What are the best neighborhoods in Amsterdam?

Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Netherlands Property Pack

Yes, the analysis of Amsterdam's property market is included in our pack

Who is the author of this content?

INVESTROPA

A team specialized in real estate investing in European countries (Netherlands, Germany, France, Belgium, etc.).

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in the Netherlands. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At InvestRopa, we explore the Dutch real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

What rental budget should you plan for Amsterdam neighborhoods?

Amsterdam rental budgets vary significantly depending on the neighborhood and property type you choose.

For a one-bedroom apartment in premium areas like Grachtengordel or Museumkwartier, expect to pay €1,800-2,200 monthly. These historic districts command the highest prices due to their central location and cultural significance.

Mid-range neighborhoods such as De Pijp, Jordaan, and Zuid typically require €1,400-1,800 for similar properties. These areas offer excellent amenities and transport links while remaining more affordable than the city center.

Emerging districts like Noord and Oost present more budget-friendly options, with one-bedroom apartments ranging from €1,100-1,500 monthly. These neighborhoods are experiencing rapid development and offer good value for money.

As of June 2025, the average rental price across Amsterdam stands at approximately €30 per square meter monthly, with premium locations reaching €45 per square meter.

How much space do different Amsterdam neighborhoods typically offer?

Amsterdam apartments generally range from 35-80 square meters for one to two-bedroom units, with significant variations by district.

Historic neighborhoods like Grachtengordel feature converted canal houses with apartments typically measuring 45-65 square meters. These properties often have unique layouts due to their historical architecture, with narrow but deep floor plans.

Modern developments in Noord and Oost offer more standardized layouts, with new-build apartments ranging from 55-85 square meters for two-bedroom units. These areas provide better space efficiency and contemporary amenities.

Family-oriented neighborhoods like Zuid and Watergraafsmeer feature larger apartments and houses, with three-bedroom properties typically offering 80-120 square meters. These areas cater to families seeking more living space.

Studios and one-bedroom apartments in central areas like De Pijp average 35-50 square meters, perfect for young professionals and students.

Which neighborhoods offer the best commuting options in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam's extensive public transport network ensures most neighborhoods offer excellent connectivity to major business districts and employment centers.

The city center neighborhoods including Grachtengordel, Nieuwmarkt, and Plantage provide walking distance access to many offices, with commute times under 15 minutes to Central Station and major business areas.

Zuid district offers direct metro connections to Zuidas business district, with commute times of 10-15 minutes. This area particularly suits finance and corporate professionals working in Amsterdam's financial center.

Noord residents benefit from frequent ferry services and the new Noord-Zuid metro line, connecting to Central Station in 12-18 minutes. The area's cycling infrastructure also provides excellent bike commuting options.

Outer neighborhoods like Oost and West maintain good connections through tram and metro networks, with typical commute times to the center ranging 20-30 minutes.

What are the rental costs per square meter across Amsterdam neighborhoods?

Neighborhood	Premium Properties (€/m²/month)	Standard Properties (€/m²/month)	Budget Properties (€/m²/month)
Grachtengordel	€42-45	€38-42	€35-38
Museumkwartier	€40-43	€35-40	€32-35
Jordaan	€36-40	€32-36	€28-32
De Pijp	€33-37	€28-33	€25-28
Zuid	€35-39	€30-35	€27-30
Oost	€30-34	€25-30	€22-25
Noord	€26-30	€22-26	€18-22

How safe are different Amsterdam neighborhoods?

Amsterdam maintains relatively low crime rates across all neighborhoods, with most areas considered safe for residents and visitors.

The safest neighborhoods include Museumkwartier and Zuid, both recording safety indices above 75 and minimal violent crime. These upscale areas benefit from regular police patrols and well-maintained public spaces.

Central neighborhoods like Grachtengordel and Jordaan score safety indices around 70-72, with occasional petty theft incidents primarily targeting tourists. Residential areas within these districts remain very secure.

Emerging areas like Noord and Oost have safety indices of 65-67, showing steady improvement as development progresses. These neighborhoods experience minimal serious crime but may have higher rates of bicycle theft.

It's something we develop in our Netherlands property pack.

What demographic profiles characterize Amsterdam's neighborhoods?

Amsterdam's neighborhoods attract distinct demographic groups based on their characteristics, amenities, and price points.

Grachtengordel and Museumkwartier primarily house affluent professionals aged 30-50, with high concentrations of expats working in finance, tech, and creative industries. These areas have median ages around 38-42.

De Pijp and Jordaan attract young professionals and creatives aged 25-40, creating vibrant cultural scenes with numerous cafes, galleries, and nightlife venues. The median age in these areas ranges from 32-36.

Zuid neighborhoods appeal to families and established professionals aged 35-55, offering quieter residential environments with parks and family amenities. The median age typically reaches 40-45.

Noord has emerged as a hub for young artists, tech workers, and families seeking affordable alternatives, with median ages around 30-35. This area shows the fastest demographic change in recent years.

Oost maintains the most diverse demographic profile, housing students, young families, and long-term residents across various income levels, with median ages spanning 28-40 depending on the specific sub-district.

What amenities are available within walking distance in each neighborhood?

Amsterdam neighborhoods generally offer excellent access to daily amenities within 1 kilometer radius, though the mix varies by area character.

1. **Supermarkets and grocery stores**: Albert Heijn, Jumbo, and specialty food shops are typically within 200-500 meters in all neighborhoods2. **Schools and educational facilities**: Primary schools are well-distributed, with most neighborhoods hosting 3-5 schools within 1km3. **Healthcare facilities**: GPs, dentists, and pharmacies maintain strong coverage across all districts4. **Fitness and recreation**: Gyms, yoga studios, and sports facilities are abundant, especially in Zuid and De Pijp5. **Restaurants and cafes**: Central neighborhoods like Jordaan and De Pijp offer the highest concentration of dining options6. **Parks and green spaces**: Vondelpark, Oosterpark, and numerous smaller parks provide recreational access7. **Cultural venues**: Museums, theaters, and galleries cluster in Museumkwartier and city center areas

How walkable and transit-accessible are Amsterdam neighborhoods?

Amsterdam consistently ranks among Europe's most walkable and bike-friendly cities, with excellent public transport coverage throughout all neighborhoods.

The historic center neighborhoods achieve walkability scores above 90, with most daily needs accessible within 10-15 minutes on foot. Cycling infrastructure is exceptional, with dedicated bike lanes connecting all major destinations.

Public transport accessibility scores range from 82-95 across neighborhoods, with the lowest scores in outer areas like Noord still providing adequate connections. The GVB network operates trams, buses, and metros with high frequency during peak hours.

Metro lines serve Zuid, Oost, and Noord efficiently, while the comprehensive tram network covers central areas including Jordaan, De Pijp, and Grachtengordel. Night transport operates on weekends for most routes.

Bike-sharing programs and excellent cycling infrastructure make bicycle commuting viable for 60-70% of residents, significantly reducing reliance on motorized transport.

What are noise levels and air quality like across Amsterdam neighborhoods?

Amsterdam's environmental quality varies moderately between neighborhoods, with central areas experiencing higher noise levels but generally good air quality citywide.

Air quality indices typically range from 25-45 (Good to Moderate) across all neighborhoods, with PM2.5 levels averaging 8-12 µg/m³. Noord and outer areas often record the best air quality due to less traffic density.

Noise levels in central neighborhoods like Grachtengordel and De Pijp can reach 55-65 decibels during peak hours due to tourism and nightlife. Residential side streets maintain quieter environments with levels around 45-50 decibels.

Zuid and family-oriented neighborhoods typically experience noise levels of 40-50 decibels, making them ideal for families and those seeking peaceful living environments.

Noord benefits from its separation from central tourist areas, maintaining some of the city's lowest noise levels at 35-45 decibels in residential zones.

What is the ownership versus rental split in Amsterdam neighborhoods?

Amsterdam's housing market shows significant variation in ownership patterns across different neighborhoods, influenced by property values and resident demographics.

Premium neighborhoods like Grachtengordel and Museumkwartier typically have 65-75% owner-occupied properties, with many units held as investments or second homes. The high property values limit rental market turnover in these areas.

Mid-tier neighborhoods such as De Pijp and Jordaan maintain more balanced splits around 55-65% owner-occupied units. These areas attract both long-term residents and rental tenants, creating dynamic housing markets.

Emerging areas like Noord show approximately 45-55% ownership rates, with higher rental percentages due to newer developments and younger resident populations seeking flexibility.

Family-oriented neighborhoods in Zuid tend toward higher ownership rates of 70-80%, reflecting the area's appeal to settled residents making long-term housing commitments.

How much rental inventory is available monthly in each neighborhood?

Amsterdam's rental market maintains steady inventory levels across neighborhoods, though availability varies significantly by price range and property type.

Central neighborhoods like Grachtengordel and Jordaan typically offer 150-250 rental properties monthly in the €1,500-2,500 range. Premium properties above €2,500 have limited availability with only 30-50 units appearing monthly.

De Pijp and Zuid neighborhoods provide more consistent inventory with 200-350 properties available monthly across various price ranges. These areas offer the best selection for tenants seeking quality accommodations.

Noord experiences the highest inventory growth, with 180-280 new rental properties entering the market monthly as development continues. This emerging area provides excellent opportunities for tenants seeking modern amenities.

Budget-conscious renters find the most options in Oost and outer neighborhoods, where 250-400 properties under €1,800 become available monthly. It's something we develop in our Netherlands property pack.

How have property prices evolved in Amsterdam neighborhoods over recent years?

Amsterdam property prices have experienced significant growth across all neighborhoods from 2022-2025, with rental rates increasing steadily despite some market cooling in late 2024.

Premium neighborhoods including Grachtengordel and Museumkwartier saw rental price increases of 18-25% over the three-year period. Purchase prices in these areas rose 22-28%, driven by limited supply and strong international demand.

Mid-tier areas like De Pijp, Jordaan, and Zuid experienced rental growth of 15-20% and purchase price increases of 20-25%. These neighborhoods maintained strong investor interest throughout the period.

Emerging neighborhoods such as Noord recorded the highest growth rates, with rental prices increasing 25-35% and purchase prices rising 30-40% as the area transformed from industrial to residential use.

As we reach mid-2025, the market shows signs of stabilization with rental growth slowing to 3-5% annually across most neighborhoods, while purchase price growth has moderated to 5-8% annually.

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in the Netherlands versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

Which Amsterdam neighborhoods offer the best investment potential?

Amsterdam neighborhoods present varying investment opportunities based on rental yields, growth potential, and market fundamentals as of mid-2025.

Noord emerges as the strongest growth candidate, offering rental yields of 4.5-5.5% combined with continued development momentum. The neighborhood's transformation from industrial to creative hub attracts young professionals and drives sustained demand.

Zuid provides stable investment returns with yields around 3.8-4.3% and consistent tenant demand from families and professionals. The area's established character and amenities support long-term value appreciation.

De Pijp offers moderate yields of 3.5-4.2% but benefits from strong rental demand due to its central location and vibrant cultural scene. The neighborhood's popularity ensures stable occupancy rates.

Oost presents emerging opportunities with yields reaching 4.2-5.0% as the area continues developing. Investment potential remains strong due to ongoing infrastructure improvements and demographic shifts.

It's something we develop in our Netherlands property pack.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

1. Numbeo Amsterdam Property Investment
2. Pararius Amsterdam Rental Report
3. Statistics Netherlands Housing Data
4. City of Amsterdam Housing Information
5. Expatica Amsterdam Neighborhoods Guide
6. GVB Public Transport Information
7. IamExpat Rental Market Analysis
8. Dutch Land Registry Market Data