IJburg is a modern waterfront district built on artificial islands in eastern Amsterdam, prized by international families for its space, beaches, playgrounds and a strong sense of community within minutes of the city centre. It suits families who want contemporary, family sized homes and an outdoor, water based lifestyle, with international schools reachable by tram and bike in the south of the city.
IJburg is one of Amsterdam's newest neighbourhoods, a planned archipelago of islands in the IJmeer lake to the east of the centre. Its modern architecture, generous outdoor space and waterfront setting make it one of the most child friendly parts of the city, where families get more room for their money and a small town feel a short tram ride from the centre. For relocating families the appeal is space, community and an active, water based lifestyle. To weigh it against the rest of the city, start from the Amsterdam international schools hub, which sets out districts, curricula and the school landscape.
The district is genuinely set up for young families, with parks, playgrounds, urban beaches and active community groups such as the IJburg international parents networks that organise activities and share school advice. Many international families settle here for affordable, contemporary housing within Amsterdam itself, then accept a short commute to the international schools that cluster in the south of the city and in neighbouring Amstelveen.
IJburg itself is served mainly by Dutch and bilingual primary schools, while the city's international schools cluster in the south and in Amstelveen, a tram or cycle ride away. The named options below show the pattern; confirm current places, fees and admissions directly with each school before applying.
To compare these against the wider city, read our roundup of the best international schools in Amsterdam for context on curricula and demand, and browse parent feedback on the Amsterdam school reviews page. For a southern, school heavy alternative, the Amstelveen area guide covers the district where most international campuses sit. School names here are illustrative of the area's provision, not endorsements.
Tell us your child's age, preferred curriculum and budget and we will shortlist IJburg and wider Amsterdam schools that fit, so you can focus the search before you arrive.
Open the School FinderIJburg is connected to central Amsterdam mainly by tram, with the line running to the centre and Amsterdam Centraal in around twenty minutes, supplemented by buses and excellent cycle routes. New and improving connections have made the district markedly more accessible, and like most of Amsterdam it is a place where the bicycle is the default for everyday journeys within the neighbourhood.
For the school run, families using international schools in the south of the city or in Amstelveen typically combine tram, bus and bike, while those choosing a local IJburg primary often walk or cycle. If a specific international school is the priority, check its catchment, waiting lists and transport early, as the most popular campuses fill quickly and many sit some distance from IJburg.
Housing in IJburg is modern and family oriented, from contemporary terraced houses and waterfront apartments to floating homes on the canals between the islands. Compared with the historic centre, IJburg generally offers more space and newer build quality for the money, which is a large part of why international families settle here. Larger houses suit families wanting gardens and room, while apartments offer a lower entry point with the same access to beaches and parks.
Beyond rent, budget for utilities, local taxes, school fees and transport. To model the full picture before you commit, our Amsterdam cost of living calculator totals rent, schooling and everyday spending, and the relocation hub covers the 30 percent ruling, healthcare and the practical steps of moving to the Netherlands. For school budgeting specifically, see our guide to international school fees in Amsterdam and the banded primary school fees for Amsterdam.
Day to day, IJburg is one of the most family friendly parts of Amsterdam. The district has urban beaches on the IJmeer, parks and playgrounds throughout, water sports on the lake, supermarkets, cafes and a genuine community feel, with active international parent groups that organise play dates, sport and activities. The combination of waterfront living and small town atmosphere is hard to match closer to the centre.
For families who value space, the outdoors and community over a historic central address, IJburg is a strong base within the city itself. For households weighing IJburg against other parts of Amsterdam, the Amsterdam city hub sets out districts, curricula and the school landscape across the city.
Yes. IJburg is one of the most child friendly parts of Amsterdam, a modern waterfront district built on artificial islands with beaches, parks, playgrounds and a strong family community, offering more space for the money than the historic centre within a short tram ride.
IJburg itself is served mainly by Dutch and bilingual primary schools. The city's international schools, including the Amsterdam International Community School and campuses in Amstelveen, cluster in the south of the city and are reachable from IJburg by tram and bike.
A tram line connects IJburg to the centre and Amsterdam Centraal in around twenty minutes, with buses and excellent cycle routes as alternatives. As across Amsterdam, the bicycle is the default for everyday journeys within the neighbourhood.
IJburg offers modern, family oriented housing, from contemporary terraced houses and waterfront apartments to floating homes on the canals between the islands. It generally gives more space and newer build quality for the money than the historic centre.
IJburg has urban beaches on the IJmeer, parks and playgrounds throughout, water sports, supermarkets and cafes, plus active international parent groups that organise play dates and activities. It combines waterfront living with a small town atmosphere within the city.
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