For some time we have been interested in Almere. Looking at property prices in Amsterdam you don't seem to get much apartment for the coin you need to spend. Alternatively we often see Almere pop up on property searches as a cheap area to buy. Whenever we ask people about Almere we always get told 'No way, you wouldn't want to live there!'
What people have told us, about crime in Almere and how generally shit it is, doesn't gel with what you can read about the place. Located on Flevoland, reclaimed land from the sea, Almere was established in the 70's as a planned city. Full of bold architecture, wide open green spaces and a very close proximity to Amsterdam we wanted to check it out for ourselves.
Almere is just a half hour drive from Sloten, but a bit quicker by train trip from Amsterdam Centraal Station (about 20 minutes). We parked in the city centre and went to check it out.
We had parked in an area which felt like the first attempt at a city centre. It had the feeling of 70's / 80's architecture and was a little bleak.
Ultimately, we thought Almere was sorta okay, it's got an alright location, good amenities, two Febo's - but we are on the fence of whether we would want to live there or not. We didn't go out into the wide open expanses of the area to see appreciate the natural and space advantages - but then transport would be an issue and that would such if you lived there. Hmmm. If we win the lottery, Almere probably won't be high on the list of property wishlists.
What people have told us, about crime in Almere and how generally shit it is, doesn't gel with what you can read about the place. Located on Flevoland, reclaimed land from the sea, Almere was established in the 70's as a planned city. Full of bold architecture, wide open green spaces and a very close proximity to Amsterdam we wanted to check it out for ourselves.
Almere is just a half hour drive from Sloten, but a bit quicker by train trip from Amsterdam Centraal Station (about 20 minutes). We parked in the city centre and went to check it out.
We had parked in an area which felt like the first attempt at a city centre. It had the feeling of 70's / 80's architecture and was a little bleak.
This then took us through to Almere Centrum - the central train station. This was much more of a hub than I had expected and from here it looked like it was possible to get trains anywhere in Europe. Makes sense as this is a direct connection to Amsterdam Centraal Station, from which you can get anywhere.
We were also super happy that here was a Febo begging for us to partake - and we did.
Walking from this area we found ourselves in a newer pedestrian mall. This was more like what I was expecting. Modern, full of life and full of all the necessary shops for the young, trendy and a few for the old timers. We were struck with how the local public had a certain 'look' about them...hard to be polite and diplomatic about it...ugly street hoodlums probably sums it up though. We told Claudia about this and she said 'That's Almere people!'
At the end of the 'modern bit' we ended up at a port like bit, which had a combo of modern and the 70's vibe again.
Ultimately, we thought Almere was sorta okay, it's got an alright location, good amenities, two Febo's - but we are on the fence of whether we would want to live there or not. We didn't go out into the wide open expanses of the area to see appreciate the natural and space advantages - but then transport would be an issue and that would such if you lived there. Hmmm. If we win the lottery, Almere probably won't be high on the list of property wishlists.
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