Nunspeet: 15% cheaper than Apeldoorn
Nunspeet sits quietly along the Veluwe edge, where small-town charm meets serious value for money. This 27,000-resident Gelderland town attracts renters who've given up on Apeldoorn's inflated prices but still need decent connections to the Randstad. Based on listings tracked on RentHunter, Nunspeet runs about 15% cheaper than its bigger neighbor, though your commute will stretch longer.
The rental stock here reflects the town's character: family houses along Harderwijkerweg, compact apartments near the station, and the occasional rural conversion for renters seeking space and quiet. Most locals work elsewhere or run small businesses, creating a stable rental market without student pressure or corporate relocations driving up prices.
Nunspeet combines practical small-town living with access to the Veluwe's natural landscape and solid connections to major employment centers.
The train from Nunspeet reaches Apeldoorn in 20 minutes and continues to major cities throughout the Netherlands. Many residents commute to jobs in Zwolle, Arnhem, or even Almere, trading longer travel times for Nunspeet's lower housing costs and quieter pace of life.
Living in Nunspeet means the Veluwemeer coastline sits just minutes away by bike, while hiking trails into the Veluwe National Park begin practically at the town's edge. Saturday mornings often see residents cycling to the weekly market on Parkstraat, then continuing to the lake for swimming or sailing during warmer months.
Budget wisely for utilities:
Many Nunspeet rentals exclude gas and electricity from quoted prices, especially the larger houses. Winter heating costs can add €150-200 monthly to detached properties near the lake, so factor this into your total housing budget when comparing options.
Nunspeet's rail connections make it viable for commuters willing to trade convenience for lower housing costs.
The hourly direct service to Utrecht Centraal makes this the most practical commute for office workers in the Netherlands' fourth-largest city. The journey requires one change in Apeldoorn, but timing works well for standard business hours.
Reaching the capital involves changing twice but remains doable for workers with flexible schedules. Peak-hour crowding on the Amsterdam-bound sections can make this commute tiring, though Nunspeet's rental savings often justify the journey length.
Off-peak fares save significantly:
NS dal-uren pricing cuts train costs by 40% for journeys starting after 9:00 AM on weekdays. If your work allows flexible hours, departing Nunspeet at 9:15 instead of 8:15 can save €80+ monthly on Utrecht commutes while adding only 15 minutes to your arrival time.
Nunspeet runs about 15% cheaper than Apeldoorn for comparable properties, making it attractive for budget-conscious renters. However, the smaller rental stock means fewer choices overall. Most listings stay available for several days rather than disappearing within hours like in student cities.
Many Nunspeet rentals exclude gas and electricity, particularly detached houses and converted rural properties. Winter heating can add €150-200 monthly for larger homes near the Veluwemeer. Apartments near the station typically include more utilities in the base rent, making them more predictable for budgeting.
Yes, Nunspeet appeals strongly to families seeking space and natural surroundings. The town offers several primary schools, safe cycling infrastructure, and immediate access to outdoor recreation at the Veluwemeer and Veluwe forests. Many rental houses include gardens and parking, luxuries that cost significantly more in urban markets.
Train service from Nunspeet station runs reliably every hour toward Apeldoorn and onward connections, with good punctuality outside of severe weather periods. However, evening service becomes limited after 10 PM, which can complicate late work or social plans in major cities. Weekend service also reduces to every two hours.
