Rent a home in Almere Haven

Almere Haven is where it all began. On November 30, 1976, the first 25 families received the keys to their homes here, at the Schoolwerf. Since then, Almere has grown into the eighth-largest city in the Netherlands, but Haven has retained its village character. Those considering renting a home in Almere Haven choose courtyards, greenery, and the Gooimeer within walking distance. The district has more than 22,000 residents (2023) in about 10,000 homes.

Courtyards, pioneers, and the Gooimeer

Almere Haven was built as a 'cauliflower district': an organic street structure with cul-de-sacs, car-free inner areas, and lots of greenery. It is the opposite of the straight lines and wide avenues found in newer city districts. The Schoolwerf, where the very first homes are located, was designed by architect Joop van Stigt: closed residential blocks with collective internal spaces.

De Havenkom (the Harbor Basin) is the heart of the district. A small center by the water with shops, restaurants, and terraces. The marina offers moorings for sailing and motor boats. The Gooimeer extends to the south: swimming, sailing, and walking along the shore.

The neighborhoods are all different but share the same DNA. De Wierden, De Marken, De Gouwen, De Werven, De Grienden, De Meenten, De Hoven: all built in the 1980s, all with that characteristic courtyard style. Overgooi is the exception: an exclusive estate-like residential area with large plots, added later.

Single-family homes in 1980s style

The housing stock largely consists of ground-level single-family homes. Terraced houses, semi-detached houses, and detached houses. In De Meenten, 82% are single-family homes. Many homes have a garden, a garage, or a carport. Construction primarily dates from the 1980s.

The rental housing supply is available, particularly in De Wierden where about 70% are rental properties. Rental prices are lower than in Amsterdam and comparable to other Almere districts. The homes are older than in Almere Poort, which can mean lower rental prices but also less modern insulation.

The municipality is exploring options for renewing the housing stock in some neighborhoods. This could bring changes in the coming years.

No station, but bus lines and the A6

Almere Haven does not have its own train station. That is the biggest difference with Almere Stad, Buiten, and Poort. The closest station is Almere Centrum, accessible by bus or bicycle. Bus line M1 connects Haven with Almere Centrum station and runs throughout the district.

The A6 provides a direct car connection to Amsterdam. Travel time by car is comparable to other Almere districts. Those who commute daily by train to Amsterdam must take into account the extra travel time to the station.

Parking in residential areas is usually not a problem. Most homes have their own parking space. In the center around the Havenkom, parking fees apply.

Havenkom, forests, and neighborhood life

The Havenkom offers supermarkets, specialty shops, restaurants, and terraces. For daily groceries, you don't need to leave the district. For a larger selection of shops, cycle to Almere Stad.

The Waterlandsebos, Cirkelbos, and Kromslootpark are located in and around the district. The combination of forest, water, and low-rise buildings gives Haven a greener character than the other districts. Primary schools and sports facilities are spread across the neighborhoods.

The pioneering mentality of the first residents lives on in a strong sense of community. Almere Haven has active residents' associations and neighborhood initiatives. It's a place where you know your neighbors.

The honest truth about Haven

The lack of a train station is the main drawback. Those who commute daily to Amsterdam by train must first travel to Almere Centrum station. That costs extra time. By car, the difference is smaller, but the A6 can be busy during rush hour.

Nightlife and cultural offerings are limited. Haven is a residential area, not an entertainment district. For a night out, you travel to Almere Stad or Amsterdam. The facilities in the Havenkom cover daily life, but for specialized shops or care, you depend on other districts.

The homes are older than in Almere Poort or the newer parts of Almere Stad. This can mean less effective insulation and higher energy costs. Check the energy label during viewings.

Those seeking peace, greenery, and a close-knit community by the water will find something in Almere Haven that cannot be found anywhere else in Almere. Renting a home in Almere Haven requires patience: ensure your documents are ready and respond quickly when something becomes available.