Schilderswijk

The character of the Schilderswijk

The Schilderswijk is perhaps the most talked-about district of The Hague — and at the same time one of the most lively. With more than thirty thousand residents on a compact area, it is one of the most densely populated districts in the Netherlands: young, emphatically multicultural and with many families. The streets, named after painters such as Vermeer and Rembrandt, lie within walking distance of the centre and the Haagse Markt.

It is a true working-class neighbourhood with a strong sense of community, where people from all over the world live side by side. The reputation often runs ahead of reality; anyone who sets the figures beside it sees a more nuanced picture than the clichés suggest.

Location and surroundings

The Schilderswijk lies centrally, between the Stationsbuurt, the Transvaalkwartier and the inner city. The Haagse Markt — one of the largest open-air markets in Europe — is around the corner, and the centre and both major stations are within walking distance. It is compact and easy to walk and cycle.

Greenery is found mainly on the squares and in the play facilities; large gardens are rare in this dense, urban district.

A brief history

The Schilderswijk was built up at high speed in the late nineteenth century with small workers’ homes, to house the fast-growing urban population. In the twentieth century the district became an arrival neighbourhood for newcomers. From the 1980s onwards there was large-scale demolition and renewal, replacing many old slum dwellings with better social housing and new-build.

Living and architecture

The housing consists mostly of walk-up and upper-floor flats, with a high share of social housing — a large part owned by housing associations. Thanks to urban renewal, there is plenty of new-build among the older stock. It is a genuine rental district; owner-occupied homes are relatively few, which makes the Schilderswijk one of the most affordable districts of The Hague.

Striking is its family character: the average household size is larger than in the surrounding centre districts and the share of households with children is high.

The property market in the Schilderswijk

With the lowest average home value of the districts in this guide, the Schilderswijk is emphatically affordable. Supply for buyers is limited, but the central location and ongoing renewal make the district interesting for anyone seeking an entry point.

The market figures in this guide are indicative. A specific home’s value depends on location, floor area, condition and the type of building. Curious what your home in the Schilderswijk is worth? Request a no-obligation valuation.

Who is the Schilderswijk right for?

The Schilderswijk suits anyone who wants to live centrally and affordably and feels at home in a lively, diverse urban district: families on an entry-level budget, first-time buyers and movers. Anyone seeking peace, space and a large garden will look sooner to a greener residential area — but for those who value a central location, a strong community and a sharp price, the Schilderswijk has plenty to offer.