Noordwijk at €1,605: coastal calm meets commuter reality
Picture cycling through Noordwijk's quiet residential streets on a Tuesday morning, salt air drifting from the nearby coast while commuters catch the first bus to Leiden. This Zuid-Holland town of 25,867 residents occupies a unique position: close enough to major cities for daily commutes, yet distinctly removed from urban pressure. Based on over 900 listings tracked on RentHunter, the rental market reflects this duality with an average rent of €1,605 across all accommodation types.
The numbers tell Noordwijk's story clearly. Apartments dominate with 58% of available rentals, averaging €1,650 per month for 81 square meters. Houses claim 32% of the market at €1,805 monthly for 98 square meters, while rooms represent just 7% at €663. With 45% of listings offering parking and 34% featuring gardens, Noordwijk caters to renters seeking suburban comfort within reach of the Randstad's employment centers.
Noordwijk combines the tranquility of coastal living with practical access to Holland's employment centers. Residents enjoy wide streets, neighborhood cafés around Marelplein, and Saturday markets while maintaining reasonable commutes to major cities.
Bus route 20 connects Noordwijk to Leiden Centraal in about 25 minutes, making university jobs and research positions accessible. From there, trains reach Amsterdam (37 minutes total) and Den Haag (42 minutes). Many residents work in Leiden's biotech sector or Den Haag's government offices while enjoying Noordwijk's quieter pace.
Living in Noordwijk means the North Sea is always within cycling distance. Residents often mention the unique rhythm of beach walks before work or weekend runs along the coastal path. The salty air and horizon views create a living environment distinctly different from inland Dutch cities, contributing to the town's appeal for remote workers and early retirees.
Practical tip: NS subscription savings:
If you're commuting daily to Amsterdam or Den Haag, an NS Flex season ticket pays for itself within 6-8 weeks. The bus connection to Leiden Centraal counts toward your NS journey, making the combined transport cost predictable for budget planning.
Noordwijk's transport connections make it viable for professionals working across the Randstad, though journey times require careful consideration for daily commuting patterns.
The journey requires bus 20 to Leiden Centraal, then direct train service. During peak hours, expect occasional delays on the busy Amsterdam corridor. Early morning departures (before 7:30) typically run smoother than evening returns, when tourist traffic adds pressure to the train system.
A manageable commute to the government district via Leiden. Many Noordwijk residents work in ministries or international organizations and appreciate returning to coastal quiet after bureaucratic days. The afternoon bus back from Leiden often carries fellow government workers heading home to various coastal towns along this route.
Alternative: Schiphol Airport jobs:
Airport jobs in Haarlemmermeer are reachable via Leiden and multiple train connections, taking about 65 minutes total. While not ideal for daily commuting, many aviation industry professionals choose Noordwijk for lifestyle reasons and manage the longer journey to Schiphol.
Noordwijk averages 3% more expensive than Leiden at €1,605 versus Leiden's university town pricing. You're paying a modest premium for coastal location and lower population density, but getting more space per euro, Noordwijk apartments average 81m² compared to smaller units typical in student-heavy Leiden.
About 10% of Noordwijk listings explicitly welcome pets, which is typical for Dutch coastal towns. Houses with gardens (34% of all listings) are more likely to accept pets than apartments. The nearby beach and dune walking paths make Noordwijk particularly dog-friendly for daily exercise.
Noordwijk is very car-friendly with 45% of rental listings including parking spaces. Street parking near the center requires paid permits during summer tourist season, but most residential areas offer free parking year-round. The suburban character means driveways and private parking are common, unlike denser Dutch cities.
Yes, 45% of Noordwijk rentals come furnished, which is higher than many Dutch cities. This reflects the coastal town's appeal to temporary residents like remote workers, international professionals on short-term contracts, and people relocating for lifestyle changes. Furnished apartments in Noordwijk are particularly common.
