Groundwerkgroundwerk

The best neighbourhoods in Leeuwarden

There is no single "best neighbourhood" in Leeuwarden. What counts as best depends on whether you want a garden or a tram stop, a primary school around the corner or a quiet night. So what follows is not one list but several — each on a single measurable criterion, with the figure that earned each place shown next to it. 22 neighbourhoods in Leeuwarden are covered by this data.

The spread within a single city is usually wider than buyers expect. The most affordable neighbourhood in this list, Heechterp & Schieringen, has an average WOZ value of €166,000. That is the figure that sets your search area — the question is rarely whether Leeuwarden is affordable, but which part of it is affordable to you.

Noise is the figure most often skipped and most often regretted. A ten-decibel difference sounds small but is perceived as roughly halving the loudness — worth checking before a viewing rather than after.

Highest livability

The overall Leefbaarometer score — the model the Dutch government uses to rate livability in every neighbourhood in the country.

  1. 1De Zuidlanden4.0/5
  2. 2Goutum4.0/5
  3. 3Hempens/Teerns & Zuiderburen4.0/5
  4. 4Dokkumer Ie e.o.3.6/5
  5. 5Vossepark & Helicon3.5/5
  6. 6Dorpen Zuid-West3.4/5
  7. 7Sonnenborgh e.o.3.3/5
  8. 8Stiens e.o.3.3/5

A modelled score built from housing stock, amenities and nuisance data among others — not a judgement on whether you would feel at home there.

Most affordable

The lowest average WOZ value — the most useful public figure for seeing where your budget stretches furthest.

  1. 1Heechterp & Schieringen€166,000
  2. 2Binnenstad€174,000
  3. 3Nijlân & De Zwette€199,000
  4. 4Oud-Oost€199,000
  5. 5Bilgaard & Havankpark e.o.€212,000
  6. 6Vrijheidswijk€213,000
  7. 7Potmargezone€215,000
  8. 8Huizum-West€222,000

WOZ is a tax valuation dated 1 January of the previous year; in a rising market, asking prices sit above it.

Best amenities

The Leefbaarometer amenities sub-score: shops, cafés, healthcare and schooling within reach.

  1. 1Binnenstad4.1/5
  2. 2Huizum-West3.5/5
  3. 3Oud-Oost3.5/5
  4. 4Vossepark & Helicon3.5/5
  5. 5Potmargezone3.4/5
  6. 6Sonnenborgh e.o.3.3/5
  7. 7Heechterp & Schieringen3.2/5
  8. 8Bilgaard & Havankpark e.o.3.1/5

Measures how much is nearby, not how good or how expensive it is.

Highest safety score

The Leefbaarometer safety sub-score, based on recorded nuisance and crime in the neighbourhood.

  1. 1De Zuidlanden3.7/5
  2. 2Dorpen Zuid-Oost3.7/5
  3. 3Dorpen Zuid-West3.7/5
  4. 4Goutum3.7/5
  5. 5Hempens/Teerns & Zuiderburen3.7/5
  6. 6Dokkumer Ie e.o.3.6/5
  7. 7Grou e.o.3.6/5
  8. 8Stiens e.o.3.6/5

Based on recorded reports. Neighbourhoods where people report more incidents can therefore score lower than they feel.

Quietest neighbourhoods

Average noise exposure from the RIVM noise map, in decibels — road, rail and air traffic combined.

  1. 1Dorpen Zuid-West35 dB
  2. 2Goutum42 dB
  3. 3Potmargezone42 dB
  4. 4Bilgaard & Havankpark e.o.44 dB
  5. 5De Zuidlanden44 dB
  6. 6Stiens e.o.44 dB
  7. 7Hempens/Teerns & Zuiderburen46 dB
  8. 8Vossepark & Helicon47 dB

A modelled map based on traffic flows. Nightlife, construction and neighbours are not in it.

Closest to a train station

Straight-line distance to the nearest train station — often the deciding factor if you plan to live without a car.

  1. 1Huizum-West400 m
  2. 2Binnenstad1.0 km
  3. 3Grou e.o.1.3 km
  4. 4Aldlân & De Hemrik1.5 km
  5. 5Potmargezone1.6 km
  6. 6Oud-Oost1.9 km
  7. 7Vossepark & Helicon1.9 km
  8. 8Sonnenborgh e.o.2.4 km

Measured straight-line from the neighbourhood centroid, not walking route. Tram and metro are not counted.

Closest to a primary school

Distance to the nearest primary school — usually where families with young children start.

  1. 1Vossepark & Helicon300 m
  2. 2Huizum-West400 m
  3. 3Sonnenborgh e.o.500 m
  4. 4Oud-Oost600 m
  5. 5Binnenstad700 m
  6. 6Goutum800 m
  7. 7Vrijheidswijk800 m
  8. 8Heechterp & Schieringen1.0 km

Distance says nothing about places being available or about teaching quality. International schools are counted separately.

Best air quality

Measured NO₂ concentration (RIVM). Nitrogen dioxide comes mainly from traffic and is the most useful urban indicator.

  1. 1Binnenstad3.1 µg/m³
  2. 2Heechterp & Schieringen3.1 µg/m³
  3. 3Oud-Oost3.1 µg/m³
  4. 4Bilgaard & Havankpark e.o.3.2 µg/m³
  5. 5Dorpen Zuid-West3.2 µg/m³
  6. 6Potmargezone3.2 µg/m³
  7. 7Westeinde e.o.3.2 µg/m³
  8. 8Dorpen Zuid-Oost3.3 µg/m³

One pollutant out of a broader picture. Particulates and wood-burning can tell a different local story.

Choosing an area is step one. The address is step two.

These figures describe the neighbourhood. Foundation type, energy label, ground lease and flood risk vary by building — sometimes between two houses on the same street.

Generate free report

Your first report is free — no credit card needed.

Browse all 22 neighbourhood profiles in Leeuwarden

How much do buyers overbid in Leeuwarden?

Further reading

Veelgestelde vragen