a vibrant university city where expats can live in the north of the Netherlands amongst the country’s youngest population Historical Groningen is a vibrant university city in the north of the Netherlands The many benefits of having the youngest population in the country includes a yearly program of arts culture and music that is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike Simplify finding a home abroad with HousingAnywhere Their easy-to-use platform lets landlords and tenants connect offering a popular service for anyone moving internationally find your new home when relocating abroad quickly and easily with HousingAnywhere Estimates based on archaeological evidence from this region dates human activity in the area as starting sometime between 3950-3720BC although the first major settlement was established later in the third century AD The city ‘villa Cruoninga’ is noted in the official records of 1040 making this city founded on the northernmost point of the Hondsrug region Groningen was an important trade center in Northern Europe A wall was constructed around the perimeters to protect the inhabitants and a local dialect was also adopted as the dominant language Groningen was ruled by the Spanish (during the Eighty Years War 1568-1648 also referred to as the Dutch War of Independence) before again regaining independence under the leadership of William of Orange; fought an attack from the Bishop of Munster and his forces during the Third Anglo-Dutch War (1672); and had its city centre destroyed during the Battle of Groningen in the second World War (1945) Groningen is situated close to the German border which gives local industry easy accessibility to eastern and northern European countries The over 9000 companies provide 123,000 jobs in the area Organizations include the world’s largest sugar factory CSM Vierverlaten; Hooghoudt (of jenever fame); Woolters-Noordhoff publishing house; Royal Dutch Shell and Exxon Mobil (each owning 50% share in the largest natural gas fields in Western Europe) service provision and research the University of Groningen and Hanze University of Applied Sciences (hogeschool) all attract international students as well as national Groningen is the seventh-largest city in the Netherlands and the capital city in the north of the country More than 60 percent of the inhabitants are under the age of 40 Students often choose to continue enjoying what the city offers by remaining in Groningen to work as well as raise their future families Art, culture, and entertainment thrive in this environment. Groningen city center boasts around 160 bars, cafés, open-air terraces, and nightclubs with more liberal opening hours than Amsterdam.  Many international bands consider Groningen a worthy venue to play during a European tour.  Subsequently the city is sometimes seen as a rock capital especially as many local bands have launched a successful career from the annual Eurosonic or Noorderslag festival held in Groningen Other attractions include the Museum of Groningen; Anatomical Museum; Northern Maritime Museum; Niemeijer Tobacco Museum; Natural History Museum; Gerardus van der Leeuw Anthropological Museum; Museum of Graphic Arts; and the 11-day Noorderzon performing arts festival gives young talent as well as established performers a chance to showcase their work In 2010, Groningen ranked second in an EU quality of life survey comparing 75 EU cities Researchers collected data on the happiness of inhabitants in regards to subjects like transport The survey also found that 60% of all journeys made in Groningen were by bicycle The centre of Groningen (Centrum) is popular with students and young singles perhaps Historical area with 19th century buildings close to the beautiful Noorderplantsoen park that is frequented by the locals especially on sunny days.  Mixed residential population although again popular with students due to the nearby University.  Slightly larger houses this area is sought after by young professional couples and students. Historical buildings including schipperswoning or traditional Dutch fishermen houses are also located in this neighborhood Behind Central Station and close to Stadspark (outside festival venue) this area has easy accessibility to Groningen Centrum. It’s also popular with students Two neighborhoods that have merged to become one: Korrewegwijk Cheap accommodation also available in this diverse neighborhood A large discount supermarket is also based here Another diverse neighborhood to the northeast of Centrum old monuments and some cheaper accommodation available Further out and offering larger homes with gardens this area is popular with young couples and families university apartment blocks for international students are located here.  Also the ACLO sport complex these residential areas are close to both natural and manmade recreational areas If the buzzing city of Groningen sounds like your type of place There are many online platforms where you can find a home You may also be considering buying a home in the city. Generally speaking, expats are able to easily buy a Dutch property. However, when getting a mortgage in the Netherlands many use a mortgage advisor to help them through the process This is especially helpful if you don’t speak Dutch and are new to the local housing market Expat-friendly mortgage advisors operating in Groningen include: For more information on buying homes in Groningen and the Netherlands in general, read our expert guide she discovered a passion for editing and has been working on improving texts ever since Laura’s areas of expertise usually cover labor laws From the right to protest to protection from discrimination here's what you need to know about human rights 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 You can claim different types of child benefits in the Netherlands