What attracts people to living in Eindhoven?

Eindhoven, also known as the “City of light”, finally positioned itself as one of the most attractive places to live in Europe in 2026. Where the city was previously best known for its industrial past with Philips, it is now a vibrant metropolis where technology, design and a relaxed lifestyle come together. In 2026, Eindhoven was even named the most relaxing city in the world to live in, thanks to its unique balance between a high quality of life and a relatively low stress factor.

But what is Eindhoven's secret? Why are both young talents and international families opting for this Brabant hub over Amsterdam or Utrecht en masse? In this article, we investigate the drivers behind Eindhoven's appeal.

Brainport: Europe's economic engine

Eindhoven's main attraction is undoubtedly the Brainport region. In 2026, this ecosystem of high-tech companies, such as ASML, Philips and NXP, will be the driving force behind the Dutch economy.

• Limitless career opportunities: For engineers, IT specialists and designers, Eindhoven is the “Silicon Valley” of Europe. The concentration of knowledge on campuses such as the High Tech Campus and Strijp-S ensures a constant stream of jobs and innovative projects.
• International character: Due to the enormous growth of tech companies, the city has become very international. By 2026, more than 90% of residents will be fluent in English, making the threshold for expats extremely low.

The world's most relaxed city

While other global cities are struggling with overstimulation, Eindhoven scores an unprecedented low “stress score” in 2026. A recent study found that the city excels in areas such as safety, air quality and infrastructure.

• Efficient mobility: On average, traveling from the suburbs to the city center takes less than 15 minutes in Eindhoven. Investments in bicycle highways and high-quality public transport (such as electric HOV lines) have made the city virtually free of traffic jams.
• Green and healthy: Eindhoven is known for its “green lungs”. Whether you live near Genneper Park or Philips de Jongh Park, nature is never more than a few minutes by bike away. In 2026, the city became even greener by building vertical forests and green roofs.

Design and culture: The city as a living laboratory

Eindhoven exudes creativity. It is home to the world-renowned Design Academy and the setting for the Dutch Design Week (DDW), which will be bigger than ever with more than 350,000 visitors in 2026.

• Strijp-S: The creative heart: The transformation of the old Philips factories into hip lofts, ateliers and skate parks has given Eindhoven a raw and authentic edge that can't be found anywhere else in the Netherlands.
• Light festivals and innovation: Every year, events such as GLOW transform the city into a light artwork, reinforcing the city's unique identity as a “City of Light”.

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Table: Eindhoven vs. Other major cities (2026)

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Factor                                            Eindhoven                                                 Amsterdam                                  Utrecht

Stress score (1–10)                 2.34 (Lowest)                                    5.80                                          4.20

Focus areas                            High-tech & Design                           Finance & Tourism                   Education & Care

Atmosphere                            Village feeling in a big city                Worldly & busy                         Historic & cozy

Properties                               Many new buildings & lofts               Historic buildings                     1930s homes

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Living in 2026: Strategic benefits for starters

Despite rising prices, Eindhoven still offers strategic advantages in 2026 for those who want to enter the housing market. The city has an ambitious environmental vision that focuses on the construction of 40,000 new homes by 2040.

• Starter exemption: Young buyers (18-34 years old) will benefit from the transfer tax exemption for homes up to €555,000 in 2026. In Eindhoven, many modern apartments and terraced houses still fall within this limit.
• Housing allowance without a rent limit: As of 1 January 2026, the hard rent limit for housing allowance disappeared. This means that more tenants in the Eindhoven middle rent can receive financial support, making the city more accessible to various income groups.

“Brabant conviviality” in a modern jacket

What really binds people to Eindhoven is the atmosphere. Residents often describe the city as a “big village”. Despite technological progress, Brabant's cosiness can be felt everywhere.

• Safety and community: Eindhoven is consistently rated as one of the safest major cities in the Netherlands. Neighbourhood initiatives, from shared vegetable gardens to local energy cooperatives, strengthen social cohesion.
• World-class education: With Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and a wide range of Brainport schools that prepare children for the world of tomorrow, the city is an ideal place for families that invest in the future.

Key insights: A city with a vision

What draws people to Eindhoven in 2026 isn't just a job with a tech giant or the hip loft at Strijp-S, it's the promise of a balanced life. A city where you can work on world-changing technology at the highest level, but where you can be in a quiet park within ten minutes at night.

Eindhoven has proven that growth doesn't have to mean losing the human touch. In 2026, the City of Lights will be the place where you not only live, but where you can really relax and keep reinventing yourself.

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