Separated from Amsterdam proper, Zuidoost is a diverse — if not very exciting — suburb with loads of affordable housing.
Zuidoost has a high violent crime rate and a below average property crime rate for Amsterdam.
If Amsterdam ever had what qualified as a ghetto, Zuidoost was it. There were times when taxis wouldn’t even take passengers to some of the streets here. It was designed in the 1960s and 70s as a functional town of the future with large, uninspired blocks of flats situated around green parks and common areas. To say the project failed is an understatement. Crime was on the rise almost immediately after its completion.
However, substantial efforts and an extensive makeover have turned this notorious part of town into a pleasant suburb. It’s still not popular, and living here means you need to explain why all the time, but it’s coming along. And your friends will understand when they hear what you pay for that large 4-bedroom apartment or that garden unit overlooking a lush park.
Great public transport links mean everything is within easy reach, and by bike, central Amsterdam is less than 30 minutes away.
Zuidoost is home to people from all parts of the world. This is reflected in the restaurants and shops on offer. Some are favored by foodies from central Amsterdam who happily take the 20+ minute metro ride here to sample the different cuisines.
The housing stock is just as diverse with dirt-cheap studio flats, big apartments, an abundance of family homes in all shapes and sizes, and even detached villas.
Interestingly, Zuidoost does not border Amsterdam proper. The towns of Diemen and Duivendrecht cut it off from town. But whereas those two places very much feel like separate towns, Zuidoost feels more metropolitan. Go visit, you might be surprised.
Zuidoost LOCAL schools
Zuidoost Local Flavor 
This indoor food market is housed in an old parking garage. Stalls with food from all over the world lure you in to sample yummy bites and drinks. You can easily spend an entire evening here eating your way around the globe. Because of student housing nearby, the crowd is a mix between young hipsters, immigrants, and the occasional townie.
Home base to Amsterdam Football Club AJAX. Since the passing of Dutch footie legend Johan Cruijff, everybody feels this stadium should bear his name. Give it time, as it surely will. The stadium also houses large concerts and festivals. The nearby shopping district offers little other than a few massive chain stores, but there are quite a few decent pubs and restaurants.
This golf course is nestled between the high-rises of the Arena business district and the train tracks (parts of it are even under the bridge of the tracks leading to Utrecht). No wonder some people only take notice of the thatched roof of the elegant clubhouse when looking out the window when their train passes. This course was designed in 1934 and is one of the oldest in the Netherlands. The 9-hole course is open to non-members but it’s a good idea to call ahead to book a tee time.
The main shopping district of Zuidoost. As with the rest of the neighborhood, this shopping center was in need of a makeover. Currently, it's halfway through an upgrade. But the abundance of retail chains, culturally diverse local shops and boutiques, and international food court make up for it.
This large park bordering an even larger lake offers a beach, surfing, sailing, fishing, a campsite, and many cultural festivals and activities in summer. Great spot for a fun day out with the kids!
