An up and coming area with affordable homes of all sizes.
Spaarndammerbuurt has an above average violent crime rate and an above average property crime rate for Amsterdam.
Train tracks can work as a psychological border, especially if they can only be crossed by tunnel, as in the case of the tracks cutting off Spaarndammerbuurt from the desirable Westerpark and Jordaan neighborhoods.
But there is so much on offer here. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the cobbled streets of the picturesque Prinseneiland, or admire the stunning new architecture of Westerdok and Silodam, or find some of the best examples of early 20th Century Amsterdam School architecture style in the cluster of streets west of Spaarndammerstraat.
Locals already knew how convenient this location is and how diverse the architecture is, but the rest of Amsterdam took a bit longer to appreciate this part of town. When recent new developments in the old timber docks, Houthavens, resulted in people actually squatting in sleeping bags in front of the developer’s office to be first in line to buy a property, it was clear this part of town is no longer up-and-coming but very much arrived.
The much-appreciated diversity is also evident in the housing stock here. Small 1920s apartments in often stunning buildings are still pretty affordable, and often your neighbors will be people living in rent controlled units for a fraction of what your mortgage bills are.
There are also some larger homes along the main high street as well as rather pleasant 1980s developments along the Westerkanaal. But in general this is not a posh area. At the time this profile was written, the Houthavens development was being built. It is not hard to predict that these will remain in popular demand, and will likely create a surge in prices in the Spaarndammerbuurt too.
This area is popular with a diverse crowd of first time buyers — couples and singles, yuppies, artists, students: this part of town is home to them all. The ground floor apartments in Spaarndammerbuurt are popular with families, and as in many Amsterdam neighborhoods, you'll often find two adjoining apartments have been combined to create larger family homes with a garden of terrace. But there is still a large stock of smaller apartments available for those with fewer demands when it comes to space.
Spaarndammerbuurt is bordered on the north by the IJ River, on the east by Westelijke Eilanden, on the south by Westerpark, and on the west by Westpoort.
Spaarndammerbuurt LOCAL schools 
Spaarndammerbuurt Local Flavor 
This wonderful museum is dedicated to the quintessential Amsterdam School architecture style of the early 20th Century. The style was mostly used in social housing developments. In its time, the homes were dubbed "laborers palaces" as they stood in marvelous comparison with the social housing in the older parts of town. Even today it is not hard to imagine the joy people felt to be able to move here. The building the museum is in is nicknamed ‘the ship’ and is itself a remarkable example of the Amsterdam School style. The museum hosts an array of interesting exhibitions and programming for kids.
Have you always wanted to eat on a former broadcasting platform used by radio and TV pirates? Likely not something you considered before, right? But it’s possible in Amsterdam. Sitting in the waters of the old Timber Docks is REM Eiland, a restaurant in what was once a beacon of rebellion in Dutch entertainment. It's not the best place for kids, even though they are welcome, but it's an impressive place for date night or an adventurous dining experience with friends.
Just a lovely neighborhood pub with draft and craft beer nights, pub quizzes, live football and good pub grub. Every last Saturday of the month, a guest chef from an established restaurant cooks a 3-course dinner for a reasonable price.
The small and inviting Polanentheater is an institution in the Dutch theater world. Both established theater companies as well as amateur groups perform and rehearse here. The seeds for some of the most surprising shows were planted in this spot. It’s also a venue for parties and social gatherings.
Photo Credits: Thanks to @giltribe, @ed.lodewijks, @vincentverhaar, @sophie_duindam, @marthijnvdb, @amsterdamfoodie, @ffreddykk, @violetalaflor, @hestordinaire, @esthergradisen, @sirer.sightseeing, @desmaakvanitalie, @janiquemodder, @girlslove2run, @westergasterras, @elinekrk for your great photos of this neighborhood!
