Groningen city is surrounded by many small towns which have high quality of life. Here we list just a small selection of towns and areas which can be attractive places for new residents to settle. When consider working in the city but living outside the city you should consider transport links, schools, and other sporting, shopping and cultural facilities.
Haren, just south of Groningen city, is regularly voted as one of the top locations to live in the Netherlands, because of the combination of space, facilities, community and green environment. Haren recently became part of the greater municipality of Groningen, along with Ten Boer. (Read about the decision in the local English-language news.)
Further south is the rural town of Glimmen, situated in a more wooded area close to the neighbouring province of Drenthe.
Many historic villages (dorpen) north of the city are well-loved by residents for their wide views and peaceful surroundings. Some of the bigger ones within easy commuting distance are, for instance, Ten Boer, Winsum, Bedum, Zuidhorn, Aduard. But there are many more - see this overview on Google Maps.
Some towns have been hit by mining-related earthquakes in the past years, which have damaged properties in the affected region. This means that house prices have dropped in these areas. You can find out more here about the effects of and discussion about earthquakes in the region.
You could also consider living in one of the neighbouring provinces: Friesland or Drenthe.
Working in the region
Many Groningen residents work elsewhere in the region.
For instance, the Eemshaven, on the northern coast, is a major seaport and data hub employing many new residents - read more about it on our business page.
An overview of prominent business sectors and business facts and figures about the region can be found on the IWCN website,.
Many residents commute to other regional capitals. Leeuwarden, the capital of Friesland, is a 40 minute train ride from Groningen, and Assen, the capital of Drenthe, is just 20 minutes away by train.
Currently you can search for jobs in the region through national jobs sites - see more about this on our page finding a job - but check back later in 2019 for updates over a new regional English language job portal.