Rental homes in Schaakbuurt en omgeving, Utrecht
Discover available rental properties in Schaakbuurt and surrounding areas, and compare current rental prices, neighbourhood scores, and resident reviews on this page.
Rental prices and market figures for Schaakbuurt and surroundings, Utrecht
Schaakbuurt and surroundings is predominantly a rental neighbourhood: 55% of the housing stock consists of rental properties, compared to 44% owner-occupied homes. Of the total housing stock of 1,982 homes, as much as 42% is owned by housing associations, meaning social housing forms a solid foundation in the neighbourhood. The remaining 13% falls under other landlords, such as private investors and institutional parties.
In the free sector (excluding social housing), the average rental price in Schaakbuurt and surroundings over the past year was €1,977 per month, based on 24 rented homes. The range runs from €875 to €3,250 per month, with an average living area of 81 m². That works out to approximately €24 per m² per month. By comparison, the average WOZ value in the neighbourhood is €401,000, almost equal to the district average of Noordwest (€400,000), but clearly lower than the Utrecht average of €458,000. This indicates that the neighbourhood is relatively affordable compared to the municipality as a whole, although free-sector rents, due to limited supply, are well above the social housing rent limit. Check the current available rental properties and the daily average rental price at the top of this page.
Living in Schaakbuurt and surroundings, Utrecht
Schaakbuurt and surroundings is located in the west of Utrecht, in the district Noordwest. The neighbourhood owes its name to the chessboard-like street pattern, with streets named after chess pieces and chess terms. The vast majority of buildings date from the 1950s and 1960s: porch flats, single-family homes and terraced houses in a quiet, orderly layout. It is not a trendy city district, but that is precisely what makes the neighbourhood attractive for people who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city centre without living far from the city.
Resident S. van der Eijk describes it aptly: "Very quiet, nice community close to grocery shops and such, and diversity." That diversity is indeed visible in the composition of the neighbourhood: young and old, families and singles live here side by side. The largest age group is 25 to 45 years (over 1,600 residents), but families with children (775 residents under 15) and seniors are also well represented.
Facilities in Schaakbuurt and surroundings
For daily groceries, you hardly need to leave the neighbourhood. Within walking distance you will find supermarkets along the Amsterdamsestraatweg, the shopping street that borders the neighbourhood to the east. This street also offers a varied range of small shops, eateries and service providers. For larger groceries or a more extensive shopping offer, Utrecht city centre is easily accessible. Primary schools are present in the immediate vicinity, making the neighbourhood suitable for families. Griftpark and Julianapark are within cycling distance and offer green recreational opportunities; residents therefore give green space a notably high score of 9 out of 10. Sports clubs and a swimming pool are accessible in the wider Noordwest district.
Accessibility
Schaakbuurt and surroundings scores an 8 on accessibility, and rightly so. By bike, you can reach Utrecht city centre in about ten minutes, via well-constructed cycle paths along the Amsterdamsestraatweg or via the Leidsche Rijn route. Several bus lines run through or past the neighbourhood towards Utrecht Central and other parts of the city. For motorists, the connection to the A2 and A12 via the Ring Utrecht is reasonably quick to reach. Parking in large parts of the neighbourhood is permit-based, so factor that in if you have a car. Utrecht Central, from where you can quickly travel to Amsterdam, The Hague or Arnhem, is easily accessible by bike or bus.
Would you like to compare renting in Schaakbuurt and surroundings with neighbouring neighbourhoods? Neighbourhoods such as 2e Daalsebuurt and surroundings and Ondiep are in the same district and have a similar character, but may differ in rental price and housing type. Pijlsweerd-Noord is also a popular choice for renters who want to live in this part of Utrecht. Check the reviews and neighbourhood data of Schaakbuurt and surroundings for a complete picture of what residents think.
Is renting in Schaakbuurt and surroundings right for you?
Schaakbuurt and surroundings mainly attracts young working people, families and those seeking peace and quiet within cycling distance of the city centre. With 40% highly educated and a labour participation rate of 64%, it is an active neighbourhood with a mixed population. First-time renters should take into account free-sector prices: renting a house or apartment in Schaakbuurt and surroundings in the free sector costs on average nearly €2,000 per month. Social housing is much more affordable, but requires registration with a housing association and patience due to waiting lists. Is buying an option? Then also check the supply of homes for sale in Schaakbuurt and surroundings as an alternative to renting.
What residents say about Schaakbuurt and surroundings
Schaakbuurt and surroundings receives an overall score of 8.0 out of 10 from residents. Green space stands out with a 9, while community scores slightly lower with a 7. Safety, accessibility, housing, beauty, education and facilities all score an 8. Resident S. van der Eijk calls it the "nicest district in Utrecht" and points to the peace, the community, the proximity of shops and the diversity of the neighbourhood. Would you like to read more experiences? On the neighbourhood page of Schaakbuurt and surroundings you will find all reviews and sub-scores per category.
Compare rental properties in and around Schaakbuurt and surroundings
Are you looking for a rental property in Schaakbuurt and surroundings, but would you also like to consider alternatives? The nearby neighbourhoods Egelantierstraat Mariëndaalstraat and surroundings and Nijenoord Hoogstraat and surroundings offer a similar living environment. Those who want to search more broadly can check the overview of rental properties in Noordwest or the complete supply of rental properties in Utrecht. Buurtje.nl combines current property listings from more than 1,500 sources with resident reviews, neighbourhood data and rental market figures, so you not only find a home but also know for sure whether the neighbourhood suits you. For more information about living and residing in Utrecht, also see the Utrecht municipality website.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Schaakbuurt and surroundings, Utrecht?
In the free sector (excluding social housing), the average rent in Schaakbuurt and surroundings over the past year was €1,977 per month, based on 24 rented homes. Rents ranged from €875 to €3,250 per month, with an average floor area of 81 m², equating to approximately €24 per m². Social housing is much more affordable, but waiting lists at housing associations apply.
Are there social housing options in Schaakbuurt and surroundings?
Yes, 42% of the housing stock in Schaakbuurt and surroundings is owned by housing associations, representing a relatively large share of social housing. To qualify for a social housing home, you must register with a housing association active in Utrecht, such as Bo-Ex or SSH. Expect significant waiting lists; the waiting time in Utrecht can be several years.
What is it like to live in Schaakbuurt and surroundings?
Living in Schaakbuurt and surroundings is described by residents as quiet and pleasant, with a close-knit community and good amenities within walking distance. The neighbourhood scores 8.0 out of 10 in resident reviews, with a standout for green spaces (9 out of 10). One resident calls it the 'nicest neighbourhood in Utrecht' due to its tranquillity, diversity, and proximity to shops. Its character is more quietly urban than bustling, which may not suit everyone.
Is Schaakbuurt and surroundings suitable for families with children?
Yes, the neighbourhood is certainly suitable for families. There are over 775 children under 15 living there, and primary schools are located nearby. The quiet street layout, proximity to green spaces, and shops within walking distance make the neighbourhood attractive for families. However, families looking for a rental home in Schaakbuurt and surroundings should be aware of limited free-sector supply and relatively high rents.
How is the accessibility of Schaakbuurt and surroundings?
Residents rate accessibility an 8 out of 10. By bike, you can reach Utrecht city centre in about ten minutes via the Amsterdamsestraatweg or other cycle paths. Several bus routes connect the neighbourhood to Utrecht Central. By car, the Utrecht Ring Road and the A2 motorway are easily accessible. Parking in the neighbourhood is largely permit-based.
What amenities are there in Schaakbuurt and surroundings?
The Amsterdamsestraatweg, which borders the neighbourhood to the east, offers supermarkets, small shops, eateries, and services. Primary schools are located nearby. For sports and recreation, Griftpark and Julianapark are within cycling distance, and sports clubs can be found in the wider Noordwest district. Residents rate amenities a score of 8 out of 10.
Is Schaakbuurt and surroundings a safe neighbourhood to live in?
Residents rate safety in Schaakbuurt and surroundings an 8 out of 10, indicating a predominantly safe living environment. The neighbourhood has a quiet character with a clear layout, contributing to the sense of safety. Up-to-date safety data per district can be consulted via the municipality of Utrecht.
Very quiet, nice community, close to grocery shops and such, and diversity
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