Since 2015, I’ve been living happily in Elsrijk, Amstelveen. I moved from an apartment in De Baarsjes and we were looking for more space.

For me, this is the ideal place to live. It’s a quiet, green neighborhood where children can still play on the streets, and neighbors know each other. Occasionally, we have fun neighborhood drinks. That cozy, almost village-like atmosphere made me feel at home quickly. When my kids play soccer at Sporting Martinus, a very friendly club where parents chat on the sidelines and children grow up together, you really feel the sense of community.

The children (and we too) sometimes play tennis at Amstelburgh or go padel in Amsterdam or Amstelveen. That sense of community is invaluable; it makes the neighborhood not just a pleasant place to live, but a place to really live.

What makes Elsrijk special for me is the combination of peace, greenery, and proximity to the city. Within ten minutes by bike, I’m at Zuidas, and in twenty minutes I’m at Museumplein. That means work or dining in Amsterdam is easy, while at home we enjoy space, greenery, and tranquility. Amsterdam Forest is within walking distance—a place I often go for walks, runs, or adventures with the kids. Living so close to nature while having all city amenities within reach is a luxury.

Even though I live in a twice-renovated 1950s home, Elsrijk (West) is mainly known for its charming 1930s houses, wide avenues, and green waterways. Walk along Ruyschlaan, Charlotte van Montpensierlaan, or De Savornin Lohmanlaan, and you’ll immediately understand why so many people feel at home here: the streetscape is green, atmospheric, and timelessly beautiful. In spring, it’s extra special when cherry blossoms bloom, giving the neighborhood a nearly poetic vibe. We live by the water, providing a lot of privacy at the front. This also partly explains the recent rise in housing prices.

For daily shopping and delicacies, I bike to Rembrandtweg or pick up items for the BBQ at quality butcher Astrid Drenthe or the popular The Food Story on Amstelveenseweg—can’t get better than this. I don’t go to Stadshart daily, but it’s convenient for a wide range of shops, restaurants, cafés, juice bars, a library, and a theater. I like to shop or grab a bite in the area. Favorites include Feng (in Oude Molen, formerly Jonge Dikkert) and the Michelin-starred Aan de Poel. For a relaxed evening in Oude Dorp, Toost is a recommendation.

For me, Elsrijk is the perfect balance: a place where children can grow up free and safe, neighbors know each other, and you meet people at the sports club or nearby. At the same time, Amsterdam is just minutes away for work or museums. Living in greenery, with the charm and calm of a suburb, yet the city literally around the corner—that’s what makes Elsrijk so special for me.