Anyone who has ever wandered through the narrow streets of Haarlem's city centre, cycled along its canals or enjoyed a drink on a café terrace on the Grote Markt on a sunny day immediately understands why so many people want to buy a home here. Haarlem combines the atmosphere of a historic city with the convenience of a lively, well-connected place to live — and that makes the city centre one of the most sought-after places to live in the province of Noord-Holland.
In this blog we take you through everything that makes Haarlem's city centre so special: why people love living here, what the advantages are, what fun things there are to do and which type of home suits you best.
Why do people want to buy a home in Haarlem's city centre?
The answer lies largely in the combination of history and liveliness. The centre of Haarlem is full of monumental buildings, winding streets and picturesque canals, yet it feels surprisingly dynamic at the same time. You will find a good mix of friendly local shops, surprising little restaurants and cultural hotspots, without the crowds and hectic pace of a big city like Amsterdam.
Many buyers also mention the sense of community as a major reason for wanting to live here. The neighbourhoods in the centre have a real village character: you know your neighbours, do your shopping at the local shop and bump into each other on the café terrace. That village feel, combined with all the urban amenities around the corner, is exactly what many people are looking for when they buy a home in Haarlem's city centre.
The advantages of living in Haarlem's city centre
Besides the atmosphere, there are also practical reasons why the centre is so attractive.
Everything is close by. Groceries, a good cup of coffee, the GP, the theatre: in Haarlem's city centre you can walk or cycle to them within a few minutes. A car is often unnecessary, which makes living here even more relaxed.
The location is golden too. From Haarlem Centraal station you are in Amsterdam in about fifteen minutes, and Schiphol, Leiden and the coast are also within easy reach. That makes Haarlem's city centre ideal for people who work in the Randstad (the western Dutch conurbation) but do not want to live in the middle of the hustle and bustle.
There is also a striking amount of greenery nearby. The Kenaupark and the Haarlemmerhout are within walking distance, and the dunes and the beach at Zandvoort can be reached by bike within fifteen minutes. So in Haarlem, city convenience and the great outdoors go perfectly together.
Things to do in Haarlem's city centre
Boredom does not really exist in Haarlem's city centre. The Grote Markt is the beating heart of the city, surrounded by monumental buildings such as the Grote or Sint-Bavokerk (St Bavo's Church) and the town hall, and is the setting for café terraces, events and the weekly market.
Love shopping? Streets such as the Barteljorisstraat and the Anegang are full of lovely boutiques, concept stores and specialist shops — a welcome change from the big chains. Culture lovers can enjoy themselves at the Teylers Museum, the oldest museum in the Netherlands, or the Frans Hals Museum. For live music and theatre, the Patronaat music venue, the Philharmonie and the Toneelschuur are the places to go, and at the Jopenkerk, a former church, you can enjoy its remarkable interior while sampling the beers brewed there.
And then of course there are the bars and restaurants. From cosy traditional brown cafés to trendy lunchrooms and surprising little restaurants tucked away in an alley: Haarlem's city centre has something to offer at every moment of the day. For many residents, a summer evening walk along the canals, ending with a drink on one of the many terraces, is the proof that they love living here.
What kind of homes are there in Haarlem's city centre — and who are they suitable for?
Haarlem's city centre has a wide variety of types of home, each with its own character and target group.
Canal houses and monumental townhouses
These stately buildings along waterways such as the Spaarne or the Bakenessergracht are popular with buyers who love character: high ceilings, original details and plenty of history. They are often spacious and suitable for families or buyers who deliberately choose a unique, monumental home, although they usually come with a higher price tag.
Hofje homes
Hidden behind a gateway lie Haarlem's famous hofjes (historic almshouse courtyards): small, cosy homes around a shared garden. These homes are ideal for people looking for peace and quiet and a strong sense of community, and are often sought after by first-time buyers and by people who want to downsize once their children have left home.
Apartments above shops and in warehouses
Many buildings above shopping streets and former warehouses have been converted into atmospheric apartments and lofts. This way of living is perfect for young professionals and couples who want to get the most out of city life and have every amenity literally on their doorstep.
New-build and conversion projects
Modern new-build homes and conversions of old buildings are also appearing more and more often in the centre. These combine the comfort and energy efficiency of a new home with an unbeatable central location, and are popular with buyers who want little maintenance but do not want to miss out on living in the city.
Looking for your dream home in Haarlem's city centre?
Whether you dream of a canal house full of history, a cosy hofje home or a modern apartment above the shopping streets: Haarlem's city centre has a suitable place for almost every wish. Still not sure which type of home suits your situation best, or would you like to know which houses are currently for sale in Haarlem's city centre? Feel free to get in touch — we are happy to help you think it through.
Frequently asked questions about living in Haarlem's city centre
Is living in Haarlem's city centre expensive?
Homes in the centre generally fall into a higher price segment, especially canal houses and monumental homes. On the other hand, these homes also score highly on location, amenities and holding their value.
How far is Haarlem's city centre from Amsterdam?
By train from Haarlem Centraal you are in Amsterdam in about fifteen minutes, which makes the centre popular with people who work in the capital but do not want to live there.
Which type of home is best for a family?
Families in the centre often choose a more spacious canal house or townhouse, although some families deliberately choose a hofje home because of the safety and sense of community a hofje offers.
Koops Makelaardij has been the local estate agent in Kennemerland for more than 20 years. Every year we sell more than 100 homes, and we let and manage more than 500 homes — with offices in Haarlem, Amsterdam and Amstelveen.
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