Best places to live near Edinburgh region

[Kayandchris]

Hi we are looking for advice about areas to live around Edinburgh.  Looking to move in May/June 2019 have a position secured and would like some advice on which are the nicest suburbs.  Thanks in advance.

[llessur]

It depends on what you want from a suburb. To be honest some of the areas immediately around Edinburgh haven't got the best reputation - Elizabeth etc so you'd certainly want to visit before securing a rental etc. 

I don't know a huge amount about that area and whether there are some nicer parts but I'm sure some others on the forum might. 

What sort of distance would you be prepared to commute?

[Kayandchris]

Hi thanks, a commute of up to an hour is always reasonable these days.  Looking for somewhere with good schools is the most important reason, daughter will be 15 on arrival.

[Curly]

Hi I think if you are willing to travel for up to an hour that would open up most of Adelaide to you. The network of roads are improving all the time so the commute isn’t too bad. I live just south of the city which is 15 minutes into the city and 5 minutes from the beach. We are looking to move further south again so we are close to McLaren Vale and only 5 minutes from Moana or Noarlunga beaches. Where we are now I attended college in Elizabeth and used to take me 45minutes each way. Depending on what you want from a lifestyle being the beach, the hills or the wide open space your options are open. Gawler is further North not close to the beaches but close to the Barrosa and Clare Valley. If the Hills are what you are after look around Tea Tree Gully area or close to beaches you could go to Semaphore, Grange Henley beach. It will also depend on your budget but might give you some ideas. You could always try and find a school you like and look around the catchment areas. Good luck with it all

[Kayandchris]

Thanks guys would like to be close to the beach, would like a nice area to live.  We will look at those areas thanks

[llessur]

Bit of a late reply to this one but if you're going to be working around Edinburgh and want to live near the beach then you'd probably be better off looking at the stretch of coast between, say, Largs in the north and Glenelg in the south. Some areas around Largs can be a bit touch and go (whilst others are nice) but generally things are good from Semaphore south (including Henley, Grange, West Beach etc). Commuting would be much easier if you don't go too far south otherwise you'll get caught up in all of the city-bound traffic in the mornings.

With regards to being close to the beach, most suburbs in the metro area are an easy (10-20 minute drive). Stick to the west of the city and you'll be within 10 mins. 

Are you thinking private or public schools? Brighton High (public - just south of Glenelg) has a very good reputation but you'll need to make sure you're in the catchment area, as have Adelaide High and the brand new Botanic High (both public - and the same caveat applies re: catchments). There are good private schools all over the place if you're willing to pay.

[lisakent86]

 

If you’re looking for great places near Edinburgh, you might want to check out Leith for its cool vibe and waterfront, or Musselburgh for a nice community feel with easy train access. South Queensferry is super picturesque by the Firth of Forth, while Dalkeith offers a bit of history and green spaces. Penicuik is perfect if you like the countryside, and Livingston has plenty of amenities for families. Bonnyrigg is another family-friendly option with good schools.