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If you’re interested in living in the Scottish capital and wonder where the best areas are for schools, property or green space, our guide to the best seven places to live in Edinburgh can help.
From its thrilling culture to its reputable universities and charming architecture, Edinburgh is a popular place to live, and local areas are highly sought-after for property. The Scottish capital is home to various apartments, bungalows and houses, and prices vary by location. Whether you’re a family after your forever home or looking to buy your first property, Edinburgh is a great place to live, work and play.
Read our Edinburgh area guide to find out more about the city.
West End
An area in demand
West End is a sought-after area, especially by families and young couples, and we’ve seen property transactions here from £450K to over £1 million. With both a wide selection of apartments in varying sizes and some townhouses it’s a popular choice for first-time movers and those stepping up the property ladder in Edinburgh.
The central location means the West End’s Victorian residential streets are close to several amenities, including pubs, shops, restaurants, and cafes. The well-connected area has excellent transport links, including a train station and tram service.
Murrayfield & Ravelston
Great for families
This area is known for its larger houses with decent-sized gardens and driveways. Some are modern but many are from the Victorian period. Property prices here tend to be on the higher end, but options are varied, meaning you can get anything from smaller bungalows for around £750K to large houses of up to 6,000 square feet for several million. Living in this popular area gives you access to several amenities and is also close to Murrayfield, Scotland’s largest stadium.
Surrounded by green space
Blackhall is a good area for families and is slightly more affordable than Murrayfield and Ravelston. For example, you’ll find smaller bungalow options for between £650 - £800K. It is well served by local amenities and has excellent schooling options like Blackhall Primary School and Mary Erskine School, which is fee-paying. The area is surrounded by green space, including Ravelston Nature Reserve, one of Edinburgh’s small but most beautiful reserves.
Corstorphine (Pronounced Ker)
Attractive affordability
Just further outward of town is Corstorphine, close to Edinburgh Zoo and a slightly more affordable area than Murrayfield. The area is less renowned than others in Edinburgh for schools but is still hugely family friendly with plenty of great options. It has many characteristics that make it such a popular place to live. And while you’ll find a mix of villas, smaller two-storey houses and occasional flats, prices vary significantly.
New Town
The postcard view of Edinburgh
One of the most in-demand areas in Edinburgh, New Town is a charming and elegant area linked to the premium St James Quarter lifestyle and retail district. Diversity in pricing and design can be quite dramatic here. Some of the homes in the area were bespoke when built, and most properties are conversions of stunning townhouses, with Herriot Row being the most sought-after. Very few properties here have gardens, so they often have access to private communal residents gardens instead, and with a strong focus on conserving the area, changes to homes and property must be requested.
Stockbridge and Comely Bank
Great mix of properties
Artisan and boutique shops, and the market at the weekends, are a big pull here. There is a strong mix of properties in Stockbridge and Comely Bank, with a vast range of pricing. The cost of a two-bedroom flat could start at around £500K upwards, and houses can be found for between £1 million to £2.5 million. The area is known for its schools and canal walk. Rich history and charming architecture are at the heart of this location, as is its proximity to Inverleith Park and the Royal Botanical Garden.
Southside
Victorian architecture and leafy squares
Home to the University of Edinburgh, Southside is one of Edinburgh's calm and tranquil areas, with a village feel, green spaces and excellent artisan shops. The Victorian architecture and leafy squares make this a popular place to live. There’s a mix of larger flats as well as houses in Southside, and prices vary significantly.
Speak to one of our knowledgeable Edinburgh estate agents to find a property in this beautiful city.
