The Hague - Post Report Question and Answers
What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
I feel like this post used to be a gem for housing. There are plenty of people who have been here for around five years who talk about the decline in housing and increasing dissatisfaction. Recently there's been a shortage of available housing and most new arrivals have spent a significant time in hotels before being ready to move. I've heard that many of the landlords don't want to rent to us, so the best properties are easily scooped up by other embassies and employees of the high paying expat companies. There seems to be a trend that the best houses and apartments have been in the housing pool for a long time and the newer ones aren't as nice. Nonetheless, singles and childless couples (or those with young kids) tend to live in the city, near the beach, or in the nearby suburbs. But I know quite a few people who were disappointed to find out they ended up out in the suburbs near the school and away from the activity in town. Supposedly, they're having trouble getting apartments in town so the chances of being put out in the suburbs are higher going forward. The existing city apartments are mostly 2/3 bedrooms. Families mostly are near Wassenaar, the suburb near the American school. There are a few clusters with generally nice houses that people rave about because you arrive to a ready and welcoming community. Houses range from large and spacious with huge yards, to townhouses with limited green space and minimal storage. There are a few unfortunate houses in the pool that seem to be far from both the school and the city, making it hard for kids to make friends while also not coming with the benefits of a livelier neighborhood. As with many places, much of housing here is luck. - May 2022
Most families have a townhome, many with a small backyard. We have lots of space, a lovely backyard with space for a garden, fire pit and grill. Although, there are plenty of people in The Hague and surrounding areas, most families are located in Wassenaar where the American School is. The commute to the embassy by car is 15-20 minutes and 30 minutes by bicycle (there are direct bike paths). Public transportation is also an option with a stop just down the street from the embassy. - Feb 2021
Housing is very nice. Most diplomats are issued townhouses near the expat town of Wassenaar since that is where the American School is located. We have ample room, a small yet functional backyard, and a wood-burning fireplace. Most Dutch houses are multi-storied and have treacherous stairs so those with mobility issues take note. - Jan 2019
Most houses are attached homes or duplexes, all have 2 or more floors, steep stairs, small yards. Families tend to live north of The Hague in Wassenaar near the schools. Easy commute. - Feb 2015
Dutch housing is typically attached (townhouse style) or apartment flats. Detached, single-family housing is rare in The Hague. - Jun 2014
Most Dutch houses are tall narrow townhomes. The houses have VERY steep stairs. If you have small children, bring baby gates. - Apr 2014
The housing is wonderful. I work with the USG/Embassy and this is really great housing. One has to get use to smaller storage and kitchen areas, but we are living in Europe! I am very impressed with the level of service we receive and the quality of housing. - Jul 2011
Familes tend to live 5-7 miles to the north of the city in Wassenaar where you find large duplexes in south Wassenaar and smaller townhomes in central Wassenaar. Wassenaar is closest to the American School. Couple and singles live in the city of at the beach in Schevinegen. Your looking at apartments and small narrow townhouses or rowhouses. Commute times are:Wassenaar to the US Embassy 15 min by bus or 10 min by car;Schevinegen is 10-12 min by tram. - Nov 2010
Singles and couples without kids live in the city center, families with kids live in Wassenaar - 30 minutes away. Housing is great. Everyone seems happy who have arrived during the last year or so. The housing board has really made some good decisions on housing. - Jul 2010
