Rental homes in Drachten centrum, Smallingerland
Discover the current rental property supply in Drachten centrum and view neighbourhood data, resident scores and rental market figures to determine if this neighbourhood suits you.
Rental prices and market figures Drachten centrum, Smallingerland
Drachten centrum is predominantly a rental neighbourhood: 61% of the housing stock consists of rental properties, compared to 39% owner-occupied homes. This high rental percentage is partly explained by the urban nature of the centre, with relatively many apartments and smaller living units. Of the total housing stock, 16% is owned by a housing association (social housing), while 45% is held by other landlords, the so-called free sector or private rental.
In the free sector (excluding social housing and rooms), an average rental price of €1,159 per month was achieved over the past twelve months, with an average floor area of 113 m². This works out to approximately €10.25 per m². The range runs from €850 to €2,965 per month, indicating that both modest apartments and more spacious homes are available for rent. A total of 28 free-sector homes were rented out in that period. Current rental prices and available rental properties in Drachten centrum can be found at the top of this page.
The WOZ value of homes in Drachten centrum averages €241,000, equal to the district average of Centrum, but clearly lower than the municipal average of Smallingerland (€276,000). This suggests that living here is relatively affordable compared to the wider municipality. Those considering buying can also view the supply of homes for sale in Drachten centrum.
Living in Drachten centrum, Smallingerland
Drachten centrum is the beating heart of the eponymous town, the largest core of the municipality of Smallingerland. The centre has an urban character by Frisian standards: you can walk to the supermarket, the pub, the library and the theatre, all within walking distance. At the same time, it is not an anonymous city neighbourhood. Residents greet each other on the street, children play outside, and the streets look well-maintained. This makes it a neighbourhood that feels both practical and social.
The housing stock consists largely of apartments, both in older buildings along the main streets and in newer complexes closer to the shopping area around the Noordkade and Raadhuisstraat. Ground-level homes exist but are less dominant than in peripheral neighbourhoods such as De Wiken or De Singels, where the atmosphere is cosier and greener but the distance to the centre is greater.
Facilities in Drachten centrum
Drachten centrum scores high on facilities, and rightly so. Within walking distance you will find several supermarkets, including an Albert Heijn and a Jumbo in or directly next to the De Centrale shopping centre. The range of shops is extensive for a town of this size: from clothing stores to specialist shops and a weekly market. For culture and entertainment, there is the De Lawei theatre, a cinema and various catering establishments around the centre. For sports, you can go to the De Welle swimming pool and there are various sports clubs active in the town. Primary schools are within cycling distance; secondary schools such as the Liudger and the Drachtster College are a short distance from the centre. For healthcare, there are GP practices and the Nij Smellinghe hospital is on the edge of the town.
Accessibility of Drachten centrum
Drachten does not have its own train station, but Drachten bus station is well connected to Leeuwarden (approximately 30 minutes) and Groningen. Several Qbuzz bus lines run from the centre. By car, you can quickly reach the motorway via the N31 and A7; Leeuwarden is about 25 minutes' drive away, Groningen about 35 minutes. Cyclists benefit from a well-developed network of cycle paths; the centre itself is compact and easy to traverse on foot or by bike. Parking in the centre is paid or permit-based, which is a point of attention for motorists who use the car daily.
What residents appreciate
The neighbourhood scores a 9.0 out of 10 based on resident reviews on the neighbourhood page of Drachten centrum. Accessibility and facilities even score a perfect 10. Resident Anna van der Kooi describes it aptly: "A child-friendly, quiet and social neighbourhood, and that while this neighbourhood is in the centre! People almost always greet each other here. Many children playing nicely outside on the street. That gives a familiar and safe feeling." The only thing that scores slightly lower is green space (7.0), which is logical for a centre neighbourhood. If green space and space are important to you, you can also look at Drachtstervaart or De Drait, two neighbourhoods with a quieter and greener character on the edges of the town.
Is renting in Drachten centrum right for you?
Drachten centrum mainly attracts single-person households (510 of the approximately 917 homes) and a relatively large group of over-65s (540 of the 1,365 residents). That says something about the neighbourhood: it is pleasant for people who want to live independently with everything close by, but also suitable for young starters who rent an apartment in Drachten centrum as a first step on the rental market. Families with young children also live here, although the neighbourhood is less typically family-oriented than surrounding neighbourhoods. The labour participation rate is 58%, slightly lower than the municipal average, and the average income (€29,200) is below the municipal average of €32,800, indicating a mixed population composition.
Practical advice: for a rental home in the free sector, you should respond quickly, as supply is limited (28 rented homes in a year). Make sure you have your income details, employer's statement and identity document ready. For social housing, register with a housing association; in Smallingerland that is WoonFriesland. Be prepared for waiting lists. More information about living and rental policy can be found on the website of the municipality of Smallingerland. Also view the overall overview of rental properties in Smallingerland if you want to broaden your search.
What residents say about Drachten centrum
Based on resident ratings, Drachten centrum scores a 9.0 out of 10. The highest subscores are for accessibility (10) and facilities (10). Safety, community, housing, beauty and education all score a 9. Only green space scores slightly lower with a 7, which is not surprising for a centre neighbourhood. Anna van der Kooi puts it this way: "A child-friendly, quiet and social neighbourhood, and that while this neighbourhood is in the centre!" All reviews and neighbourhood data can be found on the reviews and neighbourhood data of Drachten centrum. You won't find honest resident scores like these anywhere else at neighbourhood level.
Compare rental properties in and around Drachten centrum
Those who want to live in Drachten centrum but also want to compare alternatives can look at the broader district via the overview of rental properties in Centrum. For a quieter and greener living environment with possibly lower rental prices, De Drait and Drachtstervaart are interesting options. De Singels and De Wiken are popular with families looking for more space. Buurtje.nl combines current property listings from more than 1,500 sources with resident scores, demographic data and rental market figures, so you not only find a home but also know whether the neighbourhood suits you. This allows you to quickly compare available rental properties in different neighbourhoods and make a well-considered choice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Drachten centrum, Smallingerland?
In the private sector (excluding social housing and rooms), the average rent in Drachten centrum is €1,159 per month, with an average area of 113 m². That works out to about €10.25 per m². Rents range from €850 to €2,965 per month. Social housing is generally much cheaper, but waiting lists and income requirements apply.
Are there social housing properties in Drachten centrum?
Yes, approximately 16% of the housing stock in Drachten centrum is owned by a housing association. In the municipality of Smallingerland, WoonFriesland is the main association where you can register for a social housing property. Be prepared for waiting lists, as supply is limited relative to demand. You can register via the WoonFriesland website.
What is it like to live in Drachten centrum?
Drachten centrum combines urban convenience with a social, manageable atmosphere. Everything is within walking distance: shops, restaurants, schools, and healthcare. Residents rate the neighbourhood 9.0 out of 10. Accessibility and amenities even score a perfect 10. Residents describe it as child-friendly, quiet, and social, which is remarkable for a city centre. The only downside mentioned is the limited green space (score 7.0).
Is Drachten centrum suitable for seniors and single-person households?
Absolutely. The largest age group in Drachten centrum is 65-plus (540 out of 1,365 residents), and single-person households are the most common household type, with 510 units. The neighbourhood is well-suited for independent living in later years: amenities are nearby, streets are well-maintained, and there is a strong sense of community. It is also attractive for starters renting an apartment in Drachten centrum due to its central location.
How accessible is Drachten centrum?
Drachten centrum is well accessible by bus via Drachten bus station, with connections to Leeuwarden (about 30 minutes) and Groningen. By car, you can quickly connect to the motorway network via the N31 and A7; Leeuwarden is about 25 minutes away, Groningen about 35 minutes. The centre itself is compact and easy to navigate on foot or by bike. Parking is paid or permit-based, which is something to consider if you drive daily.
What amenities are there in Drachten centrum?
Drachten centrum has an extensive range of amenities. You will find several supermarkets (including Albert Heijn and Jumbo), a large shopping centre, a weekly market, De Lawei theatre, a cinema, and various dining options. For sports, there is De Welle swimming pool and several sports clubs. Primary and secondary schools (such as Liudger and Drachtster College) are a short bike ride away. Healthcare facilities, including GP practices and Nij Smellinghe hospital, are also easily accessible.
Is Drachten centrum a safe neighbourhood to live in?
Based on resident reviews, safety in Drachten centrum scores 9.0 out of 10. Residents describe the neighbourhood as quiet and familiar, even for children playing outside. The streets are perceived as clean and well-maintained. This is notable for a city centre, where nuisance is more common than in residential areas. Current safety figures per neighbourhood can be found via the municipality of Smallingerland.
People almost always greet each other here. Lots of children playing nicely outside on the street! That gives a familiar and safe feeling. So a solid pass for safety and community! And the streets always look tidy too, so I think hygiene is also more than adequate! Shops, schools and other facilities all within walking/cycling distance and easily accessible, so also a solid pass for education, housing, facilities and accessibility. Green space is a bit less, but sufficient. Because we live in the city centre, there is less greenery. There are trees and a few small parks here, but I come from the countryside myself, so this is very different. But I think it's sufficient! It's just lovely living in our neighbourhood!
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