[3] The village is located in an agricultural enclave on the west side of the Veluwe.

It has been a tourist destination for a long time, owing to its bed & breakfasts with high-quality food, but it has always remained a conservative and religious village.

Facilities in the village include a primary school, a medical practice, a cemetery, De Hoop windmill, various hotels, restaurants, cafes and snack bars, camping grounds, and basic shops.

Residents of the surrounding neighborhoods of Houtdorp, Meerveld, Nieuw-Milligen and Koudhoorn have cultural and economic links to Garderen.

They were part of a large group of Serbian soldiers who were temporarily housed in the 'Lombok' barracks at the nearby Camp Milligen.