Purmerend, Netherlands

Capital City

With a population of 81,515, Purmerend is a sprawling commuter town that has rapidly expanded since the 1960s. Many of its residents, around 14,200 as of 2011, work, study, or spend leisure time in nearby Amsterdam. However, this growth has come at a cost - the city's perpetual battle against the swampy, watery terrain has resulted in a never-ending bureaucratic headache for residents.

The relocation of the historic cattle market in 2008 is a telling example of the city's logistical challenges. While the move aimed to reduce traffic congestion and provide more parking in the city center, it also highlights the pragmatic trade-offs Purmerend has had to make. This is a city for those seeking an affordable, family-friendly commuter hub, but one that requires a thick skin to navigate its persistent infrastructure issues.

Overall, Purmerend is a practical choice for those drawn to the Randstad region, but not for the faint of heart when it comes to dealing with the realities of living in a polder-based environment.