Huizen, Netherlands

With a population of just 41,090, Huizen is one of the larger Dutch towns that lacks a railway connection, a fact that will frustrate many seeking an easy commute. While the village was once a quaint fishing outpost, the 1960s saw it transformed into a sprawling bedroom community, with an influx of residents drawn by the promise of affordable housing in the region. However, this rapid growth has come at a cost, as the town grapples with the bureaucratic headaches of administering a sizable municipality without the infrastructure to match.

For those seeking a quiet, residential enclave outside the bustle of Amsterdam, Huizen may hold some appeal. But its isolation and rapid expansion make it a poor choice for those seeking the vibrant urban amenities and efficient public transit that characterize the Netherlands' more celebrated cities.