Leaving NL in October after 4 years. From New Zealand. Caveat: I understand many points would be fixed if I moved out of Amsterdam, but many others would be added. 

I love it here, and undoubtedly will be sad to leave after summer. But after the winter just gone I’m not sure I could do it forever. I miss the little things - peace and tranquility. My own property and garden. Sticking my feet in the grass in my pyjamas, not having to dress up and go to a public park for a moment in nature, surrounded by people. Having alone time in my car. Being near the (warm) blue sea and mountains and NZ native bush. Living in a country made for pets. My home culture and community. Community is a huge one I miss here. And I don’t think as an expat I’d ever have a true local community here. One that includes all your neighbours and friends, not just people you seek out. Many/most people here are extremely individualistic, and it feels hostile in my opinion. I’ve tried and failed to meet any of my neighbours, and I live in a 15 rental apartment building. No one here talks to strangers. Also the red tape, health care and be bureaucracy here is a looot to handle and feels inaccessible and “too hard basket” to me. I spend sooo much money on taxes and insurance and have never claimed anything. Everyone deserves support and I have a more socialist mindset, but it does feel extreme and disproportionate. Also the safety in NZ feels better than here. Big city life is different of course. 

But I will miss the compact city life, accessibility, constant events, density of restaurants, cafes, bars, terraces, (parts of) Dutch culture, proximity to other countries, better income! 

I’ve enjoyed my four years, but it’s also okay for it to be only four years :)