Russische buurt, Zaanstad
NeighbourhoodThis brand-new apartment on De Houthaalder in Zaandam is finished to a high standard, with an A+++ energy label and a generous 84 m² of living space. At €1,979 per month, the rent is 26% above the neighbourhood average of €1,567, but you get 29% more floor area than the typical home in the area. Compared to other apartments in Zaanstad, this one is on the high side for the size.
The Russische buurt is a densely built urban area with a mix of pre-war and newer housing. It's a lively, diverse part of Zaandam, close to the water and the Houthaven quay. Based on two reviews, residents have mixed feelings. One says: "This neighbourhood is deteriorating; people are increasingly less willing to keep their own street clean. And from the municipality you can expect absolutely nothing." Another notes: "It's not really safe in the neighbourhood in the evenings. When there has been a market, it often takes another day before it's cleaned up." The area has a high proportion of single-person households and a young population, with many residents aged 25 to 45. For more context, see the Russische buurt neighbourhood.
For daily groceries, you have an Albert Heijn and an Ekoplaza just a couple of streets away, and a Vomar within a five-minute walk. There are several primary schools within a ten-minute walk, including Openbare Basisschool De Dijk and OBS Herman Gorter. The train station is a ten-minute walk, making commuting easy. The area is also well served by restaurants and a library. For more on the wider area, see the municipality of Zaanstad.
At the time of writing, the home is listed only via vb&t Verhuurmakelaars.
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Details of this home
About De Houthaalder 18, Zaandam
The rent of €1,979 is 26% above the neighbourhood average of €1,567, but the apartment is also 29% larger than the average home in the area (84 m² vs 65 m²). Given the new build, high energy label, and size, the price is in line with what you'd expect for a premium rental in this part of Zaandam.
The energy label is A+++, which is the highest possible rating. This means the apartment is extremely energy-efficient, so you can expect very low heating and electricity costs. The home is newly built in 2025, so it meets the latest insulation and ventilation standards.
The train station is 0.9 km away, about a ten-minute walk. This makes it convenient for commuting to Amsterdam or other cities in the region.
There are several supermarkets within walking distance: an AH to go at 333 m, an Albert Heijn at 443 m, an Ekoplaza at 443 m, and a Vomar at 473 m. So daily shopping is very convenient.
Primary schools within a ten-minute walk include Openbare Basisschool De Dijk (812 m), OBS Herman Gorter (856 m), and ICBS het Zaanplein (1 km). For secondary education, the nearest school is 2.1 km away.
Based on two resident reviews, safety is a concern. One resident says it's not really safe in the evenings, and another mentions the area is deteriorating. The neighbourhood has a high crime rate (764 total crimes), so it's worth considering your own comfort level.
The listing does not mention a garden, balcony, or any outdoor space. Given that it's an apartment in a new-build complex, it's unlikely to have a private garden, but a balcony may be possible.
How residents experience their neighbourhood
This neighbourhood is deteriorating; people are increasingly less willing to keep their own street clean. And from the municipality you can expect absolutely nothing. A small patch of grass that is used as a poop field for dogs. And on the other side of our house, the Houthaven quay is being built. Away sun, away freedom; the flats are so close that we have to sit with the curtains closed.
Auto-translated to English by AIIt's not really safe in the neighbourhood in the evenings. When there has been a market, it often takes another day before it's cleaned up. In my complex, only foreign people live, so I have little contact with the neighbours.
Auto-translated to English by AIFigures on residents, liveability and the housing market
| Sale price | €383,282 | €342,250 |
|---|---|---|
| Sale per m² | €4,981 | – |
| Rent price | €1,567 p/m | €1,480 p/m |
| Rent per m² | €24 p/m | – |
How residents experience their district
This neighbourhood is deteriorating; people are increasingly less willing to keep their own street clean. And from the municipality you can expect absolutely nothing. A small patch of grass that is used as a poop field for dogs. And on the other side of our house, the Houthaven quay is being built. Away sun, away freedom; the flats are so close that we have to sit with the curtains closed.
Auto-translated to English by AIIt's not really safe in the neighbourhood in the evenings. When there has been a market, it often takes another day before it's cleaned up. In my complex, only foreign people live, so I have little contact with the neighbours.
Auto-translated to English by AIFigures on residents, liveability and the housing market
| Sale price | €383,282 | €342,250 |
|---|---|---|
| Sale per m² | €4,981 | – |
| Rent price | €1,567 p/m | €1,481 p/m |
| Rent per m² | €24 p/m | – |
How residents experience their municipality
Living in Zaandam is like having a front-row seat to a modern Dutch fairy tale, but with a raw, industrial soul that keeps it grounded. While tourists at the station stare at the "Lego hotel", the magic for us locals lies in the quiet corners along the Zaan. The daily rhythm: in the morning you usually smell chocolate – really. Depending on the wind, the local cocoa factories (like ADM or Cargill) envelop the entire city in a warm, brownie-like scent. It's the ultimate "gezellige buurt" perk you won't find in travel guides. My favourite local spots: De Hemmes: This is my favourite "secret" spot. It's a small peninsula jutting into the Zaan. It's wild, industrial, and perfect for a sunset walk when you want to see the windmills of Zaanse Schans in the distance without the crowds of tourist buses. BIND: Located on the old Hembrug terrain, this is the heart of the community. It's an old transformer building turned into a living-room café. There's a wood stove, various rugs, and someone is always playing guitar or hosting a small art workshop. The 'Dam' (Zaandam-style): On Friday nights we go to the square by the lock. It's much more intimate than Dam Square in Amsterdam. Sitting at Wonder's or Manzo's with a beer, watching the boats sail through the Wilhelminasluis, is how we truly unwind.
Auto-translated to English by AIDaily nuisance from cockroaches moroccans, this neighbourhood has changed into an antisocial abdoela neighbourhood since 4 years.
Auto-translated to English by AIThe rest of Assendelft is difficult to reach, the neighbourhood bus only runs once an hour between 9 and 18, but otherwise it's very pleasant living here. All amenities are available, many schools, greenery.
Auto-translated to English by AINo contact with neighbours, used to have New neighbours
Auto-translated to English by AINice people who leave each other alone, but you can always turn to them when needed...
Auto-translated to English by AIReasonable, but compared to 20 years ago. Too busy with traffic.
Auto-translated to English by AIMy feeling says that people should be nicer to each other, keep the neighbourhood tidy, and there should be less nuisance in the flat. And people can help each other to keep it tidy too.
Auto-translated to English by AIA cosy neighbourhood with lots of greenery. Unfortunately, many homes have mould and there are many loitering youths in the area. This affects safety.
Auto-translated to English by AIFigures on residents, liveability and the housing market
| Sale price | €441,310 | €407,295 |
|---|---|---|
| Sale per m² | €4,822 | – |
| Rent price | €1,590 p/m | €1,530 p/m |
| Rent per m² | €22 p/m | – |
De Houthaalder 18, Zaandam
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