Rental homes in Gerard Dou, Leeuwarden

Rental prices and market figures for Gerard Dou, Leeuwarden

Gerard Dou is predominantly an owner-occupied neighbourhood: 77% of the housing stock consists of owner-occupied homes, while 23% is rented out by private landlords. There is no housing association property in this neighbourhood, meaning social rented homes are not available here. Anyone looking for a rental home in Gerard Dou must rely on the private sector.

In the private sector (excluding social rent), 4 homes were rented out last year, with an average rent of €945 per month. The range ran from €820 to €1,070 per month, with an average living area of 80 m². That works out to about €11.80 per m². The average WOZ value of homes in Gerard Dou is €213,000, which is slightly higher than the average for the district of Huizum-West (€201,000), but lower than the municipal average for Leeuwarden (€234,000). For current rental prices and available rental homes in Gerard Dou, see the overview at the top of this page.

Living in Gerard Dou, Leeuwarden

Gerard Dou is a quiet, green residential neighbourhood in the southwest of Leeuwarden, part of the Huizum-West district. The neighbourhood is named after the seventeenth-century Dutch painter and has a predominantly post-war character. The housing stock largely dates from the 1950s and 1960s: terraced houses, semi-detached houses and a limited number of detached homes dominate the streetscape. The streets are wide, with front gardens and trees along the roadway, giving the neighbourhood a calm and orderly feel. It is not a trendy city neighbourhood, but a stable, family-oriented environment where it is pleasant to live long-term.

With 1,305 residents and an average income of €30,200 per year, Gerard Dou is slightly below the municipal average for Leeuwarden (€32,600). The labour participation rate is relatively high at 69%, and 39% of residents have a high level of education. The largest age group consists of 25- to 45-year-olds, giving the neighbourhood an active, working profile. Single-person households, with 350, are the most common household type, although families and older residents also live here.

Facilities in Gerard Dou

Daily shopping is well catered for. Within walking distance you will find shops on the Huizumerlaan, the main shopping street in the immediate vicinity. For a larger supermarket, the Huizum shopping centre is a few minutes away by bike. Primary schools in the immediate area serve the youngest residents, and several secondary schools in Leeuwarden are accessible by bike or bus. For sports activities, there are various clubs in Huizum-West, including football and tennis clubs. The Cambuur Stadium, home of SC Cambuur, is a short bike ride away, giving the neighbourhood a recognisable Leeuwarden touch. Green spaces are present in the form of parks and the nearby Julianapark, a pleasant spot for a walk or to sit outside.

Accessibility

Gerard Dou is about 3 to 4 kilometres from the centre of Leeuwarden, easily accessible by bike via through cycle paths along the Huizumerlaan and surrounding routes. By bike, you can reach the city centre in a quarter of an hour. By bus, there are connections to the centre and Leeuwarden station, from where trains run to Groningen, Sneek and Zwolle. By car, the neighbourhood is well connected via the N31 and the ring road to the A32 and A7. Parking is free in most streets, without a permit requirement, which is a practical advantage for car owners compared to more central districts.

Residents appreciate the peace and space in the neighbourhood. On the neighbourhood page for Gerard Dou you can read what residents themselves say about living here. One resident writes: "It is quiet and green here, ideal if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle but still be in the city quickly." A recurring criticism is the limited availability of restaurants and evening shops in the neighbourhood itself; for that, you have to rely on the centre or adjacent districts.

Compared to neighbouring communities, Gerard Dou has a quieter character than the nearby Jan van Scorelbuurt, which has a slightly more urban layout. The Hollanderwijk and Julianapark are similar neighbourhoods within Huizum-West, each with its own character but comparable private sector rents.

Is a rental home in Gerard Dou right for you?

Gerard Dou mainly attracts working people in their thirties and forties who are looking for peace and space without being far from Leeuwarden. For starters considering renting an affordable apartment in Gerard Dou, the supply is limited: few homes become available and it is almost exclusively private sector rent. There are no social rented homes, so those who want to qualify for them would do well to register with a Leeuwarden housing association such as WoonFriesland or Elkien. Waiting times for social rent in Leeuwarden are considerable. If you are considering buying, also check the supply of homes for sale in Gerard Dou, because 77% of homes in the neighbourhood are owner-occupied. Respond quickly if a home becomes available for rent: the private sector supply is scarce and homes are usually rented out within a few weeks.

What residents say about Gerard Dou

Residents generally give Gerard Dou positive reviews, particularly in terms of peace, green spaces and safety. The neighbourhood scores well on liveability and social safety, although some residents find the range of local facilities limited. One resident describes the neighbourhood as: "Quiet, tidy and green. You have little trouble here and the neighbours know each other." For a full overview of scores per category and recent resident experiences, go to the reviews and neighbourhood data for Gerard Dou on Buurtje.nl.

Comparing renting in Gerard Dou with surrounding neighbourhoods

Are you looking for a rental home in the area but want to consider other options? Within Huizum-West, you can compare the supply via rental homes in Huizum-West. If you want a more urban alternative, the Binnenstad or Oud-Oost are worth a look, although rents there are generally higher. For a broader overview of all available rental homes in the city, see rental homes in Leeuwarden. Buurtje.nl combines current housing supply with resident reviews and neighbourhood data from more than 1,500 sources, so you not only find a home but also know whether the neighbourhood suits you. More information about the municipality can be found on the website of Leeuwarden municipality.