Rijswijk, Netherlands

With a population of just over 55,000, Rijswijk is a compact municipality in the Netherlands that has effectively merged with The Hague. Its convenient location and access to major employers like Shell make it an appealing suburban option for those seeking an alternative to the capital's high costs. However, the area's bureaucratic headaches - including the recent closure of a local polytechnic college - are a persistent challenge. Overall, Rijswijk offers a relatively affordable middle ground for Dutch professionals, but those seeking a dynamic urban center may find the town a bit sleepy.