Why expats enjoy living and working in Arnhem?

In 2026, Arnhem will no longer be a hidden gem in the east of the Netherlands. For the growing international community, the capital of Gelderland has become a serious alternative to the busy and expensive Randstad. With its proximity to the German border, a thriving tech and energy sector, and an unparalleled amount of greenery, Arnhem has a unique appeal to expats from all over the world.

But what exactly makes “Ernem” so popular among international professionals? In this article, we explore the factors that will make Arnhem a top destination for expats in 2026.

Living in The Green: The “Lungs” of the Netherlands

The most mentioned benefit by expats in 2026 is direct access to nature. Arnhem is literally located near the Veluwe, and you notice that in every neighborhood.

• Sonsbeek park: This isn't just a city park; it's the living room of the international community. In 2026, the picnics and running groups here will be more international than ever. The fact that you can reach a rolling, wooded landscape from the city center within five minutes is a luxury for many expats from megacities that they won't find anywhere else.
• Height differences: Arnhem is one of the few cities in the Netherlands with real hills. For expats from countries such as the United Kingdom or Germany, this gives the city a less “flat” and more recognisable European character.

Career opportunities in energy and innovation

Arnhem will be on the map worldwide in 2026 as the “Electricity capital”. The presence of giants such as TenneT, Alliander and the innovative hubs at the Arnhem Outdoor Park attracts highly trained technicians and strategists.

• Connect Innovation Hub: In 2026, this hub on the IPKW site will be the epicenter for international talents in the energy transition. Expats appreciate the informal but highly professional Dutch work culture that prevails here.
• SME City of 2026: Arnhem has officially been named SME City of the Year. This means that, in addition to large corporations, there is a vibrant ecosystem of start-ups and creative agencies, especially in the Fashion Quarter, where international talent feels at home in an entrepreneurial environment.

Strategic location and accessibility

For the modern expat, mobility is crucial. In 2026, Arnhem Central Station will be one of the most important international hubs in the Netherlands.

• Germany around the corner: With the high-speed train, you can reach Düsseldorf or Frankfurt from Arnhem in no time. Many expats living in Arnhem have working relationships across the border, making Arnhem the perfect base.
• Trolleybuses: Arnhem is the only city in the Benelux with an extensive trolleybus network. In 2026, this system was completely modernized and emission-free, contributing to the city's clean air and sustainable image that expats highly value.

Comparison: Expats in Arnhem vs. Amsterdam (2026)

For expats choosing between Arnhem and Amsterdam, the cost of living and daily lifestyle can be quite different. Arnhem generally offers medium housing costs that are considered relatively affordable compared with major international cities. In contrast, Amsterdam has extremely high housing prices, especially for centrally located apartments. Another major difference is access to nature. Arnhem provides direct access to natural areas such as the Veluwe and numerous parks, while in Amsterdam most green space is limited to city parks unless residents travel outside the city.

Community atmosphere and commuting patterns also differ. Arnhem has a smaller but growing international community that is often described as close-knit and friendly. Amsterdam hosts a much larger expat population, but the scale and pace of the city can sometimes feel anonymous and busy. Commuting times in Arnhem are typically shorter, averaging about 15 to 20 minutes by bike or bus, whereas in Amsterdam travel times often range from 30 to 45 minutes due to crowded trams, metros, and traffic. In terms of atmosphere, Arnhem is often associated with a creative, green, and historic environment, while Amsterdam is known for its cosmopolitan and tourist-driven character.

A creative and cultural hub

The presence of the ArtEZ Art Academy will ensure a constant flow of creativity in the city in 2026.

• The fashion district (Klarendal): Expats love the unique boutiques and studios in this neighborhood. It is a place where craft and modern design come together, far from the one-size-fits-all of the major retail chains.
• Arnhem Museum & film theater focus: The cultural institutions in Arnhem will be highly accessible to non-Dutch speakers in 2026. Many films are shown with English subtitles and museums offer extensive international programs.

Support and community

In 2026, the Lifeport welcome center (formerly the Expat Center) will be the hub for newcomers in the Arnhem-Nijmegen region.

• Flawless integration: The center helps expats arrange social security numbers, taxes and housing. Expats praise the efficiency of the Arnhem municipality in processing documents compared to the long waiting times in the Randstad.
• Education: With the Rivers International School in the Schuytgraaf district, Arnhem offers high-quality international education, which makes the city very attractive for expats with families.

Final thought: The balance that can't be found anywhere else

Expats will choose Arnhem in 2026 because the city offers a balance that was lost in the Randstad. It's a city where you can build an international career with world leaders in the energy transition, while your children grow up among forests and parks.

Arnhem is big enough to be cosmopolitan, but small enough to feel like a “local” within a month. It is the city of trolleybuses, fashion, the history of the John Frost Bridge and limitless nature. For the 2026 expat, Arnhem is not just a temporary stop, but a place they proudly call “home”.