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Living in Het Gooi vs Amsterdam: Where Should Expats Buy?

Living in Het Gooi vs Amsterdam: where should expats buy?

Living in Het Gooi vs Amsterdam as an expat depends on your lifestyle priorities, budget, and long-term plans.

Amsterdam offers vibrant city living and strong international connectivity, while Het Gooi provides more space, greenery, and a quieter residential atmosphere.

Both areas offer strong property value, but the right choice depends on your personal and financial goals.

Many internationals relocating to the Netherlands automatically focus on Amsterdam. However, more expats are now considering alternatives like Het Gooi, including towns such as Hilversum, Bussum, and Naarden.

If you are planning to buy property, the question becomes more strategic: where will you get the best lifestyle, long-term value, and return on investment?

In this guide, we compare living in Het Gooi vs Amsterdam for expats, covering housing prices, commute times, lifestyle differences, and long-term buying considerations.

What is it like living in Amsterdam as an expat?

Amsterdam remains one of Europe’s most international cities. English is widely spoken, multinational companies are concentrated here, and cultural life is vibrant. For many expats, Amsterdam offers convenience and career proximity.

Key benefits of buying in Amsterdam:

  • Strong international job market
  • Excellent public transport infrastructure
  • High rental demand (investment potential)
  • Vibrant cultural and social life
  • International schools and amenities nearby.

 

However, properties are generally smaller and more expensive per square metre compared to surrounding regions.

What is it like living in Het Gooi as an expat?

Het Gooi is known for its green landscapes, spacious family homes, and village-style atmosphere. Towns like Hilversum, Naarden, Bussum, and Laren offer larger properties, quieter streets, and proximity to nature while remaining well connected to Amsterdam and Utrecht.

Why expats choose Het Gooi:

  • Larger homes and gardens
  • More privacy and quieter environment
  • Strong community atmosphere
  • Easy train connections to Amsterdam (approx. 20–30 minutes)
  • Attractive for families seeking long-term stability

 

Het Gooi often appeals to expats planning to stay in the Netherlands for several years.

Housing prices: Amsterdam vs Het Gooi

Property prices in Amsterdam remain among the highest in the Netherlands. Prime neighbourhoods such as Oud-Zuid, De Pijp, and Amsterdam West command premium prices.

Het Gooi, prices per square metre are typically lower than in central Amsterdam, but overall property values can still be significant due to larger home sizes and desirable neighbourhood status.

For up-to-date transaction price data, you can consult the Dutch Land Registry (Kadaster).

Commute and accessibility comparison

One major factor when comparing living in Het Gooi vs Amsterdam for expats is commute time. From Hilversum, train travel to Amsterdam Central takes approximately 20–25 minutes. Naarden-Bussum also offers strong rail connections.

If your workplace is in central Amsterdam, commuting from Het Gooi is realistic and manageable. However, daily city-based social life may require additional planning compared to living directly in Amsterdam.

Lifestyle differences expats should consider

Amsterdam lifestyle:

  • Fast-paced and internationally dynamic
  • Smaller apartments
  • Urban convenience
  • Strong rental flexibility

 

Het Gooi lifestyle:

  • Slower pace and residential calm
  • Larger properties
  • Ideal for families
  • More long-term ownership focus

 

Your choice depends on whether you prioritise urban energy or space and stability.

Investment potential: where is buying stronger?

Amsterdam historically shows strong long-term appreciation due to international demand and limited supply. Rental demand is particularly high.

Het Gooi offers stable long-term value and strong resale appeal, especially for family homes. The region attracts both Dutch and international buyers seeking quality of life.

If you are buying primarily as a long-term residence rather than short-term investment, lifestyle suitability should weigh as heavily as appreciation potential.

Living in Het Gooi vs Amsterdam expats: which is right for you?

Living in Het Gooi vs Amsterdam as an expat ultimately depends on three factors:

  1. How long you plan to stay in the Netherlands
  2. Your housing budget and desired property size
  3. Your lifestyle preferences (urban vs residential)

 

If you prioritise international energy and proximity to offices, Amsterdam may suit you better. If you value space, greenery, and long-term family living, Het Gooi could be the stronger choice.

Need guidance choosing between Amsterdam and Het Gooi?

Choosing where to buy property is not just about price per square metre. It is about long-term suitability.

At Homes for Expats, we help internationals compare neighbourhoods, evaluate property value, and navigate the Dutch buying process confidently.

CONTACT US

FAQ – Living in Het Gooi vs Amsterdam for expats

Is Het Gooi cheaper than Amsterdam?

On average, price per square metre is lower than in central Amsterdam, but total property prices can still be high due to larger homes.

Yes, Het Gooi is popular among expat families due to larger properties, green surroundings, and strong school options.

Yes, train connections from Hilversum and Naarden-Bussum to Amsterdam take approximately 20–30 minutes, making daily commuting realistic.

Amsterdam historically shows strong long-term appreciation, but investment suitability depends on property type, timing, and personal strategy.

Ready to chat? Let us get in touch with you!

Leave your details and one of our agents will be in contact with you shortly.

Leslie Gamble

Rental Makelaar Utrecht and surrounds

Leslie relocated to the Netherlands from the United States in June 2025 with her husband, their two children, and their two dogs. She knows exactly what it feels like to move your whole life across borders and start again in a new country.

Before moving to the Netherlands, Leslie spent ten years working as a Realtor and Property Manager in Nevada. That background means she understands the buying process deeply, while also knowing how different and sometimes overwhelming it can feel when you are purchasing as an expat in the Dutch housing market.

Living in Utrecht herself, Leslie stays closely connected to the local market and works with fellow professionals to ensure her clients always receive current, accurate information. She understands the importance of clarity, honesty, and guidance you can rely on when making such a big decision.

Leslie is passionate about helping expats feel supported and confident from the very first conversation through to the moment they receive the keys. For her, it is about more than buying a house. It is about helping people find a place where they can truly feel at home.

At Homes for Expats, every story, every client, every move matters to us.

Today, I’m proud to say that Homes for Expats has grown into a dedicated group of professionals. We are eight property specialists, all expats, and all women, covering most of the Netherlands. Each of us brings unique insight, experience, and a shared passion for helping others find their place here. As a group, we understand the emotional and practical challenges of moving to a new country because we’ve lived it ourselves. Together, we’re here to make the process smoother, more personal, and filled with care.

For me, this isn’t just business; it’s personal. I care deeply about the people I work with, and my commitment to honesty, integrity, and excellence drives everything I do. Helping you find a home where you feel comfortable and happy isn’t just my job, it’s my passion.

Nothing makes me happier than seeing the joy on a client’s face when we find the perfect match. That moment, when everything falls into place and a house starts to feel like home, is why I do what I do. Your trust means the world to me, and it inspires me and my colleagues to work tirelessly to make your experience seamless and rewarding.

Let us be your guides on this exciting journey. With Homes for Expats, we’re here to help you build a home and a life you’ll love in the Netherlands. Let’s make it a memorable, meaningful, and stress-free adventure, together.

Jessica Venn

Purchasing makelaar Amsterdam, haarlem, north holland

A lawyer and lecturer from Johannesburg who relocated to the Netherlands in 2018 after first living for a short time in Dubai. Jessica studied B Com Law and LLB and after completing her articles in law, she started lecturing law to university students. In 2011 she opened up her own law firm specializing in Consumer Law and Contracts. After relocating and running her business remotely, Jessica closed her firm in 2020 and became a full-time mom to her two little boys.

 

Going from running my own law firm to being a full-time mom has been an interesting journey. Moving to a new country (twice) definitely kicked my networking skills into a higher gear! As an expat you have to learn how to make new friends, find your way around a new city, and integrate into a different culture and community. From the moment I landed in Dubai I felt the need to want to help others integrate more easily and make them feel supported even though their own family and friends were far away. Helping expats find a home is an integral part of the relocation process. Offering the best support while taking that step is exactly what I want to provide to my clients. Now here in the Netherlands at Homes for Expats I get to do exactly that! Relocating is not for the faint-hearted but it is worth it! Let me help you find your home!