When people first think about moving to the Netherlands – smaller cities such as Delft can get overlooked – this is a mistake. With one of the more beautiful city centre's in the country and a buzzing student vibrancy – apartments in Delft are getting more and more popular. With a population of just over 100,000, Delft in sandwiched between The Hague and Rotterdam and so Delft apartments have some of the largest cities in the Netherlands on their doorsteps. If you are looking for a place that has everything that you could need, but with fantastic transport links as well as cheaper rents than the larger cities than the picturesque town of Delft may just be for you.
Types of Accommodations in Delft
Districts in Delft
With just over 100,000 people living in Delft, it really isn't the largest place in the world – but its beauty lies in the fact that it doesn't try to be. The districts that make up this wonderful city are all close together and although you won't get strikingly different areas – Delfts charm means that you won't really need to look for it. The city center could have been lifted straight out of Amsterdam and the canals and wonderful architecture will take you back to different moments in time. As you can imagine prices can be fairly expensive and so a lot of younger people are choosing to live in other areas such as Buitenhof which is dominated by newer build apartment blocks or Tanthof which is a more family friendly area.
Hof Van Delft
While prices in the city centre are seemingly getting more and more expensive each year – families and young professionals are choosing to live a little bit outside the old town in search of bigger properties for cheaper prices. Often with a garden or some sort of outdoor area – Hof Van Delft is a relaxed district with a community feel to it. The upsides are that the train station is extremely close and so trips to the surrounding cities are right on the Hof Van Delft apartment's doorstep. You don't have to go far to get into the downtown area of Delft either with it being a short walk or bike ride away.
Vrijenban
While Hof Van Delft is fairly homogenous with its groupings of young families and young professionals - the green leafed district of Vrijenban is a lot more diverse in its community. There are a wide variety of different ages and cultures all living side by side here - a real melting pot. With the great park of Delftse Hout right next door, most of the residents of Vrijenban are fans of nature and different outdoor pursuits – even something as simple as a ride through the leafy streets. This is also one of the older areas of Delft with almost half of the properties being over 70 years old! This means that so many apartments in Vrijenban have period details and feel like a slice of history.
Pijnacker
Although not technically in Delft, apartments in Pijnacker are perfect for those who are a more budget conscious and who don't mind a little piece and quiet. Found around 4 kilometers outside of Delft, this small town is getting more and more popular as people move out of the bigger and more expensive cities in the area and back into the countryside. Nevertheless, the train stations in Pijnacker ensure that you are well connected to the cities of The Hauge and Rotterdam in case the urge strikes! Living in the picture-perfect Netherlands countryside with the endless flower fields and whiling windmills all a short drive away, is a unique experience that everyone should try once!
Student Accommodation Delft
The student community is the lifeblood of Delft. It maintains the wonderful contrast between the centuries old architecture and the youthful vibe that surrounds Delft. Around 30% of the population is related to the grand university in some shape or form and the historical center is filled with 'fraternity' style society buildings for everything you could think of. All these students need accommodation however and there is a shortage of student housing in Delft. As such students in Delft often live together in flat shares or in big houses of up to 30 different rooms! Not only does this keep costs really low but gives you a real sense of fun and community!
Public Transport Delft
As far as public transport within Delft goes, there really isn't a lot of options – but there really doesn't need to be. The city isn't big enough to warrant a complex system and with the Dutch way of life embracing cycling - people just hop on their bike to get around. Everywhere. Public transport in Delft is limited to getting you to other cities – there is a handy tram to The Hague and the beach town of Scheveningen.