Monnickendam

Monnickendam on the Markermeer divides across ten neighbourhoods around its old fortified core, together nearly 10,000 residents in the municipality of Waterland. The scores sit broadly and neatly above the middle: amenities and safety at 7.3 and 7.1, housing 6.3, social life 6.2, nature 6.1. Nowhere a weak spot. With an overall of 7.2, this historic little harbour reads as a pleasant, balanced place to live.