Rental homes in De Wiken centrum, Smallingerland
Discover rental properties in De Wiken centrum and view current listings, rental prices and neighbourhood data directly on this page.
Rental prices and market figures De Wiken centrum, Smallingerland
De Wiken centrum is a predominantly social rental neighbourhood. Of the 892 homes, 63% are in the rental sector, of which 57% are owned by a housing association. Only 6% fall under other (private) landlords. This means the free-sector supply is limited: in the past twelve months, four homes were rented in the free sector (excluding social housing), with an average rent of €992 per month. The range was between €866 and €1,100 per month, with an average floor area of 74 m². That works out at around €13.40 per m². For current available rental properties and the daily average rent, see the overview at the top of this page.
The average WOZ value in De Wiken centrum is €184,000. That is significantly lower than the neighbourhood average of De Wiken (€256,000) and the municipal average of Smallingerland (€276,000). The average income per resident is €26,200, also clearly below the neighbourhood and municipal levels of €32,200 and €32,800 respectively. This reflects the character of the area: relatively affordable, heavily dependent on housing association properties, with a modest free sector. Those looking for a home for sale in De Wiken centrum will find a market with lower entry prices than elsewhere in the municipality.
Living in De Wiken centrum, Smallingerland
De Wiken centrum is the heart of the eponymous district in Drachten, the largest town in the municipality of Smallingerland. The neighbourhood has a compact, mixed character: porch flats and gallery flats from the 1960s and 1970s alternate with terraced houses and a limited number of newer apartments. The buildings are functional and sober, the streets are clear. It is not a neighbourhood that stands out for its architecture or greenery, but it is centrally located and practically laid out.
With 1,520 residents and 892 homes, the population density is fairly high. The largest age group consists of 25- to 45-year-olds (445 people), but over-65s are also well represented (340 people). More than half of households consist of a single person (500 single-person households), which matches the supply of smaller rental apartments in the area.
Facilities in De Wiken centrum
The location is one of the strongest points of this neighbourhood. Within walking distance are an Albert Heijn and a Lidl on the Zuidkade and the immediate vicinity of the Drachten shopping centre De Drait. Primary schools in and around the neighbourhood are easily accessible; for secondary education, the Liudger and Dockinga College are within cycling distance. The range of sports clubs is broad: swimming pool De Welle is about a ten-minute bike ride away, and several sports clubs are located in nearby districts. De Wiken centrum itself has little greenery, but the Drachtsterdiep and the cycle routes towards the Frisian lakes are quickly reachable.
Accessibility
De Wiken centrum is well connected for a neighbourhood without a train station. Drachten no longer has its own NS station; the nearest train stations are Heerenveen (about 25 km) and Groningen (about 35 km). Bus connections via Arriva run regularly towards the centre of Drachten and surrounding places. By car, the A7 (Groningen-Heerenveen) is easily accessible via the Drachten-Oost or Drachten-West exit, about five to ten minutes' drive away. Groningen can be reached in about 35 minutes, Leeuwarden in about 30 minutes. Cycling to the centre of Drachten takes less than five minutes; the neighbourhood effectively borders it. Parking is free in most streets and relatively widely available.
Residents appreciate the central location and the practical layout of the neighbourhood. On the neighbourhood page of De Wiken centrum, a resident writes: "Everything is close by, you don't need a car for daily shopping. A bit grey and little greenery right around the corner." That sums up the neighbourhood well: functional and central, but not the most attractive environment in terms of appearance.
Compared to neighbouring areas such as De Wiken noord and De Wiken west, De Wiken centrum is more compact and urban in character. De Wiken noord and west generally have more single-family homes and slightly more greenery. Also popular among renters is De Wiken oost, where the supply is slightly more varied. Those looking for more space and a greener living environment might also consider De Drait, another district in Smallingerland with its own character.
Does renting in De Wiken centrum suit you as a tenant?
De Wiken centrum mainly attracts single people, starters and seniors. The large proportion of single-person households and the compact homes make it less suitable for families with children looking for space and a garden. For starters looking for a rental home close to the centre of Drachten and dependent on public transport or a bicycle, this is a practical choice. However, the free-sector supply is limited: with only four free-sector rentals in the past year, there is little choice and you need to respond quickly when something becomes available. Also register with the local housing association (Woonfriesland is active in Drachten) for social housing, because 57% of the housing stock falls under that. Waiting lists for social housing can be long. See also the supply of rental properties in Smallingerland for a broader overview.
What residents say about De Wiken centrum
Residents rate De Wiken centrum as a down-to-earth, practical neighbourhood. The central location and the level of facilities score well; the appearance of the buildings and the lack of greenery are more often mentioned as drawbacks. One resident describes it as: "Convenient living, everything close by, but the neighbourhood doesn't always look well-maintained." View all reviews, scores per category and the full reviews and neighbourhood data of De Wiken centrum on the neighbourhood main page. Those experiences from residents are unique information that you won't find on any other housing site at neighbourhood level.
Comparing rental properties in and around De Wiken centrum
Are you looking for a rental property in De Wiken centrum or do you want to compare alternatives? The neighbourhood is part of the broader district De Wiken, which also includes areas such as De Wiken zuidoost and De Wiken noord with available rental properties. For a complete picture of the supply in the municipality, view all rental properties in De Wiken or broaden your search to the entire municipality. Buurtje.nl combines current property listings with resident reviews, district data and rental market figures from more than 1,500 sources, so you not only find a home but also know whether the neighbourhood suits you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in De Wiken centrum, Smallingerland?
In the free sector (excluding social housing), the average rent in De Wiken centrum over the past year was €992 per month, with a range of €866 to €1,100 per month. The average floor area was 74 m², which equates to approximately €13.40 per m². Social housing is typically significantly cheaper, but waiting lists and income requirements apply.
Are there social housing properties in De Wiken centrum?
Yes, De Wiken centrum has a large share of social housing: 57% of the housing stock is owned by a housing association. Woonfriesland is the main association active in Drachten and the surrounding area. For a social housing property, you must register via the regional allocation system; waiting lists can be several years depending on the type of property and desired rent.
What is it like to live in De Wiken centrum?
De Wiken centrum is a compact, centrally located neighbourhood in Drachten with a functional character. Residents appreciate the proximity to shops, public transport, and the city centre. Drawbacks mentioned in reviews include the grey appearance of the 1960s buildings and the limited green space directly in the neighbourhood. It is a down-to-earth, practical neighbourhood without much frills.
Is De Wiken centrum suitable for starters or singles?
The neighbourhood is well-suited for starters and singles: more than half of households consist of one person, and the homes are predominantly compact in size. The central location in Drachten and good cycling connections are attractive for people without a car. Families looking for space and a garden are better off in surrounding neighbourhoods such as De Wiken noord or De Wiken west.
How accessible is De Wiken centrum?
De Wiken centrum is located directly next to the centre of Drachten and is reachable by bike in less than five minutes. By car, the neighbourhood connects to the A7 towards Groningen (approximately 35 minutes) and Heerenveen (approximately 25 minutes). Bus connections via Arriva link the neighbourhood to the rest of Drachten and surrounding towns. There is no train station in Drachten; the nearest stations are Heerenveen or Groningen. Parking in the neighbourhood is free and generally easy.
What facilities are there in De Wiken centrum?
The neighbourhood has strong facility coverage due to its proximity to the Drachten city centre. Supermarkets such as Albert Heijn and Lidl are within walking distance. Primary schools are easily accessible; for secondary education, the Liudger and Dockinga College are within cycling distance. Swimming pool De Welle and various sports clubs can be reached within ten minutes by bike. GP practices and pharmacies are present in and directly around the neighbourhood.
How quickly are rental properties rented out in De Wiken centrum?
The free sector supply in De Wiken centrum is limited: only four free sector properties were rented out in the past year. This means that properties that become available are usually snapped up quickly. It is advisable to respond quickly to new listings and have your documents (proof of income, ID) ready in advance. For social housing, separate waiting lists via the housing association apply.
