Renting a Home in Rijnsweerd and De Uithof, Utrecht

Rijnsweerd and De Uithof (officially Utrecht Science Park) are located on the east side of Utrecht. Those considering renting a home in Rijnsweerd or De Uithof choose a green, quiet environment a tram ride away from the city center. Rijnsweerd has about 3,000 residents (2025), while the Science Park also houses approximately 3,000 campus residents.

Professors' Neighborhood Next to a Growing Campus

Rijnsweerd was built between 1968 and 1979. Rijnsweerd-Noord, also known as the "Golden Coast," was intended for university staff and medical professionals. Winding streets, woonerven (residential shared spaces), and lots of greenery between the buildings. The design is based on anthroposophical principles: warm colors, brown roof tiles, and an organic street layout.

Rijnsweerd-Zuid followed in the late seventies with a similar setup. The neighborhood consists of a mix of detached and semi-detached family homes and apartment buildings. Over 81% are owner-occupied, which limits the rental supply but maintains the high quality of the living environment.

The housing supply on the Science Park itself is growing. Complexes such as Johanna, Campus USP 030, Casa Confetti, and De Bisschoppen offer thousands of rooms and studios. High Five, with 921 student residences, will be completed in 2025. The municipality is committed to more housing on campus to keep the area vibrant even outside office hours.

Two Worlds Side by Side

The housing supply in Rijnsweerd and on the Science Park differs significantly. In Rijnsweerd, there are more spacious apartments and family homes, aimed at families, dual-income earners, and academic staff. On the Science Park, there are studios and rooms for students, PhD candidates, and international researchers.

Rijnsweerd has an intellectual-academic profile. Nearly 70% of households are single-person households. The average WOZ (Valuation of Immovable Property Act) value is around 717,000 euros (2025). Rental properties are scarce and go quickly.

The Science Park attracts an international audience. Students from Utrecht University, Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, and HKU live there alongside researchers from the Hubrecht Institute and RIVM. The atmosphere is campus-like: busy during the day, quieter in the evening.

Tram to the Center, Bike through Amelisweerd

The Uithoflijn (tram 22) connects Utrecht Central with P+R Science Park in nineteen minutes. Stops at Padualaan, Heidelberglaan, UMC, and WKZ/Máxima serve the entire area. By bike, you can reach the city center in fifteen to twenty minutes, partly via the cycle paths through Amelisweerd Estate.

By car, the area is accessible via the A27 and A28. P+R Science Park offers parking at the tram's final stop. Within Rijnsweerd, it is quiet: woonerven with low speeds and little through traffic.

A point of attention: the tram currently does not run on weekends and after 9:30 PM on weekdays. The province is working on expanding to full weekend service from 2026. Those dependent on public transport should take this into account.

Amelisweerd as Your Backyard

Amelisweerd Estate and Rhijnauwen directly border Rijnsweerd and the Science Park. An extensive recreational area with forests, cycle paths, and walking routes along the Kromme Rijn. You can be there within a few minutes by bike. This is why residents describe Rijnsweerd as a green gem.

Daily amenities in Rijnsweerd itself are limited. Residents mention this as a drawback. On the Science Park, there are restaurants, coffee shops, and a supermarket, but these primarily cater to the campus community. For larger groceries, you would go to shopping centers in East or the city center.

There are good schools in the area. Sports facilities are available on campus, some of which are publicly accessible.

Who Is This Area Suitable For?

Rijnsweerd attracts families and dual-income earners with an academic background. The homes are spacious, the surroundings are green, and the atmosphere is quiet. The rental supply is limited: whoever finds something here reacts immediately.

The Science Park is aimed at students, PhD candidates, and international researchers. The rooms and studios are largely allocated through the university and student housing. Waiting lists can be long. Early registration is standard.

Expats working at UMC or the university often choose Rijnsweerd due to the short walking distance. Those looking for a more affordable alternative look to Lunetten, Hoograven, or even Zeist, which is ten to fifteen minutes by bike from the Science Park.