Rental homes in Bergen (Noord-Holland)

Renting in Bergen (North Holland): dunes, village centres and a tight market

The municipality of Bergen (North Holland) is a collection of characteristic villages on the North Holland coast: Bergen itself, Schoorl, Egmond aan Zee, Egmond aan den Hoef, Egmond-Binnen and Bergen aan Zee. Of the total housing stock of over 15,400 homes, 32% are rental properties, while 67% are owner-occupied. Within that rental market, about 18% is owned by housing associations (social housing) and 14% is offered by other landlords, i.e. the private sector. This means that the private-sector supply is limited, and you can see that in the prices. Over the past twelve months, only 29 private-sector homes have been rented out, at an average rent of €1,917 per month. The range runs from €665 to €4,000 per month, with an average floor area of 168 m². These are substantial amounts, consistent with the high average WOZ value of €548,000 in this municipality. For current daily prices and the current supply, you can consult the overview at the top of this page.

Rental properties in Bergen (North Holland) are scarce and sought after. This is because the municipality has a strong appeal to people looking for peace, nature and the coast, but who also want to live within commuting distance of Alkmaar and even Amsterdam. Accessibility scores remarkably high among residents (8.8/10), partly thanks to good bus connections and the proximity of the N9 and A9. Yet this is not a municipality where you can quickly rent an apartment: you need patience and must react quickly when something becomes available.

From Bergen Binnen to Schoorl: the neighbourhoods and their character

The municipality of Bergen consists of very different villages, each with its own atmosphere. Below is an honest overview of the main neighbourhoods for renting, including neighbourhood scores from residents.

Bergen Binnen, the artists' village with allure

Bergen Binnen is the beating heart of the municipality and scores the highest among residents with an 8.4/10. This is the village of the Bergen School, with galleries, studios, terraces on the Plein and the Ruïnekerkje. You will find a mix of older, affluent residents and creative types. A rental home in Bergen Binnen is not cheap, but you get a lively village centre in return with shops, restaurants and the Kranenburgh museum within walking distance. The community scores well here, although residents note that it can get busy during the tourist season.

Egmond-Binnen, quiet and green

Slightly further south lies Egmond-Binnen, a compact village with a neighbourhood score of 8.0/10. This is a quiet residential area with plenty of greenery, the Egmond Abbey and a short bike ride to the beach at Egmond aan Zee. Families and pensioners feel at home here. The level of amenities is basic; for larger shopping trips you drive to Bergen or Alkmaar, but residents appreciate the peace and quiet.

Schoorl, between forest and sea

Schoorl scores 7.8/10 among residents and is known for the extensive Schoorlse Dunes, the highest dune area in the Netherlands. Here you literally live between forest and sea. The village has a cosy centre with a few restaurants and shops, but is especially popular with people who prefer nature over amenities. The homes here are on average more spacious than in the other villages.

In addition, Egmond aan den Hoef is an option for those looking for a more affordable home. With a neighbourhood score of 6.5/10, the village scores somewhat lower; residents mention the limited level of amenities as a point of attention. The ruins of Slot op den Hoef and the bulb fields do give the village its own character. For those who want to see the sea, Egmond aan Zee is interesting, although the housing supply there is very limited. The same applies to Bergen aan Zee, a small seaside resort where the supply largely consists of holiday homes. The rural area of Bergen mainly attracts people looking for space and silence.

On the municipal page of Bergen you can find all resident reviews. What stands out: residents give the municipality an average of 7.8/10, with high scores for safety (8.4) and greenery (8.4). Education and amenities score somewhat lower at 6.8, which is logical for a municipality without a large shopping centre or secondary schools in every village.

Who is renting a home in Bergen suitable for?

Bergen is par excellence a municipality for people who consciously choose nature, space and a village pace. The largest age group is 65+ (over 10,000 residents), and this is reflected in the character of the villages: quiet, well-maintained, little nightlife. Yet there are also families with children and homeworkers who prefer the coast to the city. With an average income of €41,700 and a high percentage of highly educated people (36%), it is a prosperous municipality.

Be honest with yourself: if you are looking for a vibrant nightlife, many shops or a large cultural offering, then you are better off in the rental market of Alkmaar. And if your budget is limited, renting a home in Bergen (North Holland) becomes difficult. The private sector is expensive and the social housing supply has long waiting lists. Register in time with the housing association if you want to be eligible. Do you have more budget and are you also considering buying? Then check out the homes for sale in Bergen (North Holland), because with 67% owner-occupied homes, the supply there is larger. Practical tip: prepare your documents (employer's statement, payslips, identity card) and respond on the same day a home comes online. With only 29 transactions in the private sector per year, every rental home goes quickly. Also check the website of the municipality of Bergen for information about registration and local regulations.

Searching for a rental home in the coastal municipality of Bergen

At the top of this page you will find the current rental supply with filters on price, floor area and energy label, supplemented with neighbourhood scores and resident reviews that you won't find anywhere else. Buurtje.nl combines housing data with honest neighbourhood information, so you not only find a home but also the neighbourhood that suits you. Can't find anything directly in Bergen? Then also look at rental properties in Beverwijk or Blaricum, or view the broader supply in the province of North Holland.