Amsterdam is too crowded. What are the alternatives nearby?

As Demand for Apartment Rentals in Amsterdam Rises, Here Are Our Insights:

Amsterdam is a beautiful city, but for expats, there are some caveats. Rental prices are excessively inflated, schools are overcrowded, and the cost of living is higher than the Dutch average... and so on.

What are the alternatives?
Haarlem is a charming city with a historic center, canals, and a multitude of shops, restaurants, and bars. It's approximately a 20-minute train ride to Amsterdam Centraal.
Amstelveen is a modern city with plenty of green spaces. It's also home to several international companies and organizations. It's about a 10-minute train ride to Amsterdam Centraal.
Diemen is a small city located near Amsterdam. It's approximately a 15-minute train ride to Amsterdam Centraal.
Hoofddorp is a city located to the south of Amsterdam. It's home to a number of businesses and industrial facilities, as well as Schiphol Airport. It's about a 20-minute train ride to Amsterdam Centraal.
Zaandam is a city located to the north of Amsterdam. It's known for its wooden windmills and the Zaanse Schans district, a popular tourist destination. It's approximately a 12-minute train ride to Amsterdam Centraal.

You can also consider:
Almere
Hilversum
Purmerend

Average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment, September 2023:
Amsterdam €1,800
Haarlem €1,500
Amstelveen €1,600
Diemen €1,400
Hoofddorp €1,300
Zaandam €1,200