Nieuw-Vennep or Hoofddorp? A guide for expats near Schiphol
If you are moving to the Netherlands for a job at or near Schiphol, you will probably end up comparing Hoofddorp and Nieuw-Vennep. Both are part of the same municipality, Haarlemmermeer, and both are close to the airport. But they feel quite different. We live in Nieuw-Vennep, so we are not neutral, but we have tried to be fair.
In short
| Nieuw-Vennep | Hoofddorp | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | village-like, quiet, lots of green and water | town, the largest centre in the municipality |
| Homes | mostly family houses with a garden | a mix, including many apartments |
| To Schiphol | 10 minutes by train, or bus 397 | one stop closer by train |
| Shops | two shopping centres for daily needs | a large shopping centre, more restaurants |
| International school | none in the village itself | Optimist International School (primary) |
Space and quiet
Nieuw-Vennep is smaller and calmer. Especially in Getsewoud, most people live in family houses on three floors, with a garden and often water at the back. The streets are quiet because through traffic goes around the neighbourhoods.
Hoofddorp feels more like a town. There is more building going on, more offices and a much wider choice of shops, restaurants and services. You will also find more apartments, which suits you if you do not need a garden.
Getting to Schiphol
Both are on the railway line to Schiphol. From Nieuw-Vennep the train takes 10 minutes; from our house that is about 25 minutes door to door, including a 12-minute bike ride to the station. Hoofddorp is one stop closer to the airport. R-net bus 397 runs from Getsewoud on its own bus lane via Schiphol to Amsterdam, which is handy for shift work.
The two places are close to each other: Hoofddorp station is about 6.7 km from our house as the crow flies, an easy bike ride or a short drive along the N207.
International schools
This is where Hoofddorp has the edge. Optimist International School, an international primary school, is in Hoofddorp, about 6.7 km from Nieuw-Vennep. An international secondary stream has been announced there as well. Families in Nieuw-Vennep who choose an international school usually drive or cycle to Hoofddorp; for secondary education, International School Haarlem is another option. Many families also choose one of the Dutch primary schools in their own neighbourhood. Check the schools' websites for current places and admissions.
Everyday life
For daily shopping you do not need to leave Nieuw-Vennep. Getsewoud has its own shopping centre with supermarkets, fresh food shops and GP practices, and there are plenty of sports clubs. For a hospital, a cinema or a big shopping trip you go to Hoofddorp or Haarlem.
Which one suits you?
Nieuw-Vennep suits you if you want a house with a garden, space for children and a quiet street, and you do not mind a short trip to Hoofddorp for bigger shops or an international school.
Hoofddorp suits you if you would rather live in an apartment, want everything within walking distance or need an international primary school around the corner.
Our tip: spend a Saturday in both. Do your shopping, walk around a neighbourhood and cycle to the station. You will soon know where you feel at home. If that turns out to be Getsewoud-Zuid, take a look at our neighbourhood and at Flierveld 9.