Moving to Het Gooi A Haven for Expat Families
Why are more expat families moving to Het Gooi?
Because this peaceful, green region offers the kind of space, safety and quality of life that is hard to find anywhere else in the Netherlands.
Just outside Amsterdam and Utrecht, Het Gooi is home to some of the most beautiful towns in the country. Hilversum, Bussum, Laren, Naarden, Blaricum and Eemnes are where tree lined streets, spacious family homes and top international schools come together to create the perfect environment for expat families ready to settle down.
Whether you are relocating for work, launching a business under the DAFT visa or simply looking to raise your children somewhere calm and connected, Het Gooi gives you everything you need and more.
At Homes for Expats, we will guide you through every step of finding your new home in this exceptional region. From understanding the market to choosing the right schools and neighbourhoods, we are here to make sure this move is the right one for you.
We want to find you a home you will love and we will never let you settle for just a place to live.
At Homes for Expats, every story, every client, every move matters to us.
Why expat families are choosing Het Gooi
Het Gooi is not a city. It is a collection of connected towns and villages that feel more like country retreats than suburbs. Here is why more expats are making the move:
Family homes with space to breathe
In Het Gooi you will find beautiful family homes with gardens, large kitchens, room to grow and peace outside your windows. For expats who are used to tight city apartments, this shift in lifestyle is one of the biggest reasons they choose to stay.
International schools and bilingual education
With top options like the International School Hilversum and several bilingual Dutch schools in the region, education is one of the biggest drawcards. Families can choose between English language curriculums and high quality Dutch education with international support.
Perfectly located
Trains from Hilversum, Naarden or Bussum get you to Amsterdam or Utrecht in under 30 minutes. The A1 and A27 motorways are close, making school runs or work commutes easy and predictable.
A strong sense of community
Expats who move here tend to stay. That means local networks are strong, international families are supported and children grow up with friends from around the world. You will find parent groups, local sports clubs and neighbours who take the time to say hello.
Green surroundings and safe streets
Het Gooi is known for its forest trails, bike paths and quiet roads. Whether you are walking the dog, taking your kids to school or heading out for a Saturday cycle, everything here feels a little slower, a little safer and a lot more balanced.
Where to live in Het Gooi
Each town in Het Gooi has its own atmosphere. Here are the most popular places for expat families:
Hilversum
Often called the heart of Het Gooi, Hilversum is lively and well connected with lots of family homes, international schools and shops. It is a great option if you want the feel of a small city with all the green benefits of the region.
Bussum
A calm and charming town filled with 1930s style homes, parks and playgrounds. Bussum is ideal for young families who want peace and community without being far from the city or international schools.
Laren
Elegant, artistic and exclusive. Laren is filled with thatched roof villas, stylish boutiques and beautiful green streets. It is perfect for families who want luxury, privacy and village charm in one.
Naarden
Famous for its star shaped fortress and historic beauty, Naarden is a stunning mix of old world charm and modern convenience. With train access and international schools nearby, it is a strong choice for families who want space and character.
Blaricum
Known for luxury living and countryside style, Blaricum is where you will find large villas, quiet streets and incredible outdoor space. If you are looking for privacy, beauty and premium property, this is it.
Eemnes
Bordering Laren and just a short drive from Hilversum, Eemnes offers a quiet, spacious village lifestyle that appeals to families seeking calm without isolation. With modern family homes, lots of green space and quick access to the A27 and A1, Eemnes combines rural charm with everyday convenience. It is a great option for those who want a bit more space and a relaxed pace of life.
Renting or buying in Het Gooi
Whether you are looking for a long term rental or ready to buy your forever home, Het Gooi offers a range of options for expat families. But the market moves quickly, and the best homes are often snapped up before they even go public.
Renting
– Most expats rent first to get to know the area and school options
– Monthly rent for a family home starts around €2,200 and goes up depending on location and size
– Furnished homes are rare, so expect semi furnished or unfurnished listings
– Demand is high, so having your documents ready and working with a trusted housing expert helps
Buying
– Homes in Het Gooi tend to be larger and more private, with gardens and extra rooms
– Prices start around €750,000 for family homes and go up to €2 million or more in places like Laren or Blaricum
– Many expats choose to buy here after renting for a year or two and seeing how easily they settle
If you are an expat considering buying, especially under the DAFT visa, we will connect you with trusted mortgage advisors who understand your situation and help you navigate the process step by step.
Why choose Homes for Expats
Finding a home in a new country is never just about the house. It is about understanding the schools, the neighbourhood, the commute and the feeling of belonging.
We know this because we have lived it ourselves. And that is why we are different.
At Homes for Expats, we specialise in helping international families find not just a home, but a lifestyle that suits who they are and what they value. We know what to look for, what to avoid and how to make the Dutch housing system feel a little less overwhelming.
We will walk you through each viewing, help you understand the paperwork and make sure every decision you make is fully informed and fully supported.
At Homes for Expats, every story, every client, every move matters to us.
Conclusion
If you are ready to raise your family in a place that feels calm, connected and full of possibility, Het Gooi is one of the best decisions you can make.
From Hilversum to Laren, Bussum to Naarden, there is a home waiting here that will give you more than just space. It will give you balance, freedom, and a real chance to settle in.
We are here to find you a home you will love. And we will never let you settle for just a place to live.
At Homes for Expats, every story, every client, every move matters to us.
