Rental homes in Noordvest, Leiden
Are you looking for a rental property in Noordvest? Check the current listings on this page and discover what this central neighbourhood of Leiden has to offer.
Rental prices and market figures for Noordvest, Leiden
Noordvest is a pronounced rental neighbourhood: 73% of the housing stock (926 homes in total) is rented out, compared to 27% owner-occupied homes. Of those rental homes, 39% are owned by a housing association, while the remaining 33% fall under private or commercial landlords. Social housing is therefore present, but the free sector dominates in numbers.
In the free sector (excluding social housing and rooms), an average of €1,220 per month was paid for a rental home in Noordvest over the past twelve months. The range ran from €700 to €1,995 per month, with an average surface area of 228 m². That works out to around €5.35 per m². By comparison, the WOZ value in Noordvest is €362,000, slightly below the district average of Binnenstad-Noord (€380,000) and clearly below the Leiden average of €390,000. The income level (€38,500 median) is just above the municipal average of €38,300. Noordvest is therefore relatively affordable for a city-centre neighbourhood, although free-sector prices are certainly not low. For current rental prices and available rental homes in Noordvest, see the overview at the top of this page.
Living in Noordvest, Leiden
Noordvest is located in the northern part of Leiden's city centre, wedged between the historic city canals and the slightly quieter residential streets towards the Havenwijk. The neighbourhood has a distinctly urban character: narrow streets, canal houses, a mix of historic buildings and small-scale apartments. It is not a tourist showcase like some parts of Leiden's city centre, but a neighbourhood where people actually live. The atmosphere is lively without being hectic.
The housing types vary from old canal houses converted into apartments to smaller porch flats. Large family homes are scarce; the supply is better suited to singles and couples. This is also reflected in the demographic composition: of the 1,730 residents, the largest group is 25 to 45 years old (745 people), and no fewer than 805 households are single-person households. Only 15% of residents are married.
Facilities in Noordvest
The facilities are a serious plus point. Leiden Market, the town hall and the shopping streets of the centre are within walking distance. For daily groceries, there are supermarkets in the immediate vicinity of the city centre, such as the Albert Heijn on Haarlemmerstraat and a Jumbo on Levendaal. Schools are well represented in the wider city centre; for primary education, there are several options within cycling distance. The resident score for education is 8.0, indicating that residents are satisfied with this. Hospitality and shops are plentiful: from small cafés and restaurants along the canals to the larger shopping streets within walking distance. The score for facilities is 9.0, the highest sub-score of the neighbourhood.
Accessibility
Accessibility is one of Noordvest's strongest points, with a resident score of 9.0. Leiden Central Station is about a 10-minute bike ride away, and from the station you can reach Amsterdam or The Hague in about 35 minutes. Several bus lines connect the city centre with the rest of Leiden and the region. By bike, you can get through the city centre in a few minutes, and most residents cover daily distances within Leiden by bike. By car, the A4 and A44 are easily accessible via the city approach roads. Parking is a point of attention: in the city centre, paid parking or a permit system applies almost everywhere. If you drive daily, you need to take that into account.
Character and atmosphere
Resident Barbara describes it aptly: "As the most beautiful city of cities, Leiden is at the top. There are beautiful, old streets, the market and the town hall. I really love hearing that strange 'r', Leiden feels like home." That feeling of coming home in a neighbourhood with character is recognisable for those living in Noordvest. The score for green space (9.0) is remarkably high for a city-centre neighbourhood; the proximity of the canals, the Plantsoen and small green strips plays a role in this. Safety (7.0) and community (7.0) score solidly but not outstandingly, which fits an urban neighbourhood with many single-person households and relatively high turnover.
Compared to neighbouring communities, Noordvest has a somewhat introverted, independent character. Marewijk and Pancras-Oost are quieter residential neighbourhoods with a slightly different profile; those looking for more green space and less city noise should also look there. For those who want to combine the liveliness of the city centre with an affordable rental home, Noordvest is a serious option. Also check the supply in De Camp for a comparison within the same district. More background information about the district can be found on the page about Binnenstad-Noord.
Does a rental home in Noordvest suit you?
Noordvest mainly attracts young professionals, students and starters who want to live close to the centre without paying the highest Leiden rental prices. Families with children find less space here; the housing supply largely consists of smaller apartments and upper-floor homes. For social housing: register in time with a housing association, because waiting times in Leiden are long. In the free sector, renting an apartment in Noordvest goes quickly; respond promptly to new listings and make sure your documents (payslips, ID, employer's statement) are ready. Those who are unsure between renting and buying can also look at homes for sale in Noordvest, although the supply there is more limited with an average WOZ of €362,000.
What residents say about Noordvest
Noordvest receives an average resident score of 7.6 out of 10. The highest scores go to accessibility (9.0) and facilities (9.0), followed by green space (9.0) and education (8.0). Housing scores the lowest with a 5.0, which residents probably link to the tight rental market and the limited variety in housing types. Barbara sums up the atmosphere: "Centre of Leiden; more versatile than you think!" and emphasises that Leiden, despite minor shortcomings, feels like home. See all reviews and neighbourhood data on the neighbourhood page of Noordvest.
Compare rental homes in and around Noordvest
Anyone looking for a rental home in Leiden's city centre would do well to compare several neighbourhoods. Havenwijk-Noord offers a slightly quieter alternative right next to Noordvest, while rental homes in Binnenstad-Noord as a whole give a broader picture of the supply in the district. Those who look further afield will find more new-build and higher rental prices in the Stationsdistrict. For a complete overview of all rental homes in Leiden, Buurtje.nl helps with neighbourhood scores, resident reviews and current market data from more than 1,500 sources. This way you compare not only the home, but also the neighbourhood that comes with it. Read more about Leiden as a municipality on the municipal page, or visit the official website of the municipality of Leiden for local information about permits, parking and facilities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Noordvest, Leiden?
In the free sector (excluding social housing and rooms), the average rent in Noordvest over the past twelve months was €1,220 per month, with an average area of 228 m². The range was from €700 to €1,995 per month, which equates to approximately €5.35 per m². Social housing is cheaper, but waiting lists and income requirements apply.
Are there social housing units in Noordvest?
Yes, about 39% of the housing stock in Noordvest is owned by a housing association. In Leiden, the main associations are Ons Doel and Portaal. Registration is done via the regional platform WoonZorg West-Holland; expect long waiting times, as demand for social housing in Leiden's city centre is high.
What is it like to live in Noordvest?
Noordvest is a lively city-centre neighbourhood with historic streets, canals, and good amenities within walking distance. Residents rate the neighbourhood 7.6 out of 10. Accessibility, green spaces, and amenities score the highest (all 9.0). Resident Barbara describes it as: 'Leiden city centre; more versatile than you think!' The neighbourhood mainly attracts young professionals and starters.
Is Noordvest suitable for starters and students?
Yes, Noordvest is popular among starters and young professionals: the largest age group is 25 to 45 years old, and more than half of households consist of a single person. The housing supply mainly consists of smaller apartments, which suits this target group well. Students can also find accommodation, although the supply of student rooms is limited in this neighbourhood. Families with children will find less suitable space here.
How accessible is Noordvest?
Residents give accessibility a 9.0. Leiden Central Station is about a 10-minute bike ride away; from there, you can reach Amsterdam or The Hague in about 35 minutes. Several bus lines connect the city centre with the region. The bicycle is the most used mode of transport within Leiden. By car, the A4 and A44 are easily accessible, but parking in the city centre requires a permit or paid parking.
What amenities are there in Noordvest?
Amenities score a 9.0 among residents. The Leiden Market, shopping streets, and restaurants are within walking distance. For daily groceries, there are supermarkets in the immediate vicinity, including an Albert Heijn on Haarlemmerstraat and a Jumbo on Levendaal. Primary schools are within cycling distance in the wider city centre; residents give education an 8.0. The proximity of the Plantsoen park and the canals contributes to the high green score of 9.0.
How quickly are rental properties rented out in Noordvest?
The free-sector supply in Noordvest is limited: only 16 properties were rented out in the free sector over the past twelve months. This small supply means that properties are usually snapped up quickly. Anyone looking for a rental property in Noordvest would be wise to respond quickly and have all documents such as payslips, employer's statement, and ID ready.
As the most beautiful city of cities, Leiden is at the top. There are beautiful old streets, the market and the town hall. I really love hearing that peculiar 'r', Leiden feels like home. And let them talk about what could be better, should be better and would be better. There is always something that could be better, but Leiden really, I love you!
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