When you say Groningen, you immediately think of a student city, but Groningen is more than just a great place to study.
This city in the northern tip of The Netherlands has a rich history. Not only is it over 1000 years old, but it was also ravaged by earthquakes and was not spared during World War II.
There is much to see and do in this beautiful city. What about a visit to the Groninger Museum or climbing the Martini tower?
Not bad to live here, right?
Living in Groningen
Groningen is a city with lots of culture, shops, fun and dynamics. It is the combination of "quiet living and yet close to the city" that makes living in Groningen so pleasant.
Groningen has a rich history dating back to the 9th century. The city was an important ‘Hanzestad’ in the Middle Ages and therefore has a number of historic buildings and sights. Many students come to Groningen to study at the University of Groningen or the Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen. Thanks to these two universities, the city has a young and international vibe.
Groningen is a city with a lot to do. There are several museums, theatres and cinemas. Groningen also has a number of beautiful parks where you can enjoy a lovely walk or picnic in the summer.
Groningen is therefore certainly a city where it is pleasant to live. Whether you want to explore the city or simply relax, there's something for everyone in Groningen!
Neighbourhoods Groningen
The city of Groningen is subdivided into 7 major districts: Haren, Ten Boer, Centrum, Oude Wijken, Oost, Zuid and West.
Rental rates vary depending on location and amenities, but there are a number of options available to suit every budget. The average rent in Groningen is €14.23 per m2.
The most beautiful part of the city is the centre of Groningen. Also known as the district of Olle Grieze, which means 'Old Gray'. Shops, nightlife and cultural attractions are all within walking distance. It is a beautiful place to live and many authentic houses are still available. Just think of canal houses, mansions and picturesque courtyards.
The centre of Groningen is the most expensive area to rent compared to other districts. In terms of rent, you will spend around €21 per m².
Are you more interested in the cheapest district? Groningen West is the neighbourhood if you're looking to save on rent. A studio in Groningen will atypically cost about €9 per m².
When you look around for rental properties in Groningen West, be sure to check out the district ‘Het Buitenhof’. Although you won't find extravagant mansions here, you will be about 20 minutes away from the centre of Groningen and you will find plenty of rental properties in this area.
Renting in Groningen
Housing offer in Groningen
The housing market in Groningen has changed considerably in recent years. Groningen used to be a student city, but nowadays more and more families are settling in here.
Many people would like to live in Groningen because of its quiet location near nature reserves and the Wadden Islands, while the city still has a lively atmosphere.
The university and the hospital are also important reasons why people move to Groningen.
The city's rising popularity has resulted in exponentially rising rents. At the moment it is already quite difficult for young people and the elderly to find a home due to a lack of medium-priced rental housing and long waiting lists within the social sector.
The government has taken several measures to tackle this problem. Unfortunately, for the time being, the demand is still greater than the supply. By 2025, a housing shortage of about 10,000 homes is expected.
Renting a studio in Groningen
When you want to rent a studio in Groningen you actually have 2 options. You can rent a studio in the social or in the free sector.
Your income must not exceed a certain amount to be eligible for the social sector. If you do meet the conditions of the social sector, you must register on Woningnet before you are entitled to a social rental studio.
When you rent a studio in Groningen in the free sector, you have 3 types to choose from: bare, upholstered or furnished.
A bare studio leaves little to the imagination. So you still have to do some work and invest quite a lot before moving into your new place. Renting a bare studio is therefore not recommended if you do not want to rent on a long-term basis.
We would advise looking for an upholstered studio. This is a lot easier and you quickly have a livable place. After all, there is already floor covering and it is fully or partially fitted with curtains. Just add your own furniture and you're done. This is the most common way of renting out in Groningen.
The third option is to rent a furnished studio. This is, without a doubt, the most practical alternative, but it's also the most costly. You have everything you need on hand, and it often even includes plates, silverware, and decorations.
FAQ
How do you find a studio in Groningen?
If you are eligible for social housing, you can register at Woningnetgroningen.nl. Please note that a number of conditions are attached to this.
To rent a studio in Groningen in the free sector, it is best to visit various rental websites as often as possible. If you're one of the first to respond, you're more likely to be invited for a visit. Make it easy on yourself and register at Stekkies. This way you will immediately receive all suitable properties in your mailbox.
How much does a student room in Groningen cost?
Groningen is a popular student city, and finding a room can sometimes be difficult. Think about how much space you need/want and how much you can / want to spend on the rent each month. To rent a student room in Groningen, expect to spend anything from €400 to €500 each month.
How much does a student room in Groningen cost?
One of the nicest student neighbourhoods is the Korrewegbuurt, close to the UMCG. If you are lucky you can find something to rent here for around €350 per month. Groningen City Centre is where all student associations are located, so renting a room there is also a great option. Keep in mind that the prices in the city centre are higher.
