Where to Live in The Hague: Neighborhoods in the International City

Childcare options abroad include daycare centers, nannies, and preschools, each with different standards and costs.

Why The Hague?

Political and administrative center of the Netherlands. World capital of peace and justice. Genuinely international atmosphere (58% population has migrant background). Three largest cities' best standard of living. Beautiful coastline and beaches. More affordable than Amsterdam. Strong expat community. Progressive, cosmopolitan character.

City Overview

Population: 560,000. One-third green space (dunes, forests, parks). Coastal city with 11km beach. Modern skyscrapers alongside 17th-century buildings. Thriving economy (tech, finance, energy, cybersecurity). Home to royal family and Dutch government.

Housing Market Reality

More affordable than Amsterdam and Utrecht. Competitive but not impossibly expensive. Diverse housing: from compact studios to spacious family homes. Traditional Dutch townhouses to modern apartments. Generally functional design rather than decorative.

Main Neighborhoods

Centrum: City center with government buildings, museums (Mauritshuis, Escher), famous landmarks (Het Binnenhof parliament, Paleis Noordeinde palace). Vibrant, expensive, parking challenging. Great for those wanting cultural immersion.

Bezuidenhout: Near Haagse Bos forest. Serene, excellent for families with parks and schools. Home to government ministries and multinational companies. Highly sought after. Expensive properties.

Benoordenhout: Stately, leafy, near multiple parks. Beautiful architecture. International organizations and schools. Peaceful, luxurious. Premium prices. Ideal for expat families seeking safety and schools.

Archipelbuurt: Elegant, Neo-Renaissance architecture. Between city center and Scheveningen Beach. Trendy shops and restaurants. 10-15 minutes by bike to station, 15-20 to beach. Well-served by transport. Desirable, expensive.

Zeeheldenkwartier: Creative, bohemian, Art Nouveau buildings. Lively atmosphere, artists and creatives. Trendy cafés. Community events and gardens. Good affordable options alongside luxurious homes. Popular with young starters and wealthy expats.

Regentessekwartier: Quiet residential, tree-lined avenues, playgrounds. Local shops and community initiatives. Close to Westduinpark and Scheveningen Beach. Affordable compared to Zeeheldenkwartier and Archipelbuurt. New residential developments (Energiekwartier).

Statenkwartier: Sophisticated, international. Historic 19th-century townhouses. Art and culture. Close to International Criminal Court and embassies. Museums nearby. Between parks and beach. Refined, expensive, strong international presence.

Schilderswijk: Multicultural, painters' district. Largest outdoor market in Netherlands (Haagse Markt). Diverse shops, cafés, restaurants. Urban, lively. Child-friendly with schools and parks. Affordable. Popular with students and young professionals.

Laakkwartier: Diverse, students and young professionals. Home to university and higher ed. Affordable housing. Industrial atmosphere but improving (Laakhaven development). Good transport access. Budget-friendly. Modern apartments coming.

Scheveningen: Coastal neighborhood. Beautiful beaches (Blue Flag award). Historic village character. Fishing port and marina. Beach clubs and entertainment. Close to dunes and parks. Ideal for beach lovers. More isolated but well-connected.

Safety Note

The Hague is safer than Amsterdam. Crime index 20.63 (Amsterdam 28.82). Most crime is bicycle theft and pickpocketing. Some neighborhoods (Schilderswijk, Laakkwartier) have reputation but locals live there without incident. Standard city precautions suffice.

Finding Housing

Use: Funda, HousingAnywhere, Huurwoningen, Kamernet. Expect €1,000-2,000+ monthly for apartments, €1,500-3,000+ for family homes. Location dramatically affects pricing. City center and Statenkwartier most expensive. Schilderswijk and Laakkwartier most affordable.

Neighborhood Selection Tips

Research thoroughly. Connect with other expats (Facebook groups: Expats in The Hague, Parenting and The Hague, Den Haag Mamas). Visit neighborhoods in person if possible. Consider suburban options (Ypenburg, Leidschendam-Voorburg, Pijnacker-Nootdorp) for better value. Use the multi-currency service for affordable international transfers of deposits and ongoing rent payments.

The Reality

The Hague is genuinely excellent for international life. It offers government and diplomatic infrastructure, genuine international community, beautiful seaside access, and affordability compared to alternatives. It's less touristy and more serious than Amsterdam. If you value international exposure, peace and justice work, or simply good quality of life without tourist chaos, The Hague is genuinely underrated.