Living in an area rich in water. Living in a region where modern towns and villages alternate with areas of natural beauty, gentle farmland and vast landscapes. Living in an area with abundant space and endless panoramas. That is life in Flevoland!
Centrally located in the Netherlands, the modern province of Flevoland is a comfortable place to live. Two thousand new dwellings are constructed each year here, allowing us to accurately anticipate rapidly changing living trends. Together with other involved parties, the province actively aims to develop varied residential areas and dwelling types that reflect (future) residents’ latest ideas.
Living comfortably
The residential environment is of a high quality. The neighbourhoods are spaciously designed and feature plenty of greenery. Amenities such as shops and schools are close by and easily accessible, and there are walking, cycling and sailing routes in abundance. The provincial authorities support initiatives that integrate different amenities, like multifunctional centres and residential care facilities. A medical centre, for instance, that combines childcare and a multifunctional community centre. The presence of such amenities in the immediate residential area makes it a pleasure to live in Flevoland.
Sustainable
Another major issue for the residential environment is urban sustainability. This means that, when building new neighbourhoods, not only safety is a key factor, but account must also be taken of the impact on water, the environment and energy. As a result, Flevoland is clean, habitable and affordable – an excellent place to live! Living in Flevoland also means living in an area that reflects various stages of development and changing trends due to its phased construction. This means that the three Flevoland polders – Northeast Polder and Eastern and Southern Flevoland – each have their own character.
Historical pearl
The Northeast Polder is typified by a pattern of farmland interspersed by woodland, with the town of Emmeloord at its centre. Around Emmeloord lies a ring of ten villages and the characteristic fishing village of Urk. The former island of Schokland, a World Heritage Site, rises like a historical pearl out of the surrounding farmland. Living in the Northeast Polder is to enjoy a rural country life with strong social cohesion. Emmeloord is this Polder’s urban centre, reflecting its original purpose of serving the surrounding agricultural areas.
Eastern Flevoland
Farming land use had become slightly less significant by the time Eastern Flevoland was being constructed, and an experienced eye will detect this in the landscape. The provincial capital Lelystad forms a green urban centre. Just outside the town, Lelystad Airport continues to expand.
The second urban centre in Eastern Flevoland is Dronten, with its agricultural college and two
satellite villages of Swifterbant and Biddinghuizen.
Dynamic growth
The south-western corner of Flevoland has been designated as an overspill area for the country’s western metropoles. Almere consists of a number of urban centres bordered by interjacent areas of greenbelt land. It is the fastest-growing town in the Netherlands, with annual growth of several thousand residents. Almere is therefore extremely dynamic and features modern architecture that makes it a truly unique residential location. In the coming years Almere plans to invest further in the town’s range of amenities, such as higher education, provision of specific residential environments, and cultural facilities expected of a large urban centre. Finally, fields, woods and water meet in Zeewolde, the youngest village in the Netherlands. The Horsterwold near Zeewolde is Western Europe’s largest area of deciduous woodland. An ecological corridor – the Oostvaarderswold – is planned between the Horsterwold and one of the largest nature reserves in Europe, the Oostvaardersplassen, combining residential accommodation, recreational facilities and nature. Two unique nature reserves, close together and accessible!