Twente stays happy while the Netherlands falls behind – here’s why your growth opportunities are strong
The latest research on Gross Twente Happiness is out, and the results are striking. Twente rates itself 7.4 in broad prosperity. The Netherlands averages 6.9 and has even declined slightly over the past two years.
What does this mean? Twente remains one of the most livable regions in the Netherlands. It’s a place where you can work on the innovations of tomorrow while enjoying a high quality of life today.
Date of Publication: 11 November 2025
Read time +/- 2.8 minutes
broad prosperity: how are people really doing?
Gross Twente Happiness measures more than income or career opportunities. It looks at health, safety, social connections, personal development, work-life balance, housing satisfaction, and purpose. In short, it measures all the factors that shape how people feel and their outlook on the future. On these indicators, Twente has consistently scored higher than the rest of the Netherlands for years.
The numbers confirm what many Twentenaren already know: life in Twente offers calm, space, and balance — but also ambition. Twente combines career opportunities in technology, healthcare, ICT, and education with a safe and healthy living environment, affordable housing, and a close-knit community. Whether you’re a starter, a professional looking to grow, or a “Hunkertukker,” Twente is a region where you don’t have to choose between ambition and quality of life.
income is rising in twente
Where national income growth is lagging, Twente is seeing improvement. This signals progress, opportunities, and perspective.
The research also shows that rural municipalities score highest in happiness. Twente’s cities score slightly lower but still above comparable cities elsewhere in the Netherlands. This means you can choose between calm and open space or innovation and urban life — or enjoy both within a 15-minute drive.
happiness is actively cultivated here
Organizations in Twente are increasingly investing in broad prosperity. A prime example is the Heracles Foundation, which focuses on health, social connection, and talent development in the region. For them, happiness is not a vague concept but a regional strategy — one that benefits employees as well.
Discover what Twente has to offer you
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Explore all job openings in Twente via the regional job portal
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Meet Next Tech Twente companies working on tomorrow’s innovations
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Explore a region where talent doesn’t need to shout to be seen
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Wendy Kloezeman
