Discover the Best Places to Live in Scotland
Over the past 60 years we’ve moved people all of the world. However, with the majority of moves taking place in Scotland, what are the Top 5 best places to live in Scotland?
Scotland is known worldwide as one of the best small countries in the world. With a population of 5.46 million, Scotland is divided into 32 council areas, with Glasgow City the largest in terms of population. As the second largest country in the United Kingdom, Scotland actually has more than 790 islands, with the majority of these islands in the Hebrides.
Benefiting from free Health Care and several modern reforms, Scotland’s Western style economy boasts one of the highest GDP per capita in Europe. With petroleum extraction and refinement underpinning it’s solid financial foundation in the 1970s.
Using our own experience, we looked at Transport Executive amongst others, in compiling this list of the best places to live in Scotland.
5. Killin, Perthshire
Although administered by Stirling council, Killin and it’s locals strongly identify as being from Perthshire. Although geographically the most northern location on our list, Killin is nestled within the outer reaches of the Trossachs National Park, the home of Ben and Loch Lomond. With Killin itself only a 90 minute drive from both Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Killin is classed as a historic conservation village and is the burial home of the famous clan Macnab. With the stunning Falls of Dochart situated at the Western side of the village, the village sees many outdoor tourists enjoying the breathtaking views from the surrounding Munros.
With the average house price in Killin sitting at £227,843 according to Right Move, there’s a lot of value to be had in Killin. However, with children having to travel 21 miles down to Callander to attend high school, we can’t recommend it for young families with small children. However, if you like hill walking and the outdoors, then Killin might just be one of the best places to live in Scotland. Why not check out our home moving page to get an idea of the costs involved in moving to Killin.
4. Finnieston, Glasgow
Finnieston was established back in 1768 by Matthew Cross, who named the town after his tutor the Reverend John Finnie. Finnieston itself, is located between Glasgow’s West End and City Centre and has seen major changes since it de-industrialisation. Where warehouses and docks once ruled the area in the 20th century, they’ve now been replaced by modern housing, office, retail and leisure facilities.
These new developments have improved the image of the area greatly, and have attracted major film studios and many new families to Finnieston. In fact, back in 2016 The Herald newspaper named Finnieston as the “Hippest Place in Britain“.
Home to several Michelin Bib Gourand label restaurants, Finnieston also plays host to the OVO Hydro next to the SECC, with the former welcoming over 1 million visitors to the venue a year.
According to Right Move, the average house price in Finnieston now stands at £240,704. That’s a 5% increase since 2019. With schools and universities in abundance, it’s no wonder Finnieston is a growing hub for students and new families choosing to make Finniestion their home. Although the cost of living is among the highest in Scotland, Finnieston holds on to the number 4 slot in our list of the best places to live in Scotland. Would you like to fancy moving to Glasgow? Then check this out.
3. Stockbridge, Edinburgh
Meaning timber bridge, “Stock Bridge” was originally built in 1801, before being incorporated into the city of Edinburgh in the the 19th Century. Raeburn Place snakes it way through Stockbridge as the main thoroughfare, adding a mixture of character, old and new to this traditional Scottish suburb.
The original houses of Stockbridge were constructed between 1861 and 1911 and called the “Colonies“. Built by the Edinburgh Co-operative Building company to provide low-cost housing for the artisan class, they still stand today, although most have modern conversions. If you manage to obtain one of these coveted colonies as your new home, you’re living in a part of the city’s history. In Stockbridge you’ve also got great access to the Royal Botanic Garden and Inverleith Park, not to mention the city centre is but a stones throw away.
According to Right Move, the average house price in Stockbridge is a heady £493,709! That’s only a 1% increase since 2019, but still double the average price compared to Finnieston and Killin. With several private schools such as George Watsons and Stewart Melvilles right on your door step, you can be rest assured your educational needs for any growing children will be well catered for. So if you’re not a big fan of the outdoors and prefer inner-city life with plenty of amenities, then put Stockbridge on your shortlist of best places to live in Scotland. Want to move to one of the best places to live in Scotland? Just fill out our home moving form.
2. Leith, Edinburgh
Leith is not only home to The Royal Yacht Britannia, and one of the best places to live in Scotland, but as a traditional port it has some of the best views Edinburgh has to offer. Steeped in history, Leith has seen it’s fair share of historical events, with archaeological digs uncovering wharf edges that date back to the 12th century, not forgetting the foundation charter of Holyrood Abbey.
Back in 2021, Timeout magazine listed Leith as one of the top five neighborhoods to live in in the world. However, in the late 1900s Leith’s reputation wasn’t as positive as it is today. After the second World War, Leith docks entered a severe decline, gaining a reputation for roughness and prostitution.
However, at the turn of the Millenium the government’s “Leith Project” saw the removal of the “Red-Light” zone and the start of a massive regeneration project. This culminated in the Ocean Terminal Shopping centre and several offices for the Scottish Government. Not forgetting the now very busy port, which had been upgraded and is now capable of handling vessels up to 50,000 tonnes. So even the biggest of cruise liners could dock into Leith.
Looking at the figures from Right Move, the average house price in Leith has increased by 9% since 2019 and now sits at a surprising £259,944. Surrounded by multiple private and public schools, education for your Children needn’t be an issue. The atmosphere is complimented with an array of small niche shops and multiple coffee bars. With some of the best views in Edinburgh coming from the new modern flats, it’s no surprise that Leith sits at number 2 on our list of best places to live in Scotland. Fancy moving to Leith? Just fill out this form and we’ll do the rest.
1. Dundee, Edinburgh
Promoted as “One City, Many Discoveries”, Dundee has a history of scientific discoveries and is home to the RBS Discovery, Robert Scott’s Antarctic exploration vessel. Developed and established in the 12th Century as a important east coast trading port, Dundee is now home to 150,000 people and is the 4th largest city in Scotland. It’s name is made up of 2 parts; Dun is the common Celtic place name meaning fort; and the second part is also derived from Celtic meaning fire. Therefore Dundee meant Fort of Fire.
The city itself underwent rapid expansion in the 19th Century due to the Industrial Revolution. In fact, during this period Dundee was the centre of the global jute industry. The 20th century saw major modernisation, with large housing estates built on the outskirts along with the completion of the Tay Road bridge in 1966, which connected Dundee directly to Fife. As a result of this rejuvination, in 2015 GQ magazine named Dundee as the “Coolest Little City in Britain“. With the Wall Street Journal ranking Dundee at no.5 on it list of “Worldwide Hot Destination” back in 2018
If we look at the figures from Right Move, house prices in Dundee have only risen 4% since 2019, and sit at our lowest average on this list of £168, 250. Home to Abertay and Dundee University and several high schools, finding good education will be easy for any young families. Infact, Dundee has a higer proportion of students than any other town in Europe, with 1 in 7 of the population being in education.
With Dundee being located less than hour from Edinburgh, and on the door-step to the Highlands and Perthshire, the city offers an unmatched balance of city life and the great outdoors. With average house prices well below the national average, it’s no surprise that Dundee tops our list of best places to live in Scotland. Want to move to Dundee? Then be sure to give us a call or fill out one of our home moving forms.
