Welcome to Groningen, a vibrant city in the north of the Netherlands. Groningen blends historical charm with modern innovation, creating a living environment that is both functional and pleasant. The city’s unique approach to urban planning has created a community where residents enjoy a high standard of living characterised by bike-friendly infrastructure, accessible amenities and a robust cultural scene.
This high ranking is well deserved! Groningen ranked third in a 2023 study on quality of life done by the European Commission. 83 cities across Europe were included, and 70.000 people were interviewed, including at least 839 residents of each city. Groningen scores a 96% rate of residents being happy with their lives, sharing the spot with Copenhagen and coming close to Zürich with a 97% rate.
Quality of life has been defined in the Oxford Dictionary as “the standard of health, comfort, and happiness experienced by an individual or group”. In the 2023 study, different indicators were used to measure the perceived quality of life. These are:
- the overall satisfaction;
- access to services and amenities;
- the environmental quality;
- the economic well-being;
- public transport;
- how inclusive a city is;
- the local public administration;
- the trust and safety in the city.
The European Commission website further breaks down and defines these indicators.
Groningen has persistently scored well in most categories, with the highest scores being in Inclusiveness and amenities. While quality of life is subjective, the city of Groningen tries its best to offer its residents as many opportunities as possible to increase their satisfaction with the city. In practice, this can be seen in many aspects.
Groningen is a healthy city, seeing as 2/3 of travel within the city is done by bike. The city is a pioneer when it comes to biking, as it was the first city in the Netherlands to introduce a traffic circulation plan in 1977 and ban cars from the centre. And this bike-forward attitude can still be seen today. Biking is heavily encouraged and aids in keeping the air and residents healthy. It is also heavily intertwined with how public space and infrastructure are used. The public transport network in Groningen is also outstanding, with 86% of residents calling it reliable, 83% calling it frequent, and 92% calling it safe. This is essential for Groningen as it increases accessibility and mobility and helps create a sustainable and livable city.
The countless greenspaces in Groningen lend themselves to moments of peace and quiet or for fun activities. 90% of residents are happy with the current greenspaces in Groningen. The probably most well-known park is the Noorderplantsoen in the heart of the city. While it gives space for countless activities and festivals, it is also a big part of Groningen’s history, marking the city’s border in the 17th century. The shape of the Noorderplantsoen follows the old defensive walls and leaves room to ponder and stroll while contributing to a pleasant living environment and environmental sustainability. On warm days, many grass fields are taken over by students and locals, who barbeque, play basketball, or simply cool off. Of course, Zondag, the small restaurant in the centre of the park, is also worth a visit, inviting passersby in to sit and linger or enjoy a cup of mulled wine in the winter.
But Groningen is also a student city, with 1 in 4 residents following a course or programme at one of the Universities. This shapes the city and its amenities (location-specific goods or services that make a place attractive). Among accessible healthcare, good education and many different shopping facilities, Groningen also has many cultural amenities. The city houses 7 museums, many theatres, the Forum and small markets which bring plenty of variety, entertainment and cultural experiences. Together with the countless student projects and exhibitions happening all year round, the city offers a lot to see and explore.
The Forum is a meeting point that can hardly be overlooked, breaking the traditional Dutch baroque architecture with its 45-metre-high funky silhouette. But also inside, it offers a multitude of activities. Between the Storyworld exhibition, five cinemas, the smart lab,
cafes and a restaurant, there is still enough space to sit and study. The forum also hosts different events, such as public viewings, rooftop cinemas, and fashion shows, and is home to the highest rooftop terrace in Groningen.
Another notable mention is “Vera, the centre for pop culture”, a student association turned concert venue. Vera holds multiple concerts per week as well as weekly cinemas, dance events and art workshops. It is not only an entertainment space but also a community that adds a nice atmosphere to the city.
When it comes to social amenities and places to meet and stay, Groningen has no shortcomings. The city is filled with small cafes and bars where you can eat and hang out. Among my favourites are the Cat Cafe in Nieuwe Ebbingestraat, where you can enjoy a hot coffee and pet
some furry friends, or Bramble near the Noorderplantsoen, where you get a little bite with every drink you order. And also the nightlife is something to experience. Polestraat is lined with clubs playing all kinds of music and attracting crowds at night. But smaller bars such as Cafebistro Kult or Wednesday night Pub OOST should not be missed. Places like these hold a certain ambience that cannot easily be recreated. Each place has its own charm and allure, and they are what makes Groningen’s centre feel busy and alive.
As mentioned before, Groningen is a very inclusive city. On average, 88% of its residents consider it a good place to live for families with young children, elderly people, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ folk. Neighbourhoods outside of the city centre are usually quiet and have a smaller student population. The city is also home to many queer bars, such as Cafe de Prins or Dorothy’s Dragbar. And with Groningen being a hotspot in the North, the city is much more diverse than the surrounding villages and towns.
However, not everything is as perfect as it may seem. While the city is ideal for students, the economic well-being of residents is estimated quite low. Only 40% of residents consider it easy to find a job, which results in many students leaving after completing their degree. And also, housing is a big issue as the many students oversaturate the market. The housing crisis in Groningen leaves many students without permanent housing. Emergency housing is offered at the beginning of each year, but the city and university need to build more affordable housing in order to sustain the masses of students each year. This year, Zernike Campus opened a new student dormitory with 401 available rooms for international students, however, there is still much to do to aid in this crisis.
Groningen stands as a good example, demonstrating how thoughtful design and strategic investments in social amenities can lead to a high quality of life. The city’s emphasis on sustainable transportation, abundant green spaces, and cultural amenities underlines its commitment
to the well-being of its residents. Additionally, Groningen’s vibrant cultural scene and strong community spirit foster a sense of belonging and enhance social cohesion. There are still some issues that need fixing, but Groningen is on a good track to be considered as a model for creating cities that are not only livable but thrive as dynamic, inclusive, and healthy communities.