These are the best municipalities in South Holland

South Holland is a diverse province with beautiful cities, quiet villages and everything in between. Based on residents' ratings on various aspects such as safety, housing, hygiene, amenities, education, community, green spaces and accessibility, we have compiled an overview of the 12 best municipalities in this province.

The top 12 best-rated municipalities

1. Sliedrecht - Score: 9.4 Sliedrecht scores exceptionally high with a 9.4, based on four reviews. This municipality on the Merwede is known for its strong sense of community and good amenities. The maritime character of the municipality contributes to a unique identity that is highly valued by residents.
2. Voorschoten - Score: 9.0 Voorschoten scores excellently with a 9.0 based on residents' reviews. The municipality is known for its green character and historic appearance. With a good balance between amenities and natural surroundings, Voorschoten offers a high quality of life. The municipality scores particularly well on safety and sense of community.
3. Noordwijk - Score: 8.9 Noordwijk follows closely with an impressive 8.9. This coastal municipality not only offers beautiful beaches, but also a lively centre and good amenities. Residents particularly appreciate the combination of seaside tranquillity and proximity to urban facilities. The municipality scores especially well in the areas of recreation and green spaces.
4. Krimpen aan den IJssel - Score: 8.6 Krimpen aan den IJssel deserves a place in the top three with an 8.6. This municipality, located on the river, offers a combination of good accessibility and a quiet living environment. Residents praise the municipality for its safety and the quality of housing.
5. Bodegraven-Reeuwijk - Score: 8.4 Bodegraven-Reeuwijk scores an 8.4 and is known for its rural character and green surroundings. The Green Heart of the Netherlands is well represented here. Residents particularly appreciate the combination of tranquillity and good amenities, together with excellent accessibility.
6. Molenlanden - Score: 8.3 Molenlanden, a relatively new merged municipality, has secured a strong position in this list with an 8.3. The municipality is praised for its historical value, with characteristic windmills and a typical Dutch landscape. The mix of authenticity and modern amenities makes it a beloved living environment.
7. Capelle aan den IJssel - Score: 8.3 With an 8.3 based on fifteen reviews, Capelle aan den IJssel performs excellently. The municipality offers a good balance between urban amenities and green spaces. The proximity to Rotterdam, combined with its own strong identity, makes it an attractive place to live.
8. Alblasserdam - Score: 8.2 Alblasserdam deserves a place in this top 12 with an 8.2. The municipality on the Noord is valued for its historic character, with the Kinderdijk windmills nearby. The strong sense of community and good amenities make it a popular place to live.
9. Papendrecht - Score: 8.2 Papendrecht scores a solid 8.2 based on seven reviews. This municipality in the Drechtsteden offers an attractive mix of water-rich surroundings and urban amenities. Residents particularly appreciate the combination of tranquillity and dynamism, with good accessibility to surrounding cities.
10. Zuidplas - Score: 8.2 Zuidplas rounds off the top 12 with an 8.2. This merged municipality, consisting of several cores, is valued for its diversity. From village-like cores to more urban areas, Zuidplas offers something for everyone. Its central location in the Randstad makes it a strategic choice for living.
11. Oegstgeest - Score: 8.1 Oegstgeest scores an 8.1 based on ten reviews. This municipality near Leiden is known for its attractive residential areas and good educational facilities. It has a strong sense of community and is valued for its safety and green character.
12. Barendrecht - Score: 8.1 Barendrecht also scores an 8.1. The municipality has developed over the past decades into a modern residential area with excellent amenities. Residents praise the combination of village character and urban facilities, together with good accessibility.

Conclusion

South Holland has many beautiful municipalities, each with its own character and qualities. The above municipalities scored exceptionally well at the time of writing (May 2025) on aspects that are important to residents: safety, housing, hygiene, amenities, education, community, green spaces and accessibility. These scores are based on residents' reviews and may have changed since then. For the most up-to-date ratings, you can visit Buurtje.nl.

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