to an estimated €25 in Amsterdam and €20 in Utrecht The rental market usually experiences rapid year-on-year changes, with a 13.9% annual increase in the last year That is in comparison with a 17.9% average rise annual rise in Amsterdam and 25.8% in Utrecht Most places are relatively new and energy-efficient it’s better to look toward the outskirts of the city where high-rise buildings give way to more green and spacious areas Rental properties in Rotterdam are usually sublet in one of three states: Prices vary according to the state in which a property is rented Some fully furnished properties are available as short-term rentals which can be ideal for expats while they are searching for a long-term place A typical contract will be for one calendar year Funda, Pararius, and Kamernet are among the most popular websites for browsing up-to-date rental properties in Rotterdam Low-income households can also apply for social housing the waiting list for these properties is incredibly long; in Rotterdam the average waiting time is 52 months (2022) If you’re staying in the Netherlands for five years or more, it might be more economical to purchase a house rather than rent it This is due to tax incentives and long-term benefits attached to Dutch homeownership As with rental properties, the competition to buy a home in Rotterdam is high, and overbidding is common. In 2023, the average sale price of apartments was just over €460,000 and houses were sold for just over €716,000 If those prices haven’t scared you off you can get a mortgage through any bank in the Netherlands There are also mortgage brokers who are experienced in supporting and guiding expats through the buying process Rotterdam is a large city with its outer boundaries reaching the sandy coastline So while the city center is located 30 kilometers inland you can reach the seaside in just 35 minutes by metro Rotterdam itself is divided into 14 districts this overview will be given by district rather than neighborhood Little C Coolhaven a new housing development along the waterfront For more spacious city living (with a matching price tag) expats can look towards the stately buildings around Erasmus Bridge Expats living in Centrum can access premier medical care through the nearby Erasmus Medical Center This center works together with Erasmus University and is a global leader in medical research across numerous disciplines who have several branches in around the city and cosmopolitan atmosphere are a huge draw for locals and expats alike It is also home to a diverse international community making it one of the easiest districts to find and connect with like-minded people offering easy respite from the urban bustle Though there are fewer family-orientated facilities than in some other areas of Rotterdam the lively city center makes up for it with pubs As you might expect, this also leads to more reports of public nuisance than elsewhere in the city and vandalism are also relatively frequent Cycling is the most convenient way to navigate the city and – in typical Dutch style – most Rotterdammers prefer to travel by bike If you aren’t quite ready for life on two wheels the RET (Rotterdamse Elektrische Tram) also provides regular public transport services throughout the city Commuting outside of Rotterdam is also incredibly easy Amsterdam Central Station can be reached within 40 minutes by train and The Hague (Den Haag) is less than half an hour away Owning a car in the Netherlands is costly, and parking is in short supply. Residents who do not have a parking space within their building can apply for a street parking permit (parkeervergunning) and there can be long waiting lists for permits Rotterdam Centrum is the ideal location for expats who enjoy a fast-paced life and the hustle and bustle of a vibrant city Hillegersberg-Schiebroek is known for its nature and expansive green spaces including the lake Bergse Plassen and the river Rotte Housing in this district is more spacious than in the center and particularly suitable for people with children due to its popularity among both local and expat families accommodation within the district can be pricey Hillegersberg is home to the Nord Anglia International School, the only International School located outside of the city center. The school accepts children from ages 3-18. Also within the district is the Dutch Stephanus school offering special classes for non-Dutch speaking children Municipality data shows Hillegersberg-Schiebroek is an incredible place to live in There are no reports of violence or burglaries and levels of public nuisance seem neglectable Residents are also extremely content and don’t have much to complain about it may be the best neighborhood in Rotterdam to take up residence The center of Rotterdam is reachable within roughly 20 minutes by bike Hillegersberg-Schiebroek is idyllic for spacious family living within close proximity to both nature and Rotterdam’s city center In the words of the Rotterdam tourist board, Rotterdam Noord is a working-class district that has been transformed into a design Valhalla Many of the large pre-war properties have been restored making it a highly attractive place to take up residence Rotterdam Noord has a plethora of housing options, from smaller starter apartments and traditionally working-class homes to 1930s houses and modern high-rises. There is also a lively cultural scene, especially in the neighborhood of Het Oude Noorden which offers the perfect blend of hip stores The area closer to Rotterdam Centraal in particular is growing in popularity with entrepreneurs young expats can make the most of the budding social scene that is happening within the repurposed industrial areas Perhaps the most famous place in Rotterdam Noord is the Hofbogen Air Park (Luchtpark Hofbogen) This green city park is situated on the roof of the former train station Hofplein Station and offers visitors a breath-taking view of the city Underneath the arches of the train track, a number of culinary, design, and fashion hotspots are popping up. It is now home to an array of hip businesses, including the jazz bar BIRD and eatery FG Food Labs Also appealing for families is the district’s Rotterdam International Secondary School which offers children the possibility of continuing their education in English while soaking up Dutch culture Despite – or perhaps due to – the upcoming nature of the district, data from the municipality suggests that residents are not super content with their area There are reports of vandalism and public nuisance from traffic and construction and public spaces leave much to be desired Residents also complain about the housing options – more so than elsewhere in Rotterdam – citing small sizes and moderate views as their main frustrations Rotterdam Noord borders the Central Station making it an excellent choice for commuters working outside of the city The city center is accessible within 10-15 by bike Expats looking for comfortable homes within close proximity to the city center will likely fall in love with Rotterdam Noord students and young professionals might be drawn to the district’s hipster scene in and around the main station It’s also an ideal location for expats commuting in and out of Rotterdam The charming and quaint village-like district of Overschie is located just north of Rotterdam Noord and Delfshaven it’s one of the least populated districts of the city there is a wide range of housing options available in Overschie from historic homes to newly built apartments Many of these are more affordable than within districts closer to the city center History buffs will want to check out Museum Overschie where thousands of historical items are on year-round display The district also has local shops and markets; however for more serious shopping it’s best to head towards Rotterdam city center There are development plans for a collective indoor garden but it is unclear when those will be realized Families looking for a local Dutch school can search on the municipality school finder Though less popular with expats than the nearby district of Rotterdam Noord Overschie offers peaceful and spacious living within a reasonable distance of the city center The district has gorgeous nature parks, such as Sidelingepark and Park Zestienhoven. Rotterdammers can find respite from the urban hustle and bustle at Country Estate De Tempel (Buitenplaats de Tempel) a protected estate on the outskirts of Oud-Overschie anyone interested in growing their own crop can join one of the many community gardens in the area Overschie is one of the safest and most socially cohesive districts of Rotterdam It’s far less built up than many of the other neighborhoods favoring green meadow areas and waterways instead Residents – or Overschiënaars as they are called – seem fairly content living in the district though do complain about the lack of facilities and public spaces Rotterdam Central Station remains accessible by bike within 20-30 minutes The A13 highway also runs through the district providing easy road connections for onward travel Overschie is worth a look for more affordable and spacious family living with a village-like feel. Rotterdam The Hague Airport is also located within the district making it an ideal location for those working in aviation or needing to fly to other European destinations frequently As the home of Rotterdam’s two largest universities, it may come as no surprise that Kralingen-Crooswijk is popular among students and young professionals and parks also create a lively atmosphere that will be hard for some people to pass on In terms of housing, the district north of the Nieuwe Maas offers a blend of old and new, with something for all budgets. In Kralingen, the area around Rosenburg Park offers stately villas and avenues of mansion houses cosmopolitan Crooswijk offers more affordable apartments amidst its cozy restaurants and brown bars Nieuw-Crooswijk is also undergoing development and is becoming particularly sought after by young families and couples in search of more affordable homes Located within Kralingen-Crooswijk are Erasmus University Rotterdam (Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam – EUR) and Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences (RUAS – Hogeschool Rotterdam) the district is well set up to cater to student life hosting four headquarters of the main student associations From December to February, skaters can make the most of being on the ice at the Skating Rink Rotterdam (Schaatsbaan Rotterdam). For year-round indoor swimming, it’s possible to float beneath the glass ceiling of the Eastern Swimming Pool (Oostelijk zwembad) For less sporty leisure time, Kralingen-Crooswijk’s many waterfront bars and eateries offer the perfect escape. One of the most notable restaurants in the area is Restaurant De Tuin which is located in a mansion dating back to 1867 Those requiring medical care can access the best the Netherlands has to offer via the local Erasmus Medical Center This teaching hospital works closely with the university and is a global leader in medical research Located within the district is Kralingse Bos this park offers numerous leisure activities both on and off the water the area becomes a hotspot for BBQing and sunbathing while the petting zoo and playgrounds provide entertainment for younger visitors The district scored well on environmental, social, and safety aspects in the 2022 municipality survey This also reflects its popularity among the residents who have made it their home the public spaces could do with some improvement and there have been reports of public nuisance It’s very easy to bike from Kralingen-Croosijk to Rotterdam city center For those who aren’t comfortable going into traffic on two wheels public transport connections will get you to the center within approximately 15 minutes There is no doubt that Kralingen-Crooswijk is the premier destination for students in Rotterdam it also has a lot to offer young families and professionals who enjoy the buzz of city living with good access to nature and leisure facilities On the north-eastern border of Rotterdam lies Prins Alexander one of the city’s newest residential areas This former agricultural area was developed in 1961 and has several more residential projects underway the district remains very green and has many parks The Alexandrium shopping center is the hub of retail activity in Prins Alexander There are also several entertainment venues and sports facilities to spend the day Families looking for a local Dutch school or daycare can search on the municipality school finder If you’re looking for international options the central districts are not too far away Prins Alexander has several metro stations located within the district as well as a train stop for mainline services You can reach Rotterdam Central Station within nine minutes the same journey takes around 30–45 minutes by bike Since Prins Alexander isn’t one of the most sought-after districts of Rotterdam – especially among families and expats – it is fairly easy to find housing options where you can enjoy quiet and green living Charlois – pronounced Sjaarloos – is one of the oldest areas in Rotterdam, dating back to 1462. The current district is a blend of residential neighborhoods, parks (such as Zuiderpark), and key cultural venues (e.g., Ahoy Rotterdam) It is also one of the most diverse districts in the city so you’ll be sure to mix with an international community If you’re looking to move to Charlois, apartment living is the norm, especially around the built-up central point of Zuiderplein. Further out in the district, you’ll find modern, spacious apartments and even terraced houses (in Pendrecht and De Wielewaal) providing easily accessible 24-hour emergency care The municipality has loads of plans to improve the district. There are many housing developments for both single and family occupancy, and it’s also planning a new seven-acre Nelson Mandela Park on the harborfront That said, the 2022 living situation does not yet reflect this rosy picture. According to data from the Rotterdam municipality residents feel they have a lower quality of life and that their neighborhood is unsafe due to violence that the only actual police reports were regarding nuisance from neighbors Responses also indicated that people don’t like living in (some areas of) Charlois and feel isolated While the environment and green spaces are objectively great residents complain about offensive odors from traffic as well as noise from traffic and construction Charlois connects easily to the city center via bus Resident permits or paid street parking are options in northern Charlois Parking is more readily available further out in the district Charlois is an ideal district for expats looking to mix with an international community it’s also a nice place for anyone wanting to take up residence in close proximity to green open spaces The district of Feijenoord lies on the southern banks of the Nieuwe Maas river and is connected to the city center by the Erasmus bridge it’s ever-evolving with a mix of traditional warehouses and new residential skyscrapers The last one also doubles as a concert venue for large events Younger expats may also be drawn to the now-trendy neighborhood of Katendrecht. This former red-light district area has become a hub for social and cultural activities and is home to many waterfront eateries. For example, The Fenix Food Factory Visitors can enjoy traditionally made cuisine – such as artisanal bread and beers – alongside affordable street food from the market’s revolving food trucks The district’s Ikazia Teaching Hospital offers high-rate 24-hour emergency care many existing residents find themselves priced out of newer developments as wealthier people move in According to data from the municipality Feijenoorders are not very satisfied with their district – especially with the quality of housing Many experience public nuisance from neighbors Feijenoord is connected to the city center by the iconic Erasmus Bridge Residents can easily reach the rest of Rotterdam by bike The city’s Water Taxi is also a reliable and speedy option to get from A to B it often proves to be faster than traveling by road Running like a regular ferry service from the waterfront the Water Taxi also offers private taxi journeys on demand Young expats in particular will find the rapidly developing scene around Feijenoord a big draw It’s an ideal district where you can best experience Rotterdam’s growth and innovation Concert-goers and massive football fans will also enjoy the close proximity to the Kuip Hoogvliet is a former dike village on the southwest outskirts of Rotterdam that is growing in popularity with families making it easy for expats to blend right in While some neighborhoods of Hoogvliet used to be impoverished, the district underwent restructuring in the 2000s. Now, nearly one-fifth of houses are built in the new century. There are also a number of new housing developments underway to broaden the appeal of living around the district’s center including the addition of around 700 new sustainable homes The center of Hoogvliet currently stands as the district’s main shopping area the district is looking to improve and create more green spaces Hoogvliet includes Rotterdam’s green belt (groene gordel) a 10 km long recreational route for cycling The quiet and tranquil nature of living is also reflected in the residents’ quality of life. According to the municipality Hoogvliet is a fine place to take up residence The district has little to no reports of violence dissatisfaction with the number of (public) facilities Responses also indicate that residents are unhappy with their level of social participation and feel left out of society Though further out from Rotterdam’s city center it’s easy to travel to and from Hoogvliet by car or via the district’s metro Going by bike seems out of the question; Rotterdam Centrum is approximately an hour away Hoogvliet is perfect for families who want to live close to nature it has great potential for anyone looking to live in an up-and-coming district for cheap On the southeast side of Rotterdam, lies the vibrant and diverse district of IJsselmonde locals and expats can experience a mix of urban living and green spaces The original dike village of Oud-IJsselmonde which is close to the Nieuwe Maas waterfront is the most picturesque part of the district where you can find authentic Dutch row houses and charming streets Typically one of Rotterdam’s quieter districts, the highlight of IJsselmonde’s social calendar from 1700 through to 2020, was its annual 2-day horse market and its accompanying fair, art exhibition, and concert. However, it has since been decided to discontinue the centuries-old event Expats with children will delight in going to The Play Factory (De Speelfabriek) a play workshop for children from 5 to 12 years old where they can explore making IJsselmonde boasts a scenic waterfront area where locals often go sailing. It’s also home to the large nature park Park De Twee Heuvels which includes a skate park and indoor pool Nestled between Rotterdam and Dordrecht is a gorgeous recreational area where you can enjoy the typical polder nature scene – complete with green dikes Data from the Rotterdam municipality suggests that IJsselmonde has great social initiatives (e.g. and residents don’t seem all that content to live there You can travel between the center of IJsselmonde and Rotterdam Centraal by bike or public transport quieter environment that’s still within close proximity of Rotterdam will benefit from the low-cost housing options in IJsselmonde the harbor town of Delfshaven was built to provide the city of Delft waterway access to the Nieuwe Maas river The district was spared wartime destruction and now stands proud as Rotterdam’s most historic area and traditional Dutch architecture offer up a picture-postcard area to live in Rental prices range from €900-2,500 for apartments and €1,500-4,500 for houses Purchase prices can differ greatly; prices range from €250,000-400,000 for apartments and €400,00-1,300,000 for houses which produces and serves local beers such as Pilgrim beer (pilgrim bier) the number of facilities and schools is more limited than elsewhere in Rotterdam expat parents can register their offspring with these district schools that offer special provisions for children with little to no Dutch language skills: Delfshaven was known for its herring fishers and gin distilleries The latter tradition is still apparent in the many waterside gin bars Many of the area’s historic townhouses are now home to quaint antique shops According to municipality data Delfshaven is a nice neighborhood that is safe from theft residents feel there is more present than they report Some people also indicate feeling discriminated against in and around their neighborhood Delfshaven is just a 13-minute bike ride away from Rotterdam Central Station There are also regular bus and tram services that connect to the city center Delfshaven is perfect for expats wishing to enjoy quieter neighborhood living Hoek van Holland is Rotterdam’s only coastal district It is located some 30 km outside of the city center and Hoek van Holland is an idyllic place to escape city life and many beach clubs are a siren call for anyone looking to go on a day trip or short getaway But the district also has a number of attractive homes for those who want to enjoy beachside living more permanently Most Hoekenezen – as the area’s residents are known – reside in the main village There are also a number of housing developments underway for newcomers to take up residence and sports facilities including a tennis court and swimming pool there is also a lighthouse (vuurtoren) that currently serves as a museum Hoek van Holland’s sandy beaches are a hotspot among locals and tourists alike, and with good reason. They have repeatedly received the iconic Blue Flag award meaning they meet the highest level of environmental and safety standards The tumultuous history of the area is drawn into the landscape as well Traces of the German Nazi defense line that stretched along the coast from Norway to Spain are still evident in the sand dunes Various wartime bunkers and underground tunnels offer insight into the history amidst the protected areas of flora and fauna Data shows this district of Rotterdam is a great place to live in Hoek van Holland has no reports of public nuisance Responses from residents also show that they’re mostly content they complain about the lack of public facilities Hoek van Holland has its own metro station which opens straight onto the beachfront The journey to or from Rotterdam Central Station takes about 35 minutes The district also serves as a port for the ferry service Stenaline from which you can set sail for Harwich in the UK on a daily basis Hoek van Holland is great for beach-loving expats who want to live near Rotterdam and don’t mind the small village life Pernis is a garden village in the middle of the port area of ​​Rotterdam It is located on the west side of the city and is home to one of the largest oil refineries in the Netherlands While that might scare some newcomers away others will be enchanted by the district’s laid-back character As Pernis is mostly an industrial and residential district there aren’t many facilities to keep bored locals and expats entertained and excellent transport connections to the city center where you’ll likely find more things to do residents have a panoramic view of the water with its many ships the district offers a clear and extraordinary view of the starry sky every night Nature parks Deijffelbroek Park and Pernisser Park are a favorite among locals for walking The latter also has an outdoor swimming pool and a Children’s Forest where city folk can get acquainted with different types of trees The district seems to be a bit of a hidden secret. Pernis is extremely safe and socially cohesive It also seems to be one of the only districts of Rotterdam where residents don’t report public nuisance While there are objectively few facilities inhabitants seem very content with their living situation Pernis is connected to the Rotterdam city center by bus and metro services. The metro also runs through the Benelux Tunnel an ingenious river crossing underneath the Nieuwe Maas This tunnel also allows vehicles and bikes to access routes to Schiedam and Vlaardingen.  From the waterfront, the Water Taxi is also a great option to travel to the heart of Rotterdam in no time Expats with a love for water will enjoy the affordable housing options and incredible views that Pernis has to offer West of the city center is Rozenburg an island district that is connected to the mainland by bridges and tunnels The district is located between Rotterdam Port and the more industrial areas of the city Rozenburg has a distinct suburbian-like feel with just one main residential area Expats will find spacious middle-class housing options with quite a bit of greenery there aren’t many facilities to keep bored residents occupied during their days off and a shopping street with local shops and eateries Expats with children will also enjoy visiting the local windmill and petting zoo Located towards the shoreline is Rozenburg Headland (Landtong) a 10 km long nature reserve where visitors can experience the rugged nature that makes this part of the Netherlands so beautiful you’ll find flocks of migratory birds Residents of Rozenburg are very socially active and organize loads of activities, including markets, music festivals, and cycling and walking tours. Municipality data shows the district is a great place to live without the fear of crime Responses suggest that people are mostly content despite the lack of public facilities The district of Rozenburg is quite far from Rotterdam Centrum and it’ll take residents about an hour by tram or train to reach the city Those who prefer to go by bike can expect around an hour and a half of travel time Rozenburg is an ideal district for expats looking for a quieter suburban community life close by the shoreline On the whole, Rotterdam is considered one of the more criminally dangerous cities in the Netherlands, due to reports of explosions In 2022, it was the city with the most homicides (16 victims in Rotterdam, compared to a total of 142 in the Netherlands). Rotterdam also had just over 11,000 reports of violent and sexual crimes (the Netherlands totaled nearly 80,100 cases in 2022) The most registered crimes in 2022 occurred in the districts of: expats should exercise common sense to protect their personal safety and their belongings when traveling alone at night or in busy areas of Rotterdam where pickpocketing might occur With regard to air quality and pollution The Dutch government and local authorities have implemented strict regulations to mitigate the impact of the city’s industries on air quality and the local environment you may wish to avoid setting up homes in certain areas near ports and highways There are also a number of recruitment agencies dedicated to pairing internationals with companies in Rotterdam and the surrounding areas Shanthy is a writer and documentary producer with ten years of experience making films for the BBC and Channel 4 Born in London to Sri Lankan/Malaysian parents She also writes fiction and was a finalist on Penguin’s Write Now scheme We explain the complex secondary school system in the Netherlands including the three public streams and various international options You can claim different types of child benefits in the Netherlands The Netherlands is home to some of the world's top universities Learn all about the different subjects available at Dutch institutions A 36-year-old man from Best in the province of Noord-Brabant turned himself in on Thursday in connection with the large fire that destroyed the Bethelkerk in Rotterdam-Overschie overnight A spokesperson for the Rotterdam police told NL Times that there may be a suspicion of arson The fire broke out in the hall of the church around 10:45 p.m leading to the evacuation of surrounding homes as a precaution and the residents of these homes have since been able to return Ook het laatste deel van de Bethelkerk in Rotterdam-Overschie staat in vuur en vlam. Een deel van de gevel is inmiddels ook ingestort. pic.twitter.com/G6VPdLnjLJ “It's very surreal to see this happen. We were there last night, witnessing the burning down of a community center with a history of sixty years for a number of people here,” said pastor Joop van 't Hof of the Dutch Reformed Church to Rijmond on Thursday He declined to speculate on the cause of the fire or potential arson "We were especially happy that there were no more people inside with interior surface space measuring at 699 square meters It is located on a 1,090-square-meter plot The Dutch Reformed Church community-based at the church is made up of about 300 members Members are mainly located in the Overschie neighborhood but also reside in other places within the greater Rotterdam area The 33-year-old Rotterdam man who was questioned in the death of a baby was released from custody. The baby was found in a "worrying state" after it was left in a car on the Vlaardingweg in the Zuid-Holland city One witness told media outlets that the man had locked himself out of his car "Initial findings from the investigation point to a very tragic incident was released after questioning," police said in an update on Tuesday The vehicle in question was photographed as having Belgian license plates the previous day in a business park and industrial area in the Overschie district told AD that a man in his early thirties smashed the rear passenger-side window next to a child's rear-facing car seat "We heard a man shouting around a car; he kept walking around it," said Shalabi "He was stressed and was walking around with a small baby it was a boy." Shalabi said the child was no longer breathing when he was removed from the Audi Q2 crossover vehicle While emergency services workers tried to revive the child it soon emerged the man had locked himself out of his car and was unable to open it Police have not yet said if the man owned the vehicle An intense effort to save the child proved unsuccessful Police are investigating the circumstances," the Rotterdam district police said on X soon after The cause of death has not been officially released Shalabi said the man who had smashed the window was taken into custody The car was photographed by police investigators and evidence was collected at the scene before the Audi was towed away this really is unfortunate," Shalabi told the newspaper weather data from the KNMI showed the temperature in Rotterdam to be a bit over 20 degrees Celsius the temperature inside the passenger cabin of a car can rise by 10 degrees in 10 minutes An individual is at risk of heat stroke when the core body temperature rises above 39 degrees and symptoms can become more severe during prolonged exposure to heat and higher temperatures Children's body temperatures can increase up to five times faster than an adults A core temperature of just under 42 degrees can prove fatal