Where to live in Utrecht (2024)

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Utrecht is one of the most attractive places to live in the Netherlands, offering big-city amenities, a medieval center, and proximity to the Dutch countryside.

Where to live in Utrecht (8)

Where to live in Utrecht (9)

By Expatica

Updated 14-5-2024

Located in the heart of the Netherlands, Utrecht is well connected to both big city amenities and lush Dutch countryside. The city and its environs remain one of the most beautiful places to live in the country. Utrecht attracts expats and foreign companies with high living standards and an educated workforce in a laid-back university town.

  • Utrecht: the gem of the Randstad
  • Where to live in Utrecht
    • IJsselstein
    • Leidsche Rijn
    • Nieuwegein
    • De Vechtstreek
  • Utrecht facts and links
  • Finding a home in Utrecht

Homelike

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Utrecht: the gem of the Randstad

Arriving in Utrecht by train, you emerge into the country’s largest shopping mall, but don’t let that put you off. Utrecht’s medieval center is a delightful place to live in, with its unusual sunken canals and cellar bars. “A pleasant mix of urban excitement and small-town charm,” according to local convention center Jaarbeurs. The vibe gets particularly lively at night due to the huge (70,500) student population.

Utrecht is also undergoing the fastest development rate in its history, focused on transforming into a regional capital of European importance, complete with a bursting cultural agenda. It attracts international companies and expats alike, having the Netherlands’ most highly educated workforce and second-best standard of living. The municipality offers expats information in English.

However, house-hunting here can be even harder than in Amsterdam. To deal with the shortage, the city is in the midst of expansion projects such as in Leidsche Rijn, and around the railway station to the west. The Station Area will form a natural extension of the central district, bringing together the areas to the east and west of the railway tracks. Its cultural charm will not be lost, however, as no changes will be made to the historic city center.

Transport links are excellent, particularly by train, as Utrecht is HQ for NS (Dutch National Railways) and Utrecht Centraal is the biggest and busiest train station in the Netherlands. It is an easy commute to Amsterdam (25 minutes by train) and the service is regular (five trains an hour).

Where to live in Utrecht (11)

The center is prime territory, particularly the museum quarter and Wilhelminapark with its well-maintained 1930s houses.

Parents have plenty of options for schools, including an international school. Furthermore, childcare centers in Utrecht include Partou.

Where to live in Utrecht

IJsselstein

Twenty minutes down the motorway is the popular suburb of IJsselstein, complete with a car-free medieval city center and castle (now a museum). There are fast train connections to Utrecht and Nieuwegein, and good cultural amenities. Nature lovers can enjoy the green heart of the Netherlands with bike trails through scenic countryside and along the river Lek.

New housing opened in 2012, and zoning approved even more.

Leidsche Rijn

Officially part of the city of Utrecht, Leidsche Rijn consists of the two small villages of Vleuten and Meern and includes the entire agricultural area between those villages and Utrecht itself.

The largest new development in the Netherlands, some 30,000 houses and new space for industry and companies are being built in Leidsche Rijn. In effect, this means that a medium-sized town, which will house 100,000 people, is being built out of nothing. Great effort is being made to create an environmentally friendly town with high-quality housing. An underground motorway is the pride of the project.

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Additionally, there will be a new hospital, schools, churches, shopping facilities, a train station and separate bus lanes throughout the area leading straight to the heart of Utrecht. Keep in mind that most of the facilities won’t be built for another few years (around 2025) but you can also do your shopping in the villages of either Vleuten or De Meern.

Nieuwegein

Lying 7 kilometers south of Utrecht, Nieuwegein is a new town dating from 1971 to cope with Utrecht’s expanding population. There are a variety of housing styles from classic Dutch brick homes to modern high-rises, and if you need to drive to work, easy access to nearby motorways (A2, A12, and A27). To the east is Houten, a fast-developing town, where some third of its population is under 20.

Many houses are amidst parks, lakes, and nature. Most people go to Utrecht for entertainment, making Nieuwegein residential and also ideal for those with young families. New international companies continue to build in the newer industrial park where you can even rent storage space.

De Vechtstreek

This beautiful area is northwest of Utrecht and close to the Loosdrechtse Plassen lakes. Popular with young families and retirees, Breukelen and Maarssen connect with Utrecht through local rail and bus services.

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Older villages include Oud-Zuilen (built around a castle) and Maarssen-Dorp. Maarssenbroek contains newer housing estates with local amenities and services in place.

Utrecht facts and links

This video from Utrecht’s tourism office gives insight into Utrecht.

Finding a home in Utrecht

If the cozy city of Utrecht sounds like your type of place, it’s worth looking online for somewhere to live. Sites such as Funda and Pararius are good options for a permanent place. Meanwhile, some services cater to the international market, offering more flexible contracts and fully furnished apartments. These include:

You may even be considering buying a home in the city. Generally speaking, expats are able to easily buy a Dutch property. However, when getting a mortgage in the Netherlands, many use a mortgage advisor to help them through the process. This is especially helpful if you don’t speak Dutch and are new to the local housing market. Expat-friendly mortgage advisors operating in Utrecht include:

For more information on buying homes in Utrecht and the Netherlands in general, read our expert guide.

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Where to live in Utrecht (2024)

FAQs

What is the nicest part of Utrecht? ›

Neighbourhoods
  • Rotsoord. Rotsoord is industrial and in full development. ...
  • Wittevrouwen. Wittevrouwen is a sought-after neighbourhood just outside the city centre, where two-income couples with children settle in beautiful 1930s houses.
  • Oudwijk. ...
  • Maliekwartier. ...
  • Oog in Al. ...
  • Lombok. ...
  • Binnenstad, Wijk C & Museumwijk.

How to find a place to live in Utrecht? ›

If the cozy city of Utrecht sounds like your type of place, it's worth looking online for somewhere to live. Sites such as Funda and Pararius are good options for a permanent place. Meanwhile, some services cater to the international market, offering more flexible contracts and fully furnished apartments.

What is the best village near Utrecht? ›

Just outside the city of Utrecht lies the beautiful town of Bunnik with a history that goes back 2,000 years. The town is part of a lively area that offers tranquillity and lots of expansive greenery. Bunnik has consistently topped the list of Utrecht Region's most liveable locations.

Is it hard to find an apartment in Utrecht? ›

Finding housing in popular Dutch cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht is especially difficult due to the high demand. If you plan to study at Utrecht University start your search several months in advance to your arrival, even prior to your formal admission.

Is English widely spoken in Utrecht? ›

In my experience, it's rare for Dutch people not to speak English. Older people in more remote parts of the Netherlands, perhaps, but not someone of working age in a university city like Utrecht. Most Dutch people speak both Dutch and English.

Where is the red light district in Utrecht? ›

Like elsewhere in the Netherlands, Utrecht has a Red Light District. It's called the Zandpad (Sand path) and it is located along a picturesque canal. The women work out of long row of canal boats.

What is the quality of life in Utrecht? ›

In fact, the city offers one of the healthiest and most sustainable living environments in the world; home to cutting-edge innovations that not only improve the health of those who live there, but their overall quality of life too.

Is Utrecht a walkable city? ›

Utrecht was recently named as one of the world's most walkable cities where 75 percent of people get to work on foot or by bike. The beautiful city has tree-lined canals, a 14th century bell tower and a thriving student population.

Is Utrecht expensive to live? ›

If you are considering studying in Utrecht, it is important to know what it will cost to support yourself. During your stay in Utrecht, you can expect to spend between €800 and €1,400 a month on living expenses.

How much does a house cost in Utrecht? ›

Single-family homes were most expensive in the central province of Utrecht with an average price of 546,000 euros, whereas a similar house in Groningen had an average price tag of 319,000 euros.

How much is an apartment in Utrecht? ›

On average , a one - bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around 1500 Euros per month , while a two - bedroom apartment can cost around 2000 Euros per month .

Can a foreigner buy an apartment in Netherlands? ›

Can expats buy property in the Netherlands? The short answer is yes. The Netherlands does not place any restrictions on the purchase of property by foreigners, whether resident or non-resident. However, to get a mortgage you must live and be registered in the Netherlands.

What is the prettiest part of the Netherlands? ›

Top 10 Most Beautiful Places to Explore in the Netherlands
  1. Amsterdam - The Capital Gem. ...
  2. Keukenhof Gardens - A Floral Paradise. ...
  3. Giethoorn - The Venice of the North. ...
  4. Zaanse Schans - A Step Back in Time. ...
  5. Kinderdijk - Iconic Windmills. ...
  6. Utrecht - Dynamic Cityscape. ...
  7. Hoge Veluwe National Park - Nature's Sanctuary.

Is Utrecht good for tourists? ›

The city boasts beautiful canals and parks, lively restaurants and cafés, fascinating museums and remarkable historical buildings. Its city center alone is absolutely worth a visit, but there is much more to Utrecht than that.

Where is the center of Utrecht? ›

University Quarter (City centre)

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