Rental homes in Helpman, Groningen

Rental prices and market figures Helpman, Groningen

The rental market in Helpman is evenly divided: 50% of the more than 3,380 homes are rented, the other half are owner-occupied. Of the total housing stock, around 20% is owned by housing associations (social housing), while 30% is rented out by private landlords and investors. This means the free-market rental sector here is larger than the social segment, which is reflected in the prices.

In the free-market sector (excluding social housing and room rentals), the average rent over the past year was €1,291 per month, with a range from €493 to €2,250. With an average floor area of 75 m², this works out to about €17.20 per square metre. That's steep, but fitting for the popularity of this neighbourhood. The WOZ value in Helpman is €283,000, slightly lower than the average for the district Helpman and surroundings (€327,000) and also below the Groningen municipal average of €295,000. Rental prices are thus comparable to what you find in the broader municipality of Groningen, but if you're looking for a cheaper rental home, you could also consider neighbourhoods like De Wijert or De Wijert-Zuid. At the top of this page, see the current overview of available rental properties and daily prices.

Living in Helpman, Groningen

Helpman is one of the older expansion neighbourhoods south of Groningen's city centre. The area has a mixed character: you'll find pre-war townhouses along the Verlengde Hereweg, post-war terraced houses, porch flats from the 1950s and 1960s, and the occasional newer apartment complex. It's not a neighbourhood with a single face, but it's precisely this mix that makes Helpman recognisable. It is predominantly quiet, with wide avenues, plenty of greenery, and a village-like atmosphere, even though you're right in the city.

The population is diverse: the largest group is aged 25 to 45 (2,310 residents), but there are also many students (1,240 residents aged 15 to 25) and a sizeable group of seniors. The percentage of single-person households is high (2,675 of households), which fits with the large share of apartments and studios available for rent here. Only 17% of residents are married.

Facilities in Helpman

Daily shopping is easy within walking distance. There are three supermarkets in the immediate vicinity, including an Albert Heijn and a Jumbo on the Verlengde Hereweg. Along the same road, you'll also find bakeries, a pharmacy, hairdressers, and various small shops. For primary education, there are schools like De Starter and De Heerdstee in the area. Sports enthusiasts can go to Sportpark Helpman, and the nearby Stadspark offers space for running and walking. You won't find extensive dining and nightlife in Helpman itself; for that, you cycle to the city centre or the Herestraat.

Accessibility from Helpman

Accessibility scores highly among residents (9.0 out of 10). By bike, you can reach Groningen's city centre in about 10 to 15 minutes via the Hereweg or Verlengde Hereweg. Bus routes to the station and city centre stop at several points in the neighbourhood, including along the Helperzoom. By car, you're quickly on the ring road (S1) and the A28 towards Assen and Zwolle. Parking is still free on most streets, although it can be busy in the evenings around the popular shopping strips. Groningen Central Station can be reached in a quarter of an hour by bike.

Resident Jelmer rates Helpman a 7.1 and writes: "Mostly every man for himself, with occasional attempts to build community." He notes the lack of neighbourhood contact but appreciates the facilities within walking distance. The community score is accordingly the lowest at 5.0, while accessibility (9.0) and safety (8.0) stand out. Read more experiences on the Helpman neighbourhood page. Compared to the adjacent Villabuurt, Helpman is somewhat less exclusive and more affordable, while Coendersborg feels more compact and urban.

Is Helpman right for you as a tenant?

Helpman mainly attracts young professionals and starters who want to rent an apartment in Helpman without the hustle and bustle of the city centre. With 57% highly educated and an average income of €38,000, it's a neighbourhood for working twenty- and thirty-somethings. Families find space here, but the supply is mainly focused on smaller homes. Seniors benefit from the tranquillity and proximity of facilities. If you want to rent a home in Helpman, respond quickly: the supply goes fast. Prepare your proof of income and employer's statement in advance. For social housing, you can register via WoningNet Groningen, but expect long waiting lists. Prefer to buy? Then check out the supply of homes for sale in Helpman.

What residents say about renting in Helpman

Helpman receives a 7.1 out of 10 from residents based on reviews. The highest sub-score goes to accessibility (9.0), followed by safety and facilities (both 8.0). The lowest score is for sense of community (5.0). Jelmer sums it up: "I have almost no contact with neighbours. There are three supermarkets nearby within walking distance." He also mentions that the city centre is a 15-minute bike ride away, which for some is a drawback. Curious about all the reviews? Check out the reviews and neighbourhood data for Helpman.

Comparing rental properties around Helpman

When comparing rental properties in Helpman with the surrounding area, you see differences. The Sterrebosbuurt is closer to the city centre and popular among students, while Klein Martijn offers a smaller-scale and greener alternative. If you're looking for more urban buzz, the district Centrum is an option, although rental prices there are higher. On Buurtje.nl, you combine neighbourhood scores, resident reviews, and current supply from more than 1,500 sources, so you not only find a home to rent but also the neighbourhood that suits you. Also check the supply in the broader district Helpman and surroundings or compare with other districts such as Oud-Zuid. More information about living in the city can be found on the website of the municipality of Groningen.