Yanaika Zomer – city poet, writer, and born coastal woman – traded her student room back then for the one and only true homecoming: the sea. In her columns on stadaanzee.nl, she writes about her love for Den Helder, the dike, and her new home on Molenplein.

After years, Gea traded her beloved fish shop on Texel for a new chapter. Since she has been together with her partner in Den Helder, she has found her place on Fluytstraat.

In Nozems on Beatrixstraat, brotherhood, love for the city, and hospitality come together. “The city has become so beautiful. It is nice to be a part of that.”

Henk van der Veen was almost born in Den Helder. He did grow up there, however, and has no intention of ever leaving.

Riet de Haan has lived in the Oostsloot neighborhood in the city center for decades. A neighborhood she fought for and continues to advocate for as a member of working groups and advisory boards.

Kijmpe Bindinga–Dijk lived on Kanaalweg for a large part of his life. Yet, he and his beloved Simone recently sold their home to Woningstichting. They are making space for Dijkkwartier.

Chris and Mitch live with their dog Guus at Helderse Spoorstraat. A part of the city center that has undergone a significant metamorphosis in recent years. 

Outside, the street is still full of company vans. Road workers are putting the finishing touches on parking spaces. But the doorbell works. Inside, a beautiful kitchen is visible. The bright living room, however, is still completely empty. The conversation therefore takes place on a bench in one of the bedrooms. Hans and Els van Lopik have to improvise a bit.

For thirteen years, Michiel Tegelberg was chairman of the Willemsoord Museum Harbour Foundation. He stepped down in 2023. Looking back, he has witnessed many developments in the area up close. “Try to imagine Den Helder without this area. That is impossible.”

Bregit and Sander Visscher have been living in one of the new-build homes 'Over het Wad' for several years. They are happy with this new place every day. ‘It is a gift to walk up the dike in the morning and watch the sun rise.’

Ralph Artz knows Den Helder like no other. Together with his wife Sandra and their three sons, Jesse, Senne, and Jelte, he has built a wonderful life here. As a born Jutter, Ralph has always had a special bond with the City by the Sea. Not only as a resident, but also as an entrepreneur. “The fact that I had the Helderse flag placed on my bike, rather than the Dutch one, already conveys how proud I am.”

At the request of the municipality of Den Helder, Bas developed a transformation framework for the Ruijghweg, Spoorweghaven, and Westoever area. He got to know Den Helder as a visitor. “As a Rotterdammer, I am inclined to look for places where there isn't too much development. I am very charmed by the Defence Line and the forts, but I also find cycling along the dike special.”.