Contemplating a move to Amsterdam

[Flumflumtree]

Hi
Job dependant we are thinking of a more to Amsterdam or the surrounding area. DH is going for a second interview soon. My DS is nearly 5 and DD 2.5 so will need to find pre schools and schools for them both. We can't afford the international schools but we are exploring the idea of the subsidised ones. We have contacted the one in Hilversum, Almere and Amsterdam but was hoping for some feedback on them from and mumsnetters and if there is any others I should be considering.
What are the areas of Almere and Hilversum like to live in? Not sure what our budget will be yet but what areas of Amsterdam are nice to live in with kids.
Also how do you find living in the Netherlands with kids? We have lived abroad before so kind of used to that side of things but its always unsettling a big move like this.
TIA

Hi LaydeeFox,
What did you decide?

I have boy/girl twins that just turned 10 and we are moving to amsterdam from the US in Dec. We have spots at AICS but would prefer a dutch public school if possible. I am nervous that my children are too old/wouldn't have a great experience in a public school. Thoughts? They speak English and a decent amount of Spanish but not a word of Dutch. We will be in Amsterdam 12-18 months.

Any advice/help is appreciated!