This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Denise Segler, 54, who made the bold move from Seattle to Haarlem, a picturesque city in North Holland, the Netherlands, in 2024. Conversations have been edited for length and clarity.

Discovering Europe

I was hooked on Europe way back at 18 during a school trip. It planted this seed: Someday, I’d live abroad. Life’s twists and turns found me divorced with grown kids and recently laid off from my job with Amazon as an IT project manager. When the company let my whole team go in January 2023, I started questioning everything.

A New Perspective

What was really keeping me in the US? I wanted the freedom to be my own boss and try freelancing like a retiree. Europe beckoned with its affordable healthcare. Plus, Europe’s quality of life just seemed better.

Rolling with the DAFT Visa

Here’s what caught my eye: the Dutch American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) visa. It lets Americans live in the Netherlands as independent business owners. Just keep a business account with a minimum of €4,500 ($5,278). Sounds doable, right?

By 2024, I upped my project management game and actively marketed myself as an IT consultant. I even made a little trip to Ireland to see if this “going solo abroad” thing was my jam. Spoiler alert: It was.

Making the Leap

When I say “prepared,” I mean I hired a Dutch legal professional to navigate my paperwork. They filed my visa application in August 2024, and by September, I was approved. November 5 had me landing in Amsterdam, ready to start fresh.

Settling Into Haarlem Life

Believe it or not, I’d never set foot in the Netherlands before moving. The word of mouth was golden: beautiful landscapes, fantastic folks. So, here I am in Haarlem, the capital of North Holland, savoring my charming neighborhood full of shops and cafés. There’s even a train station just eight minutes from my apartment.

Location Charm

This place reminds me of Seattle, particularly South Lake Union. Before anything else, I teamed up with a makelaar (real estate agent) to snag a spot. The housing shortage meant being flexible or wealthy, but I lucked out on my first try. I even had to pay six months’ rent upfront as I had no local rental history.

Finances & Lifestyle Adjustments

I’m self-employed, so I’m dipping into retirement for now — not ideal, I know. Housing costs more here (€1,735 or $2,041), but everything else is cheaper. Like, my internet bill dropped from over $100 to just €38 ($45).

Healthcare’s a charm, too. In the US, I was stuck with COBRA at $800+. Here, it’s €190 ($224) monthly, with dental and chiropractic thrown in.

Everyday Costs

I thought groceries might break the bank, but no. Produce is affordable, loaded with farmers’ markets. Eggs? Packs of 10 for about $3 to $4. Fresh bread from in-house bakeries is a delicious bonus.

Cultural Nuances & Daily Life

Though English isn’t the official language, locals are fluent. French is also widespread, so my school-trained knowledge comes in handy.

Meeting people isn’t too tough, despite occasional challenges with the directness of the Dutch. And sure, I do miss my crew back home. Our Sunday night calls keep us tight-knit.

The Social Scene

Making friends can be tricky, but meetup groups and Tinder are options here. And folks have been understanding of my beginner Dutch.

Looking Ahead

Life’s a lot more relaxed here. Fewer guns, safer neighborhoods, no fear of medical bankruptcy. I’m saving on health insurance and channeling those funds into savings and my budding business.

I’m part of two business networking groups — one Dutch, one UK-based. Plans include a business coach and a branding expert.

Future Plans

The visa I’m on expires next July, but an extension for three more years seems likely. After five years, the option for permanent residency or citizenship, post-Dutch classes, is on the table. I’m undecided about citizenship, but for now? Loving where I am.