After being voted as having the best quality of life in the UK, we take a look at what makes the Scottish capital so appealing.

While it may be smaller in size than its West coast neighbour, Glasgow, Edinburgh is still very much the capital – and heart – of Scotland. From its dramatic castle to the bustling streets during the famous festival, the city has something for everyone.

So it’s no surprise it was voted top of uSwitch’s Quality of Life Index 2015 due to its low crime rates, relatively affordable living costs, high salaries and fast broadband.

Then and now

Edinburgh is a city that thrives on its history, with examples of it everywhere you look - be it the Scott Monument on Princes Street or the shadow cast by Edinburgh Castle. In fact, much of the centre is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It’s Old Town, Royal Mile and Grassmarket form the historical hub of the city, with some buildings and street layouts dating from medieval times. Even its New Town is old, adding Georgian grandeur and structure to the city.

But Edinburgh doesn’t live in the past. Along with the ever-growing festival there are a number of modern developments that add as much as the historical architecture. The Quartermile development at the former Royal Infirmary site brings modern living to the centre, while the National Museum of Scotland is a modern architectural marvel.

Elsewhere, Multrees Walk has brought big name, high-end retail to the city in a modern setting, while the new tram makes it easier to get around the centre and to and from the airport.

Where to look for homes

Thanks to the number of financial institutions, properties here can be expensive, especially when compared to other regions in Scotland. Towards the centre, you’ll find flats of all shapes and sizes from student digs to amazing penthouses with views across the city.

The New Town provides some of the city’s best housing thanks to the sweeping terraces of sandstone Georgian townhouses. These large properties also have easy access to the centre’s excellent shopping, George Street’s bars and restaurants and the National Gallery of Scotland, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and the Royal Scottish Academy.

Stockbridge, just North West of Waverley station, is a little more low-key. The crowd here is younger and the area has a village feel thanks to its many bistros, delis and markets.

As you move further out you get bigger properties with more land in areas such as The Grange. This suburb in the south of the city offers some of the city’s grandest properties with large gardens.

The new Brighouse Park Cross development in the north also offers a number of high-spec family homes for sale that have easy access to both the airport and coast.

What’s nearby?

While you’ll never be short of things to do in the city centre, there are also a huge number of attractions surrounding the capital.

Just a stone’s throw from Princes Street is Arthur’s Seat – a dormant volcano that can be easily traversed for some of the best views in the country.

A little further afield is the up-coming Leith waterfront, which in recent years has become a gastronomic centre. With views over the stunning Firth of Forth, it was only a matter of time before it was revamped.

And the schools?

From early years through to university, Edinburgh has a number of world-beating educational institutions.

These include the likes of the Mary Erksine and Stewarts Melville schools, St. George’s School for Girls, The Edinburgh Academy and, of course, Fettes College which was attended by Tony Blair.

The city has 37 schools listed in the Good Schools Guide.