A guide to living in Edinburgh
Living in Edinburgh - Here’s what you need to know
Edinburgh is Scotland’s exciting capital city, striking a balance between rich history and modern vibrancy. Whether you’ve started a family and want to see what Edinburgh has to offer, or are a young professional looking to make a move, there’s something for everyone here.
Those looking for a great place for further education will find all they need here too, in Edinburgh’s four esteemed universities. There’s the world-renowned University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Napier University and Queen Margaret University. These provide access to some of the country’s best further education facilities.
Living in Edinburgh - Is Edinburgh a good place to live?
There’s no better validation for Edinburgh being a great place to live than the many polls and surveys that confirm it. People frequently rank it as one of the best places to live in the UK; most recently Totaljobs had Edinburgh ranked number #1 for quality of life. This was based on the cost of living, house price to income ratio, the cost of rent, safety, healthcare quality, air quality, water quality and green space. These factors were then weighed, scored and ranked against other cities where they came out on top.
Edinburgh is a land of opportunity with a variety of career opportunities across almost all sectors. So, you’ll likely be able to secure a job or multiple interviews before you move to Edinburgh.
The strong community in Edinburgh no doubt plays a role in its safe, exciting, and friendly way of life. It is packed with art and culture, providing countless activities for people of all ages. And it isn’t short of famous landmarks either, with Edinburgh Castle which is over 900 years old and Arthur’s Seat in the city centre, amongst many others.
Want to explore brand new properties in Edinburgh? Check out our New Build Homes in Edinburgh to find a development you’ll love.
Best areas to live in Edinburgh and nearby
Looking for nice areas to move to in Edinburgh? Our property experts have put together a list of popular suburbs for you to explore below. We’ve highlighted these for their good reputation, access to schools, ease of commute to the city centre and local amenities.
Midlothian
Situated to the south of Edinburgh, Midlothian is a prosperous and fast growing area, ideal for settling down and raising a family. It’s a great balance of being close to the city, without city centre prices and the hustle and bustle of city centre living.
Home to 6 secondary schools, 31 primary schools and 2 nurseries, there’s a diverse choice for parents and somewhere all children will enjoy. Outdoor enthusiasts will love Dalkeith country park which has various activities and walks to enjoy, including a Go Ape.
If you want to explore new builds in the area, check out our new build developments near Midlothian.
East Lothian
Close to the city of Edinburgh, East Lothian is perfect for those who want city benefits within easy reach. With fantastic beaches, top-notch schools, and excellent amenities in friendly communities, it’s an ideal place to call home.
The area offers easy access to the coast, stunning green landscapes, and premier golf courses, making these towns highly sought-after. With excellent commuting links, including direct trains to Edinburgh, East Lothian is the ideal location for those seeking the best of urban and coastal living.
If you want to explore new builds in the area, check out our East Lothian new build developments.
Barnton
Barnton is one of Edinburgh's most prestigious areas, perfect for families seeking a desirable place to raise children. Located on the outskirts of the city, Barnton offers beautiful countryside, including Lauriston Castle grounds and nearby Cramond coastline.
The area features excellent shopping facilities, with local shops in Davidsons Mains and nearby Gyle and Craigleith Retail Parks. Highly regarded schooling options from nursery to secondary, including The Royal High School, make it an ideal location for families.
With convenient road links to Edinburgh City Centre and accessible transport to the Forth Road bridge and rail crossing, Barnton is perfect for commuters, making it a highly desirable place to live.
Leith
Leith is one of Edinburgh's most dynamic areas, perfect for families and young professionals alike. With its lively social scene, it boasts some of the city's finest restaurants and attractions.
Families can also enjoy a variety of green spaces, including Leith Links, Pilrig Park, and Montgomery Street Park, providing plenty of outdoor activities for children.
With excellent public transport connections, including extensive bus routes and proximity to Waverley train station, Leith ensures seamless access to all corners of Edinburgh. Despite its urban vibe, Leith retains a friendly, village feel, making it a welcoming community for people from all walks of life.
Musselburgh
Sitting along the Firth of Forth coast, Musselburgh offers a desirable lifestyle with its rich history, characterful architecture, and easy access to Edinburgh.
Musselburgh boasts a vibrant town centre with diverse shops, cafes, and supermarkets. The town's fishing heritage enriches its dining scene, featuring a variety of restaurants and pubs.
Sports enthusiasts will appreciate Musselburgh Links and Musselburgh Racecourse, while families can take advantage of excellent schooling options. The area boasts prestigious primary and secondary schools, ensuring quality education for children of all ages.
If you want to explore new builds in the area, check out our Musselburgh new build homes.
Things to do in Edinburgh
You’ll be able to experience a bit of everything in Edinburgh. Including the historic Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, among many other attractions.
But once you’ve seen all the sights you might want to try the annual Edinburgh Festival Fringe which gathers artists and performers from around the world. The Royal Mile is home to a range of shops, cafes, restaurants and landmarks for you to enjoy whenever you wish.
There are also a plethora of pubs and bars across Edinburgh such as Teuchters Landing, Black Bull and The Guildford Arms to name just a few.
For lovers of the outdoors, Edinburgh’s coastal location means easy access to beaches such as the bustling Portobello Beach and scenic views across the Firth of Forth at Cramond Beach. If you are looking for green spaces, Princes Street Gardens and Arthur’s Seat mean that you’re close to nature even in the city centre, with a variety of parks and walks to choose from across Edinburgh.
Commuting and public transport in Edinburgh
You’ll never worry about access to public transport as there is an expansive network of buses to transport you around Edinburgh and to its suburbs.
There is also a reliable tram system that connects you from the city centre to the airport across 15 stops including Haymarket and Leith.
You’ll have access to an efficient park & ride system in Ingliston Park, taking just 15 minutes to get to the city centre.
Edinburgh also has two mainline train stations, Edinburgh Waverley and Haymarket Station, helping it stay well-connected to the rest of Scotland and the UK.
Cost of living in Edinburgh
Item |
Price (on average) in Edinburgh |
Pint of Beer (Restaurant) |
£5 |
Meal for one |
£15 |
Monthly transport pass |
£62 |
Gym Membership (Monthly) |
£36.04 |
Monthly Utilities for 85㎡ apartment |
£259.15 |
Source: https://livingcost.org/cost/united-kingdom/sct/edinburgh
Developments near Edinburgh
Miller homes has a selection of new build developments in Edinburgh in popular areas with easy access to the city as well as scenic locations. Browse our developments including: