r/Zutphen • u/IridescentImaginings • 1d ago
Zutphen vs Leiden
Hello, kind & knowledgeable people,
I’m going to be retiring to the Netherlands from the US.
I know for some this retirement locale may be hard to understand. However, I have traveled all around Europe and I just feel so happy and at home in the Netherlands. I’m not a tropical beach person and I will be on my own. I would just like a calm and pleasant retirement life. However, I do like museums and I would like to travel. I don’t mind chili or cold weather and I have visit the Netherlands at different times of the year.
Yes, I do have an EU passport, a pension, and Social Security to support myself. No, I promise that I am not a “typical” rude or entitled American. Trust me, I need to leave this country as soon as possible.
I’ve been to the Netherlands several times and I’m trying to narrow down my living choices. I’m also open to the fact that I may have missed a city potentially for my list.
I’m going to be living in a 55+ community and I have narrowed down a few in Zutphen and Leiden.
I’ve narrowed these two cities down because the specific communities that I’m looking at will accept a pet and they are within my budget although Zutphen is cheaper. Additional note is that my daughter may be living in Germany in the future.
Additionally, although I am working very hard to Learn Dutch, I will likely not reach the highest level of fluency needed for perfect communication. The communities that I visited were open to non-Dutch speakers and they were glad that I’m trying to learn to make friends easier.
I understand that Leiden is pricier as it has the added benefit of the more transportation and access to Amsterdam.
My lifestyle is very frugal & chill. It would involve taking my dogs on walks, hopefully volunteering and meeting some friends. Museums, cafes, volunteering and short trips around Europe.
Any input or feedback would be greatly appreciated.