Conquering the Housing Crisis, Amsterdam Now Promotes Suburban Living

The City of Amsterdam is known for its mapping skills. They have now created a tool, MapItOut, that gives clear insight into the scope that different modes of transport can provide. With the tool, you can select a location and see where you can travel to or from by bike, car, or public transport within a certain timeframe. This makes it easy to explore your housing possibilities, daily commute and primary schools within various distances.

MapItOut initially was designed to be part of a larger information package making it easier for internationals to settle in Amsterdam. Some young families and workers might not be aware of the commuting possibilities in and around their new home city. The tool shows that it’s possible to work in the capital and build up a new life in other towns or rural surroundings. The current influx of expats is creating tensions in cities like Amsterdam and puts more pressure on the supply of housing driving up prices. 

What started as a tool only for Amsterdam has now become an open-source map which is also available for other parts of Europe. This opens up a lot more opportunities to find affordable housing while still being able to stay in your job. You can now finally plan your move to the rural idyll!