van Ogtropweg 10-12

The neighbourhood exists. Not much happens, it lacks vibrancy. The festivities of yesteryear are no more. However, it is still closer-knit than most neighbourhoods. Additionally, the area is flooded with work vans and parking has become abysmal since the permit zone was expanded to our neighbourhood. Some trees have been planted, but much more greenery could and should be added to the existing planters, bay windows, and such. Furthermore, the neighbourhood is rather drab, which happens quickly when the houses are literally painted grey. There is also a lot of illegal dumping. There is always some rubbish lying around somewhere. The bus routes in the area, if they even run nearby, are not great. They rarely go where you want to go. Postboxes are also disappearing, and even polling stations are hard to find.

What a wonderful place I find Beverwijk! The location is fantastic: I love being so close to the coast. A quick stroll on the beach at Wijk aan Zee is easily done, and the dunes always offer a beautiful piece of nature for walking or cycling. I love breathing in the sea air. The shopping options: The Bazaar is of course unique and something I really enjoy. It's a fantastic, bustling place where I always find something special. The diversity there is great! But I also find the atmosphere in the city centre very pleasant. The people and the atmosphere: I experience Beverwijk as a place with a down-to-earth, cosy and cordial atmosphere. The people here are direct, and I like that. I really feel at home here. Culture and history: The historical elements, such as the ruins of Huis te Beverwijk, appeal to me a lot. I find it interesting to learn more about them. For me, Beverwijk is just a nice, lively municipality with a perfect mix of urban conveniences, history and nature. I wouldn't want to leave here! The only downside is the education in the neighbourhood. There are enough schools, but the level of the teachers and the education is very mediocre. This MUST be improved for the next generation.

The neighbourhood has deteriorated badly in the years we've lived here. They just cram everything in. Gardens with weeds, lots of rubbish in front and back gardens and on the street. No respect for each other at all. Still holding on but would love to leave. The housing association does very little. Only when you move out does the house get properly insulated with new floors. The ventilation system is NEVER cleaned. Draughty as hell here.

The Westertuinen actually consists of two neighbourhoods: the one below the Plesmanweg and the one above the Plesmanweg. I am writing about the first, but my experiences may also apply to the neighbourhood north of the Plesmanweg. The Westertuinen is a quiet and tidy neighbourhood with plenty of greenery and many well-maintained front gardens. I think it is one of the better neighbourhoods in Beverwijk, but perhaps a bit less cosy. A major drawback is the smell from the industry when the wind is from the west. Several schools and supermarkets are easily reachable by bike. For public transport, you have to put in a bit more effort. There are also plenty of playgrounds within walking distance. When I go on holiday, friends and acquaintances always want to use my house because they can drive to the beach every day.