Rental homes in UMCG, Groningen
Are you looking for a rental property in UMCG? Check the current listings on this page and discover what living in this neighbourhood means.
Rental prices and market figures UMCG, Groningen
The UMCG neighbourhood is strongly rental-oriented: approximately 70% of the housing stock consists of rental properties, compared to 28% owner-occupied homes. Of all rental properties, 43% are owned by a housing association (social housing) and 28% by other landlords (private sector). Those looking for a rental home outside the social sector pay an average of €1,375 per month in the private sector, with a range of €1,185 to €1,675 per month. These figures cover the past twelve months and exclude social housing and rooms. The average WOZ value is €131,000, which is significantly lower than the district average of Centrum (€280,000) and the municipal average of Groningen (€295,000). This difference reflects the specific character of this neighbourhood: the buildings largely consist of functional, institutionally oriented properties and smaller residential units around the university medical centre. For current rental prices and the number of properties currently available for rent, please consult the overview at the top of this page. Are you considering buying instead of renting? Then view the range of homes for sale in UMCG.
Living in UMCG, Groningen
The UMCG neighbourhood in Groningen is not just any residential area. It revolves entirely around the University Medical Centre Groningen, one of the largest hospitals and academic medical centres in the Netherlands. This largely determines the character of the neighbourhood: there is a lot of activity during the day, students, healthcare professionals and visitors walk the streets, and the atmosphere is more functional than cosy-village-like. The buildings mainly consist of large-scale medical and research buildings, with occasional smaller residential buildings and apartments squeezed between the hospital grounds. It is not a neighbourhood where you stroll across a pleasant square in the evening, but those who live here enjoy a unique combination of peace in the immediate living environment and maximum proximity to work or study.
Facilities in the neighbourhood
Thanks to the presence of the UMCG, healthcare facilities are literally around the corner. The hospital has its own pharmacy, various outpatient clinics and a large number of specialised services. For daily groceries, the neighbourhood is somewhat less self-sufficient: the nearest supermarkets are located in the adjacent neighbourhoods, such as the Hortusbuurt-Ebbingekwartier or towards the Binnenstad. The Herestraat and the Zuiderdiep, both within cycling distance, offer a wide range of shops, eateries and cafés. Primary and secondary schools are not located directly in the neighbourhood but are easily accessible via the adjacent residential areas. For sports and recreation, the Noorderplantsoen is a popular destination for runners and recreational users within a short cycling distance.
Accessibility
The location of the UMCG neighbourhood is excellent for those who work or study in or around Groningen. The centre of Groningen is within walking distance or a short bike ride of five to ten minutes. Groningen Central Station is also easily accessible by bike, providing connections to Leeuwarden, Assen, Zwolle and beyond. Several Qbuzz bus routes run along or through the neighbourhood, meaning even those without a bike can quickly reach the centre. By car, the A28 towards Assen and Zwolle is accessible via the southern ring road. Parking in and around the UMCG site is largely regulated via paid parking or permits; free parking is scarce. If you use the car daily, it is advisable to check this in advance via the municipality of Groningen.
Residents of the UMCG neighbourhood particularly appreciate the central location and the peace that the neighbourhood still offers in the residential areas despite its proximity to a large hospital. On the neighbourhood page of UMCG you can read what residents themselves write about living in this neighbourhood. One resident describes it as: "You live in the middle of the city, but it still feels quiet. Ideal if you work at the UMCG or study at the RUG." A frequently heard criticism is the limited range of daily facilities within walking distance and the bustle around the hospital grounds during the day. Compared to neighbourhoods such as Binnenstad-Oost or Noorderplantsoen, the UMCG neighbourhood is less lively in terms of catering and shops, but it does offer a direct connection to the medical and academic heart of the city.
Is a rental home in UMCG right for you?
The neighbourhood mainly attracts people who have a direct connection with the UMCG or the University of Groningen: healthcare professionals, researchers, medical interns and PhD candidates. Starters and expats who are temporarily staying in Groningen for work or study also find a suitable base here. Families with young children will find the neighbourhood less suitable due to the limited green space and the absence of playgrounds directly in the area. The private sector rental supply is limited: last year, 16 homes were rented out in the private sector. Respond quickly if you see a suitable property, as the available supply usually goes fast. For social housing, you can register with housing association Lefier or SSH, but expect waiting lists. Also view the current range of rental homes in Groningen for a broader overview.
What residents say about UMCG
Residents of the UMCG neighbourhood generally give the area a positive rating when it comes to location and accessibility. The proximity to the centre and the good cycling connections score well. Residents are less enthusiastic about the liveliness outside working hours and the limited shopping options within walking distance. One resident writes: "During the day it buzzes with activity here, but after five in the afternoon it is quite quiet. That can be nice, but if you are looking for cosiness, you have to cycle a bit." Read all experiences and scores on the reviews and neighbourhood data of UMCG.
Compare rental homes in and around UMCG
Are you looking for a rental home in UMCG but also want to compare alternatives? The adjacent Hortusbuurt-Ebbingekwartier offers more liveliness and a more varied range of shops, while its character is slightly greener and quieter. Binnenstad-Noord is also popular among renters who want to live close to the centre. For those looking for a bit more space outside the centre, neighbourhoods such as Oosterparkwijk or Oud-West are worth exploring. Buurtje.nl combines current housing supply with resident reviews and neighbourhood data, so you not only find a home but also know for sure whether the neighbourhood suits you. Also view the complete overview of the Centrum district or compare with rental homes in Centrum for a complete picture of the supply in this part of Groningen.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in UMCG, Groningen?
In the free sector (excluding social housing and rooms), the average rent in UMCG over the past year was €1,375 per month. The range was from €1,185 to €1,675 per month, based on 16 rented properties. Social housing is typically much cheaper, but waiting lists and income requirements apply.
Are there social housing properties in UMCG?
Yes, approximately 43% of the housing stock in UMCG is owned by a housing association. You can register with associations such as Lefier or SSH Student Housing for a social rental property in this neighbourhood. Be aware of waiting lists, especially for regular social housing. For student housing through SSH, waiting times are sometimes shorter.
What is it like to live in UMCG?
Living in UMCG means being in the immediate vicinity of one of the largest academic hospitals in the Netherlands. The neighbourhood is lively during the day due to healthcare professionals, students and visitors, but relatively quiet in the evenings. Residents appreciate the central location and good accessibility, but sometimes miss daily amenities within walking distance.
Is UMCG suitable for starters and healthcare professionals?
The UMCG neighbourhood is particularly suitable for people who work or study at UMCG or the University of Groningen. Starters, medical interns, PhD candidates and expats temporarily staying in Groningen find a practical and centrally located place to live here. Families with young children will find the neighbourhood less attractive due to limited green space and lack of play facilities.
How accessible is UMCG?
The accessibility of UMCG is good. The centre of Groningen is a five to ten-minute bike ride away, and Groningen Central Station is also a short bike ride away. Several Qbuzz bus lines connect the neighbourhood with the rest of the city. By car, the A28 is accessible via the southern ring road. Parking is largely regulated by paid parking or permits; free parking is limited.
What amenities are there in UMCG?
UMCG itself offers extensive healthcare facilities, a pharmacy and various medical services. For daily groceries, supermarkets can be found in adjacent neighbourhoods such as Hortusbuurt or towards the city centre, a short bike ride away. Shops and restaurants are concentrated on Herestraat and Zuiderdiep. For green space and recreation, Noorderplantsoen is easily accessible.
How quickly are rental properties rented out in UMCG?
The free-sector rental supply in UMCG is limited: only 16 properties were rented out in the free sector last year. Due to this scarce supply, available rental homes typically go quickly. It is advisable to respond quickly to a property for rent in UMCG and have your documents such as pay slips and ID ready. Check at the top of the page how many properties are currently available.




