Huizen is a charming town in the Gooi region, becoming increasingly popular with people looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and embrace a green and family-friendly environment. With its location on the Gooimeer lake, easy access to Amsterdam and Utrecht, and a wide range of amenities, Huizen is an attractive place to live for both families and commuters.

Family-friendly living in the Gooi

Huizen is known as a village with a strong sense of community, plenty of sports facilities, and beautiful nature within easy reach. At the same time, you'll find a wide range of housing options: from affordable apartments to spacious family homes and detached villas. In this article, we'll take you through the history, amenities, atmosphere, and house prices, and offer real estate agent tips to make living in Huizen as attractive as possible.

History and character of Huizen

Huizen has a rich history. Originally a fishing village on the former Zuiderzee, the harbor and traditional fishermen's cottages still evoke this period. With the construction of the Afsluitdijk in 1932 and the disappearance of the Zuiderzee, Huizen slowly transformed into a commuter town and later into a modern residential area within the Gooi region.

Huizen's character is a combination of old-world charm and modern amenities. The old village boasts picturesque streets and historic buildings, while the newer neighborhoods offer plenty of space and comfort. This makes Huizen diverse and appealing to a wide audience.

Location and accessibility

Huizen is centrally located in the Gooi region, on the Gooimeer lake, and borders places such as Naarden, Blaricum and Bussum.

• Car: Via the A1 and A27 highways, you can reach Amsterdam, Utrecht, or Amersfoort in 20–30 minutes. This makes Huizen popular with commuters who want to live outside the city but still get to work quickly.
• Public transport: Although Huizen doesn't have a train station, there are frequent bus connections to Naarden-Bussum and Hilversum stations. From there, you have direct train connections to the Randstad.
• Cycling & nature: Thanks to its location on the Gooimeer lake and near the Gooise Heide, Huizen is also ideal for cyclists and hikers. You can be in the heart of nature within minutes.

Amenities and liveability

Shops and catering

Huizen boasts several shopping centers, including Oostermeent and Het Oude Dorp, with a mix of national chains and local businesses. You don't need to leave the town for your daily groceries. There are also charming restaurants and cafés, many with water views.

Schools and childcare

Huizen is ideal for families: there are several primary schools, secondary schools, and childcare facilities. International schools in Hilversum and Amstelveen are also easily accessible.

Sports and leisure

Huizen is known for its sports facilities. From football clubs to hockey and from tennis to sailing on the Gooimeer lake: there's always something to do. There are also several fitness centers and a swimming pool.

Green and nature

With its heathlands, forests, and Gooimeer lake nearby, Huizen is a green place to live. The city park and various playgrounds also make it child-friendly.

Type of housing

Huizen offers a wide variety of homes. You'll find:

• Apartments: often more affordable, ideal for starters and seniors.
  
• Terraced and corner houses: many family homes in green neighborhoods.
  
• Detached villas: mainly towards Blaricum and the Gooise Meren.
  
• Historic houses: in the old village.
  

House prices

House prices in Huizen are generally slightly lower than in surrounding towns such as Blaricum and Laren, but higher than in many other regions.

• Apartment (approx. 70 m²): from € 325.000.
  
• Terraced house: average €450.000 – €550.000.
  
• Detached house/villa: often above € 1.000.000.
  

This relatively "affordable" entry makes Huizen attractive for first-time buyers and families who want to live in the Gooi without paying the top prices of Laren or Blaricum.

Atmosphere and target groups

Huizen has a village character with a strong sense of community. Neighborhood activities, sports clubs, and local events connect residents. The atmosphere is friendly and safe, making it very attractive for families with children.

Huizen also attracts commuters who want a quiet place to live but still work close to the city. Seniors, on the other hand, appreciate the amenities and tranquility. In short: Huizen is a diverse place to live that appeals to a wide range of demographics.

Comparison with nearby places

• Blaricum and Laren: more chic and expensive, but comparable green surroundings.
  
• Naarden and Bussum: more centrally located in terms of public transport, but often more expensive.
  
• Huizen: offers an affordable alternative with many amenities and nature.
  

This makes Huizen an attractive choice for those who want to live in the Gooi, but do not want to immediately move to the most expensive places.

Tips from your real estate agent in Huizen 

• Pay attention to the year of construction and maintenance. Maintenance is especially important for older homes in the old village.
  
• Consider bus connections – Without a train station, it's useful to check if there's a good bus connection to your workplace.
  
• Family neighborhoods are popular – Neighborhoods with lots of greenery and schools nearby often sell quickly.
  
• Proximity to Gooimeer – Homes close to the water are extra popular and retain their value.
  
• Price-quality – Huizen offers relatively much space for your money compared to other Gooi villages.
  

Why you want to live in Huizen

Huizen combines the advantages of village living with the amenities of a medium-sized town. With its location on the Gooimeer lake, easy access to the Randstad, extensive amenities, and wide range of housing options, Huizen is an excellent choice for families, commuters, and seniors.

Those who live in Huizen enjoy peace, space, and nature, as well as the village's friendly atmosphere and amenities. This makes Huizen an attractive alternative to the more expensive surrounding towns in the Gooi region.

Curious about the current housing listings in Huizen? Contact Yourhome Makelaars for a personal consultation and professional advice.