Best Places to Live in Scotland
Where you live is just as important as what you live in. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, looking to down-size or your current property is bursting at the seams. As Kirsty and Phil always say – “Location, Location, Location”. Why not throw in a wild card option and check out a completely different area to where you have always considered? A move to a new area could be exactly what you’re looking for to truly start afresh.
Selling Scotland
According to Statista, there are currently around 5.5 million people living in Scotland. It’s no wonder that Scotland is so popular, boasting free healthcare, free higher education at renowned universities and high-quality working conditions. Plus, the living costs in most Scottish cities are said to be around 10% cheaper than in other popular UK cities. In our biased opinion (and if you don’t consider rain an issue) Scotland is basically the perfect place to live!
Things to consider
So much has happened in the world since 2020. Most people have different priorities, lifestyles and work lives. It was reported that since 2009, the number of people who work from home has risen by 159%. After we all proved we could still be productive while working from home during the pandemic, people do not have to be near their offices anymore because they don’t have to be there 5 days a week. This opens up your options.
So, let’s see what Scotland has to offer in 2023.
Ken the Capital?
You probably know that Edinburgh hosts the largest arts festival in the world every August, the Edinburgh Fringe. And you probably also know there’s a castle, in fact, a record 2.2million people visited the castle in 2019. But what is it like to actually live in the tourist hot spot? When you look beyond the bustling streets of visitors, you’ll find Edinburgh is actually a relatively quiet city. With a population of just 536,775, Edinburgh is the 7th most populated city in the UK.
Areas outside the city centre like Portobello, Leith and Newington are thriving and are home to an eclectic mix of property types and styles, something for everyone! Portobello is ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed, laid-back beach life with epic views. Leith was named one of The Sunday Times Best Places to live in the UK in 2020 thanks to its hub of restaurants, bars, and cafes. And for younger, first time buyers and students Newington is the place to be, a stone’s throw from the university, excellent connections to the city centre and close to popular public park The Meadows.
Essential slang: Braw
Meaning: Brilliant (without enthusiasm), good
West is best?
Glasgow often suffers from a bit of a bad reputation for being rough, rowdy and rainy. It’s an outdated perception and only one of these things is still true in 2022. Glasgow was actually voted The World’s Friendliest City by Rough Guides in 2021. Glasgow is warm (in the friendly/kind sense of the word) and welcoming. The West of the city boasts incomparable nightlife with the likes of Ashton Lane and the popular “Finnieston Strip” and if it’s live music you’re into, the Ovo Hydro and Kelvingrove Bandstand guarantee a mass sing-along.
Housing in the West End ranges from park side townhouses for families to studio apartments perfect for students. Head East for up-and-coming Dennistoun, another area to feature in The Sunday Times Best Places to live guide. The trendy neighborhood has one of the most desirable postcodes in the country and is the cheapest place on the Scottish list, based on average house prices. The North and South of the city are where you’ll find the suburbs with more affordable larger homes for families, with gardens, tight communities and transport links into the city.
Essential slang: Scunnered
Meaning: Tired or exhausted
Fife life
Fife is considered one of The Happiest Places to Live in Scotland. With excellent links into the bustling cities but the scenery of never-ending coastlines, it’s truly the best of both worlds. Perth and Dundee are right next door and thanks to the Forth Road and Rail Bridges Edinburgh is touching distance too. Fife is famously the home of golf and royally approved St Andrew’s University. There are three major towns – Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline and Glenrothes, along with a multitude of stunning coastal villages. You’re never far from those sea-side holiday vibes.
Essential slang: Barry
Meaning: Used when describing something that is exceptionally good or when someone has come about some good fortune
Sold on life in Scotland yet?
Does one of these strong contenders catch your eye? Check out our current Properties for Sale and get in touch with our expert legal team. Watermans believe in giving straightforward legal advice, we’ll help you every step of the way to getting your dream property.