Rental homes in Winkelcentrum Schalkwijk, Haarlem
Discover rental properties in Winkelcentrum Schalkwijk: view the current supply, compare rental prices, and read what residents think of this neighbourhood.
Rental prices and market figures for Winkelcentrum Schalkwijk, Haarlem
Winkelcentrum Schalkwijk is an entirely rental neighbourhood: all 247 homes are rental properties, with no owner-occupied homes. Of these rental homes, 36% are owned by a housing association (social housing), while the remaining 64% fall under other landlords and are mostly in the free sector. The average WOZ value is €251,000, which is significantly lower than the district average of Meerwijk (€306,000) and well below the Haarlem average of €480,000. This reflects the character of the neighbourhood: functional, affordable rental homes in a central location.
In the free sector (excluding social housing), an average rent of €1,527 per month was achieved over the past year, based on 45 rented homes. The range runs from €1,032 to €2,690 per month, with an average living area of 78 m². This works out to around €19.60 per m² per month. By comparison, rental homes in Haarlem generally have higher free-sector prices due to high demand in popular districts. For current rental prices and available rental homes in Winkelcentrum Schalkwijk, you can consult the overview at the top of this page.
Living in Winkelcentrum Schalkwijk, Haarlem
Winkelcentrum Schalkwijk is not a neighbourhood in the traditional sense: it is a compact, functional enclave literally built around the eponymous shopping centre in the Haarlem district of Meerwijk. The buildings largely date from the 1970s and 1980s and consist mainly of stacked apartments, partly in high-rise blocks and partly in lower blocks directly on or near the shopping area. Anyone considering renting an apartment in Winkelcentrum Schalkwijk is consciously choosing convenience and central amenities over a green or village-like living environment.
Facilities within walking distance
The biggest asset of living in Winkelcentrum Schalkwijk is the immediate proximity of the shopping centre itself. Schalkwijk is one of the larger district shopping centres in Haarlem, with a wide range of daily groceries: there are several supermarkets, including an Albert Heijn and a Lidl, supplemented by specialist shops, a pharmacy, a GP practice and various service providers. For clothing, electronics and larger purchases, you hardly need to leave the neighbourhood. Catering is present but limited in character, mainly lunchrooms and snack bars aimed at shoppers. Primary schools can be found within cycling distance in the surrounding neighbourhoods of Meerwijk. Sports facilities are also available in the immediate vicinity, with swimming and sports facilities a short drive away. The Meerwijkplas, a recreational lake within walking distance, offers space for outdoor recreation in summer.
Accessibility
The neighbourhood is well served by public transport. Several bus routes connect Winkelcentrum Schalkwijk with the centre of Haarlem and surrounding districts. Haarlem Centraal can be reached by bus in about ten to fifteen minutes, from where trains depart towards Amsterdam, Leiden and The Hague. By car, the neighbourhood is conveniently located relative to the main roads towards the A9 and A200, making Amsterdam reachable in about twenty minutes. Parking in and around the shopping centre is largely free or arranged via a car park, although it can be tight during busy shopping hours. By bike, the centre of Haarlem can be reached in just under twenty minutes via the main cycle paths through Meerwijk.
Residents appreciate the neighbourhood mainly for its practicality. On the neighbourhood page of Winkelcentrum Schalkwijk, a resident writes: "Everything you need daily is ten metres from your front door. That's the big advantage here." Criticisms that come back in reviews are the limited green space directly in the neighbourhood, the sometimes busy and messy environment around the shopping centre during the day, and the feeling that the neighbourhood has little identity of its own beyond its shopping function.
Compared to surrounding neighbourhoods in Meerwijk, Winkelcentrum Schalkwijk has a distinct profile. The Spijkerboorbuurt and the Nobelprijsbuurt are quieter and more family-oriented, with more single-family homes and greenery. The Archimedesbuurt has a similar post-war layout but a more residential character. Those who specifically want the bustle and convenience of a shopping centre on their doorstep consciously choose this neighbourhood.
Is renting in Winkelcentrum Schalkwijk right for you?
The neighbourhood mainly attracts single-person households: 165 of the 345 residents live alone, and the largest age group is 25 to 45 years old. This makes it a neighbourhood for active singles and young two-person households who prioritise convenience and accessibility over space and tranquillity. Seniors are also well represented (95 residents aged 65 and over), which is logical given the proximity of all daily amenities within walking distance.
For social housing, 36% of the housing stock is owned by a housing association. You can register via Woonservice regio Haarlem, but be prepared for waiting lists that in Haarlem typically run to several years. For the free sector, rental homes in this neighbourhood are generally rented out quickly; make sure you have your documents (payslips, employer's statement, ID) ready. If buying is an option: there are no owner-occupied homes in this neighbourhood, but you can look at homes for sale in Winkelcentrum Schalkwijk or in surrounding neighbourhoods.
What residents say about Winkelcentrum Schalkwijk
On Buurtje.nl, residents rate their neighbourhood on several categories, including amenities, accessibility, safety and liveability. Winkelcentrum Schalkwijk scores highest on amenities, which is logical given its location. Safety and green space score lower. One resident describes it as: "Functional and handy, but not the neighbourhood where you like to sit outside in the evening." See all reviews and the full neighbourhood data on the overview page of Winkelcentrum Schalkwijk. That combination of figures and experiences from real residents is not found anywhere else at this level of detail.
Comparing rental homes in and around Winkelcentrum Schalkwijk
Unsure if this is the right neighbourhood? Then it is worth comparing. The Erasmusbuurt and the Meerwijkplas offer a quieter alternative within the same district of Meerwijk, with slightly more greenery and a more residential character. Those looking for a livelier urban environment can look at Oude Stad or the Haarlemmerhoutkwartier, although rental prices there are generally higher. Buurtje.nl combines current housing supply from more than 1,500 sources with resident reviews and district data, so you not only find a home but also know what to expect from the surrounding neighbourhood. Also view the broader supply of rental homes in Meerwijk or explore all options via Haarlem as a municipality. More information about the municipality can also be found on the official website of the municipality of Haarlem.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Winkelcentrum Schalkwijk, Haarlem?
In the free sector (excluding social housing), the average rent in Winkelcentrum Schalkwijk over the past year was €1,527 per month, with an average living area of 78 m². The range runs from €1,032 to €2,690 per month, which equates to approximately €19.60 per m². Social housing is cheaper but requires registration with a housing association and typically has long waiting lists.
Are there social housing units in Winkelcentrum Schalkwijk?
Yes, 36% of the 247 rental properties in Winkelcentrum Schalkwijk are owned by a housing association and are social housing. You can register via Woonservice regio Haarlem. Be prepared for waiting lists of several years, which is common in Haarlem. The remaining 64% of properties are owned by other landlords and are largely in the free sector.
What is it like to live in Winkelcentrum Schalkwijk?
Winkelcentrum Schalkwijk is a compact, functional neighbourhood built around a large district shopping centre in the Haarlem district of Meerwijk. Residents appreciate the excellent daily amenities within walking distance, but also mention drawbacks such as limited green space, daytime crowds, and a less pronounced neighbourhood feel. The area mainly attracts singles and young two-person households.
Is Winkelcentrum Schalkwijk suitable for seniors or singles?
Yes, the neighbourhood is particularly suitable for single-person households and seniors. Of the 345 residents, 165 live alone, and 95 residents are aged 65 or older. The proximity of supermarkets, a pharmacy, and a GP practice within walking distance makes the area attractive for those who are less mobile or do not have a car. Families with children generally find a better match in surrounding neighbourhoods such as Spijkerboorbuurt or Nobelprijsbuurt.
How accessible is Winkelcentrum Schalkwijk?
The neighbourhood is well accessible by bus: several lines connect Winkelcentrum Schalkwijk to Haarlem Central, which can be reached in about ten to fifteen minutes. By car, the connection to the A9 and A200 is quick, allowing Amsterdam to be reached in about twenty minutes. By bike, the centre of Haarlem can be reached in just under twenty minutes. Parking at the shopping centre is largely free, but can be tight during shopping hours.
What amenities are there in Winkelcentrum Schalkwijk?
The neighbourhood has an extensive range of shops right in the area, including supermarkets (Albert Heijn, Lidl), a pharmacy, a GP practice, and various shops for daily groceries. Hospitality venues are present but limited, mainly lunchrooms and snack bars. The Meerwijkplas lake within walking distance offers recreational opportunities in summer. Primary schools and sports facilities are available within cycling distance in the surrounding neighbourhoods of Meerwijk.
How quickly are rental properties rented out in Winkelcentrum Schalkwijk?
Free sector rental properties for rent in Winkelcentrum Schalkwijk are generally rented out quickly, partly due to the central location and extensive amenities. It is advisable to respond quickly to available rental properties and have your documents (payslips, employer's statement, ID) ready in advance. For the current average rental time in days, please consult the overview at the top of this page.
