Happiest Cities

's-Hertogenbosch, North Brabant, Netherlands

's-Hertogenbosch, also known as Den Bosch, is a city located in the province of North Brabant in the southern part of the Netherlands. As of 2021, it has a population of approximately 157,000 inhabitants. Den Bosch is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage, picturesque streets, and beautiful buildings. It is home to many historic landmarks, including the Saint John's Cathedral, which is considered one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the Netherlands.

One of the things that make inhabitants of 's-Hertogenbosch happy is the quality of life in the city. The city offers a high standard of living with good infrastructure, excellent healthcare, and education facilities. In addition, the city is relatively safe, and the crime rate is low compared to other cities in the Netherlands.

The city is also known for its vibrant cultural scene, with a wide range of events and festivals throughout the year. These include the annual carnival, jazz festival, and the theatre festival, which attract both locals and visitors to the city.

Another factor that contributes to the happiness of the inhabitants of 's-Hertogenbosch is the availability of green spaces and outdoor activities. The city is surrounded by beautiful countryside, and there are many parks and nature reserves within the city limits. The city's proximity to the river Maas also provides opportunities for water sports and other outdoor activities.

Access to affordable housing is also a significant factor in the happiness of the inhabitants of 's-Hertogenbosch. The city has a range of housing options, from historic city center apartments to more modern, suburban developments. The cost of living in 's-Hertogenbosch is relatively high, but it is offset by the high quality of life and excellent amenities available in the city.

Employment opportunities are also a significant factor in the happiness of the inhabitants of 's-Hertogenbosch. The city is home to many companies in various industries, including logistics, healthcare, and technology. The unemployment rate in the city is relatively low compared to other cities in the Netherlands, and the average income is also higher than the national average.

Traffic and commuting are not major issues in 's-Hertogenbosch. The city has an extensive network of public transport, including buses and trains, which connect the city to other parts of the Netherlands. In addition, the city has an extensive network of cycling paths, and cycling is a popular mode of transport in the city.

Noise and stress are not significant issues in 's-Hertogenbosch, as the city is relatively quiet and calm. However, air quality and pollution can be a concern, particularly during periods of high traffic or when there are weather conditions that exacerbate pollution. The city is taking steps to address this issue, including promoting cycling and reducing traffic congestion.

The weather in 's-Hertogenbosch can be variable, with mild summers and cold winters. However, the city's proximity to the coast and the river Maas moderates the climate, and extreme weather conditions are rare.

's-Hertogenbosch is a beautiful and vibrant city that offers its inhabitants an excellent quality of life. The city's rich cultural heritage, vibrant cultural scene, access to green spaces, and outdoor activities are factors that contribute to the happiness of its inhabitants. Access to affordable housing, good employment opportunities, and a low crime rate are also significant factors in the city's high standard of living. While air quality and pollution can be a concern, the city is taking steps to address these issues, making it an excellent place to live, work and raise a family.