Anyone who strolls through the wide, green streets of the Koninginnebuurt, cycles past its stately townhouses or spends an afternoon in the Haarlemmerhout soon understands why this neighbourhood has been one of the most popular in Haarlem for more than a hundred years. The Koninginnebuurt combines the peace and space of a green, classic residential area with being close to both the lively city centre and the largest city forest in the Netherlands — and that makes buying a home here a dream come true for many people.
In this blog we take you through everything that makes the Koninginnebuurt 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 the Koninginnebuurt?
The Koninginnebuurt was created around the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, when wealthy residents of Haarlem wanted more spacious homes on the edge of the city. The proximity of the Haarlemmerhout and a firm sandy subsoil made the south side of Haarlem ideally suited for this, and the streets were deliberately laid out with plenty of space, greenery and stately buildings. Many streets are named after members of the royal family, such as the Julianastraat and the Prins Willem Alexanderplein — hence the name of the neighbourhood (Koninginnebuurt means "Queen's Quarter").
That nineteenth-century planning can still be felt today. Wide avenues, tall trees and characteristic façades give the area an elegant, timeless look, while the centre of Haarlem is still within cycling distance. Residents often mention the neighbourhood's strong social character as a reason to stay: neighbourhood events, an active residents' council around Bosch en Vaart and a close-knit sense of community create a village feel, despite its location in the middle of the city.
The advantages of living in the Koninginnebuurt
Besides the atmosphere, there are also very practical reasons why this area is so sought after.
The location is exceptional. On one side the neighbourhood borders the centre of Haarlem, which you can cycle to in a few minutes; on the other side the Haarlemmerhout, the oldest city forest in the Netherlands, is literally around the corner. Nowhere in Haarlem is this combination of city and nature as strong as here.
It is also easy to get around. Via the Wagenweg you are quickly in the city centre, and the N205 takes you swiftly towards Amsterdam and Utrecht. There are also various public transport stops spread across the neighbourhood, so for many residents a car is not strictly necessary.
The neighbourhood is also notably child-friendly and quiet, with wide, green streets and plenty of space to walk or exercise. There are several sports clubs nearby, including a tennis club and a football club, and in recent years its peaceful character has attracted more and more young families, often from cities such as Amsterdam.
Things to do in and around the Koninginnebuurt
You will not easily get bored in the Koninginnebuurt. The most distinctive feature of the area is of course the Haarlemmerhout, the oldest city forest in the Netherlands: wonderful for walking, running or simply relaxing, and a popular picnic spot in summer.
Sporty? In and around the neighbourhood you will find various clubs for tennis or football, and the wide avenues are perfect for a morning run or bike ride.
For shops, café terraces and culture you only need to cycle a short distance: Haarlem's city centre, with the Grote Markt, the Barteljorisstraat and countless museums, is a stone's throw away. This way you combine the quiet, green living of the Koninginnebuurt with all the amenities of the city, without having to travel far. Events such as Koningsdag (King's Day) and the annual neighbourhood activities also make for a lively social life within the neighbourhood itself.
What kind of homes are there in the Koninginnebuurt — and who are they suitable for?
The Koninginnebuurt has a fairly uniform but very attractive housing stock, with a clear emphasis on spacious, stately homes.
Stately townhouses and urban villas
This is by far the most characteristic type of home in the neighbourhood: large, distinctive buildings with many original details, often with three floors and a generous layout. They are ideal for families looking for space, grandeur and green, quiet surroundings, although they come with a hefty price tag — the Koninginnebuurt is one of the more expensive neighbourhoods in Haarlem.
Apartments in stately buildings
Over the years, some of the large townhouses have been split into apartments. This means first-time buyers and single people can also find a home in this sought-after neighbourhood, with all the grandeur of a monumental building but without the full space and maintenance of an entire townhouse.
Homes along the Leidsevaart
The houses on and around the Leidsevaart canal benefit from an extra green, waterside location. This spot is popular with buyers who love a quiet, picturesque setting while keeping the city centre within easy reach.
Bosch en Vaart
Within the Koninginnebuurt lies the informal sub-neighbourhood of Bosch en Vaart, with its own active residents' council. Here you will find, among other things, detached villas, sought after by buyers who want the very best and are prepared to pay for it.
Looking for your dream home in the Koninginnebuurt?
Whether you dream of a stately three-storey townhouse, an atmospheric apartment in a monumental building or a detached villa in Bosch en Vaart: the Koninginnebuurt 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 the Koninginnebuurt? Feel free to get in touch — we are happy to help you think it through.
Frequently asked questions about living in the Koninginnebuurt
Is living in the Koninginnebuurt expensive?
Yes, the Koninginnebuurt is one of the more expensive neighbourhoods in Haarlem. The homes are generally large and stately, which translates into a higher home value than the city average.
Where exactly is the Koninginnebuurt?
The neighbourhood is in the Haarlem Zuid-West district, roughly between the Leidsevaart, the Wagenweg, the Raamsingel and the Houtplein, directly bordering both the centre of Haarlem and the Haarlemmerhout.
Is the Koninginnebuurt suitable for families with children?
Definitely. The neighbourhood is known for being quiet and child-friendly, with wide green streets, sports clubs close by and the Haarlemmerhout as a big playground on the doorstep. In recent years the area has therefore been attracting more and more young families.
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