Advice on moving to Edinburgh

[carparkno1]

Hi all,

I’m looking for a bit of help regarding a possible relocation from the south east up to Edinburgh. I lived there for 5 years last decade and absolutely loved it, it’s a fantastic city. Cut to now and the missus and I are talking seriously about moving up there. She has a son from a previous marriage but he’ll be turning 16 and so is big enough to come with us but still see his dad each month back down south. We’re now looking at areas to move to and I’m really trying to find something that will cover the main concerns:
• Schools (for future kiddies)
• Good transport into the centre & college for the 16yr old (before he learns the PH way and gets a car!)
• A nice safe area, probably a legoland estate or something like that
• Decent tram/bus/train into the center or the gyle for me as a commute (mainly work for banks).

We need 3 or 4 bedrooms and a decent garden for the dog. So far I’ve thought about places like baberton, swanston, costorphine, maybe newcraighall (fort Kinnaird way) or out towards Musselburgh. I don’t want to go much further outside the bypass as I worry they may feel a bit cut off and not part of the city, and we’re not really considering Leith et al as it’s more a young singles/couples type thing in general.
Can anyone speak from experience on this sort of thing? Any ideas about where is good. I honestly don’t mind sitting on the bypass for an hour into work (beats the train to London), I’m more concerned with my family feeling happy and safe and a part of things. Any help is appreciated!

[Prof Prolapse]

Whilst you've excluded it by distance, just to let you know you can get the new borders railway from Midlothian to Waverly in 20 minutes. Whilst it's not a fair comparison, I don't you could get the bus that quickly from any of the locations you've listed.

They've built about a dozen new build estates in the last few years around Midlothian and the infrastructure is getting quite good. You'll get a lot more for your money.

Just a thought. I never liked living in the city though.

[carparkno1]

Prof Prolapse said:

Whilst you've excluded it by distance, just to let you know you can get the new borders railway from Midlothian to Waverly in 20 minutes. Whilst it's not a fair comparison, I don't you could get the bus that quickly from any of the locations you've listed.

They've built about a dozen new build estates in the last few years around Midlothian and the infrastructure is getting quite good. You'll get a lot more for your money.

Just a thought. I never liked living in the city though.

It's a good shout and we aren't ruling these things out at all. If that is true then i'll have a look. I guess it's the mental block of looking at a map and saying "this isn't actually in Edinburgh". If it were my way I would be in the borders paying less money for more house like a shot, just need to consider them and being able to socialise, see friends who live in the city etc. Nothing can be guaranteed but am trying to make a decent stab at ticking some boxes I guess. Thanks for the heads up on the borders rail. Eskbank has appealed when I have looked before.

Edited by carparkno1 on Tuesday 23 February 11:16

[Prof Prolapse]

No worries best of luck to you.

Oh and don't move to Newcraighall near Fort Kinnaird unless you've checked you're not in walking distance of the estates nearby. The people there are mostly... Unpleasant.

[vanordinaire]

We're in the Borders, and love it and would recommend it to anyone but if you want to be in the city, anything just off Comiston Road. Buckstone/Swanstone/Fairmilehead give you a really good compromise and reasonable prices. Minutes from the bypass, plenty of family sized houses and easy access to the countryside or city centre.

[AmiableChimp]

I live in a new build estate in Bilston, just up from Ikea.

There is another TW estate being built at Loanhead, within walking distance to retail park/restaurants, etc.

There is also another TW estate planned for Penicuik, where I used to live.

All 3 areas are far enough out of the city to afford great walking/cycling options, Pentland Hills right on your doorstep?

I can get into the Gyle in about 40 mins each morning, depending on how the bypass behaves (15 mins on an empty bypass!).

Bus service into town is excellent.

I love living in this area, best of both worlds IMO.

I have looked further out, e.g. Peebles, Innerleithen, etc. but feel it's slightly too far at the moment, my daughter is happy in 3rd year at Beeslack High school in Penicuik.

[Prof Prolapse]

I used to live on Comiston road, it is a good suggestion.

Colinton is nice too, I lived there for a bit, too pricey for me at the time however.

[carparkno1]

This is great thanks guys. I used to play golf at Swanston and that area has always appealed for the reasons stated, much like baberton etc, edge of the bypass but good transport. Also going to look at Eskbank as the train goes from there, as well as Musselburgh. A lot to consider but I feel like I am on the right track and all this info helps. Much appreciated.

[PaulJC84]

I am based in Edinburgh and have lived in Leith for 8 years since I was at uni.

I grew up in Bonaly and Haddington.

If I were to move back out to East Lothain I would insist on somewhere with a Train.

Dunbar nice enough and good value (takes 20 Mins on the train).
Musselburgh (10 mins).
North Berwick is lovely but really expensive (25mins).
Longniddry is nice but very quiet (20 mins).

In town I would look around South side: Bonaly, Colinton, Morningside, Fairmilehead, Newington.
North: Trinity, Inverleith, Stockbridge, Barnton.

The Edinburgh bus service is great and has a really helpful app for tickets and bus tracking.

I will probably eventually move out to East Lothian as I like a bit more space and think it is better for children.

I would probably post any other areas you like and see what people say. Generally Edinburgh is a pretty decent place and even the places people will say to avoid will not be all that bad a place to live in my experience of meeting people from all over.

[carparkno1]

PaulJC84 said:

I am based in Edinburgh and have lived in Leith for 8 years since I was at uni.

I grew up in Bonaly and Haddington.

If I were to move back out to East Lothain I would insist on somewhere with a Train.

Dunbar nice enough and good value (takes 20 Mins on the train).
Musselburgh (10 mins).
North Berwick is lovely but really expensive (25mins).
Longniddry is nice but very quiet (20 mins).

In town I would look around South side: Bonaly, Colinton, Morningside, Fairmilehead, Newington.
North: Trinity, Inverleith, Stockbridge, Barnton.

The Edinburgh bus service is great and has a really helpful app for tickets and bus tracking.

I will probably eventually move out to East Lothian as I like a bit more space and think it is better for children.

I would probably post any other areas you like and see what people say. Generally Edinburgh is a pretty decent place and even the places people will say to avoid will not be all that bad a place to live in my experience of meeting people from all over.

Yup - I lived on Ferry Road and aside from a few Pilton comments over my accent I never really had an issue. With the family though it needs to be a nice area - Colinton & Fairmilehead look good.

Anybody have anything to say about Gorebridge, Newington & Eskbank? Just looking at those in terms of houses available & trains/ buses.

The other thought was out towards Kirkliston but that feels like it could be a pain with trains, traffic and the tram not starting until the aiport.

Cheers.

[Prof Prolapse]

carparkno1 said:

Yup - I lived on Ferry Road and aside from a few Pilton comments over my accent I never really had an issue. With the family though it needs to be a nice area - Colinton & Fairmilehead look good.

Anybody have anything to say about Gorebridge, Newington & Eskbank? Just looking at those in terms of houses available & trains/ buses.

The other thought was out towards Kirkliston but that feels like it could be a pain with trains, traffic and the tram not starting until the aiport.

Cheers.

Gorebridge is near me. Vogrie park is nearby which is nice for the kids, well served by the new railway line. Some of the new builds are nice. I haven't been on the estates for a while now there. There's some large housing association areas which are a bit rough, the locals aren't actually that bad though. Just poor and scruffy. You'll avoid them entirely depending on the development. If you're on Pistonheads I assume you like driving and there's some good roads nearby. It also has a regular bus (or more). Has a few shops but you'd really need to head towards the Tesco at Eskbank if you want more than a paper and some Haribo.

Eskbank is where we get the train. Nearest town is Dalkeith, one of the biggest, around here so has a number of local amenities, and better served by buses. A couple of restaurants and a full size Morrisons, and it's very own Whetherspoons, as well as a couple of not bad restaurants. Again this is Midlothian the new estates are literally it's revival so it isn't flush with cash, it's fine but could do with a bloody good wash. As with all of Midlothian, and a lot of East Lothian.

Newington I have never lived in but know it well. Historically tends to house people from ethnic communities, I couldn't say why but there is a large Mosque nearby. Not exactly premium Edinburgh but certainly leads to it, and this is the door to Old Town, so lots in walking distance.

I think that's all I could say, but if I can be of further use let me know.

[carparkno1]

Prof Prolapse said:

carparkno1 said:

Yup - I lived on Ferry Road and aside from a few Pilton comments over my accent I never really had an issue. With the family though it needs to be a nice area - Colinton & Fairmilehead look good.

Anybody have anything to say about Gorebridge, Newington & Eskbank? Just looking at those in terms of houses available & trains/ buses.

The other thought was out towards Kirkliston but that feels like it could be a pain with trains, traffic and the tram not starting until the aiport.

Cheers.

Gorebridge is near me. Vogrie park is nearby which is nice for the kids, well served by the new railway line. Some of the new builds are nice. I haven't been on the estates for a while now there. There's some large housing association areas which are a bit rough, the locals aren't actually that bad though. Just poor and scruffy. You'll avoid them entirely depending on the development. If you're on Pistonheads I assume you like driving and there's some good roads nearby. It also has a regular bus (or more). Has a few shops but you'd really need to head towards the Tesco at Eskbank if you want more than a paper and some Haribo.

Eskbank is where we get the train. Nearest town is Dalkeith, one of the biggest, around here so has a number of local amenities, and better served by buses. A couple of restaurants and a full size Morrisons, and it's very own Whetherspoons, as well as a couple of not bad restaurants. Again this is Midlothian the new estates are literally it's revival so it isn't flush with cash, it's fine but could do with a bloody good wash. As with all of Midlothian, and a lot of East Lothian.

Newington I have never lived in but know it well. Historically tends to house people from ethnic communities, I couldn't say why but there is a large Mosque nearby. Not exactly premium Edinburgh but certainly leads to it, and this is the door to Old Town, so lots in walking distance.

I think that's all I could say, but if I can be of further use let me know.

That's a huge help thanks. Places like Eskbank, Bonnyrigg and the edges of Dalkeith interest me. My main concern is my stepson doesn't get trouble for not being a local in these areas. I don't like the idea of him being in Dalkeith & getting a load of stick for not being from that neck of the woods & having what could be considered a posh English accent (it's not posh, just flat Southern English). Eskbank certainly sounds nice and the train station is a big factor.

I thought about Tranent, Prestonpans etc but it feels too far out and too "local" rather than "Edinburgh". Maybe I am wrong and overthinking these things but my main concern is the family settles & feels comfortable and not totally like out of towners. None of these things affect me but I am dragging them up and need to "sell" it to them if that makes sense.

Really good info thank you.

[vanordinaire]

Don't worry about not being local, the demographic around Edinburgh has changed and in most of the new estates and surrounding commuter towns less than half the residents will be local. I was brought up in Linlithgow (another nice commuter town you might look at), then there was a population of around 5000, now it's around 15000, the extra 10000 are non locals.

[carparkno1]

vanordinaire said:

Don't worry about not being local, the demographic around Edinburgh has changed and in most of the new estates and surrounding commuter towns less than half the residents will be local. I was brought up in Linlithgow (another nice commuter town you might look at), then there was a population of around 5000, now it's around 15000, the extra 10000 are non locals.

Great to know, thank you. I realise we can't tick every box but it would be nice to get something akin to a home run off the bat. Idelaly trying to avoid renting first if we can help it.

Still stuns me what you can get there vs the South East. Ridiculous difference, and Edinburgh isn't considered cheap!

[Patch1875]

We used to live in Leith but when our daughter appeared we moved out to Tranent. After 9 years were moving back into the city(Murrayfield). Never really properly been happy in East Lothian it's a lovely house but the town itself I find a bit grim.


Think I'm more at home in the city where it's so easy to access everything even just being a few miles out can be a pain as you end up taking the car everywhere and a night out gets expensive with the taxi home!

[carparkno1]

Patch1875 said:

We used to live in Leith but when our daughter appeared we moved out to Tranent. After 9 years were moving back into the city(Murrayfield). Never really properly been happy in East Lothian it's a lovely house but the town itself I find a bit grim.


Think I'm more at home in the city where it's so easy to access everything even just being a few miles out can be a pain as you end up taking the car everywhere and a night out gets expensive with the taxi home!

I think Tranent/Prestonpans etc is a bit too far out for the family. We'd be easily wooed by giant 5 bed houses for "relative" peanuts vs the South East, but ultimately as you say the towns are a bit grim and we're hardly locals. I want them to be close enough to Edinburgh to feel they are in it but not right in the center. All this advice is extremely valuable to me thanks.

[David-H]

Hi carparkno1.

You've already had lots of good information, but I'll still add my tuppence worth.

I live on the East of the city (Willowbrae area), and commute to The Gyle almost every day, and the traffic can be a nightmare. I have found my total commute (to and from work) taking over 2 hours in the car, only travelling about 17 miles in total. Also, Edinburgh's roads are in a terrible state, the worst I've seen them in the 23 years I've lived in the city.

On the plus side, the bus and tram network is very good, and I now find myself taking a bus then tram to work 2 or 3 times per week. It works out slightly more expensive than driving, takes the same amount of time (or less), and is much more relaxing.

I do think Edinburgh is a great city to live in. Great selection of pubs and restaurants and it doesn't take long to get out to the country or the coast if you fancy some fresh air. There's also a lot of great driving roads not too far away.

Hope your move goes well, wherever you decide to go.

David.

[Edin430]

Without getting to personal I think the only way you'll get real feedback is once we know what your budget is and you speak to someone who isn't bias about the area they currently live in (or have lived in). Lots of stholes that people will tell you are wonderlands.

If you have a £100k budget then my suggestion for area will be very different to say a £500k budget. But Corstorphine in my opinion has the best all round offering - transport links (buses, trams, main road into town, close to the airport, close to the gyle, close to Haymarket station) - some good public schools (Craigmount, St Augustines, Forrester) and a nice mix of houses for all budgets. Kaimes Road and further along Murrayfield way will set you back £300k to £750k where as cross the main road and go one street back and you can get a £150k semi. Lots of local shops and no real rough areas within a few square miles to worry about ever getting hassle.

If it were me looking I would work between Corstorphine and Haymarket (St John's Road) and look at the areas on either side. Personally I think the west side of town is much nicer than the east (and I live in town so no bias in my choice).

[carparkno1]

David-H said:

Hi carparkno1.

You've already had lots of good information, but I'll still add my tuppence worth.

I live on the East of the city (Willowbrae area), and commute to The Gyle almost every day, and the traffic can be a nightmare. I have found my total commute (to and from work) taking over 2 hours in the car, only travelling about 17 miles in total. Also, Edinburgh's roads are in a terrible state, the worst I've seen them in the 23 years I've lived in the city.

On the plus side, the bus and tram network is very good, and I now find myself taking a bus then tram to work 2 or 3 times per week. It works out slightly more expensive than driving, takes the same amount of time (or less), and is much more relaxing.

I do think Edinburgh is a great city to live in. Great selection of pubs and restaurants and it doesn't take long to get out to the country or the coast if you fancy some fresh air. There's also a lot of great driving roads not too far away.

Hope your move goes well, wherever you decide to go.

David.

Thank you

[carparkno1]

Edin430 said:

Without getting to personal I think the only way you'll get real feedback is once we know what your budget is and you speak to someone who isn't bias about the area they currently live in (or have lived in). Lots of stholes that people will tell you are wonderlands.

If you have a £100k budget then my suggestion for area will be very different to say a £500k budget. But Corstorphine in my opinion has the best all round offering - transport links (buses, trams, main road into town, close to the airport, close to the gyle, close to Haymarket station) - some good public schools (Craigmount, St Augustines, Forrester) and a nice mix of houses for all budgets. Kaimes Road and further along Murrayfield way will set you back £300k to £750k where as cross the main road and go one street back and you can get a £150k semi. Lots of local shops and no real rough areas within a few square miles to worry about ever getting hassle.

If it were me looking I would work between Corstorphine and Haymarket (St John's Road) and look at the areas on either side. Personally I think the west side of town is much nicer than the east (and I live in town so no bias in my choice).

300-350k at a push (hence costorphine possibly being out of range). ideally 3+ bedrooms, garden, driveway. Aside from that not overly bothered - it's very much area first to get family settled in Edinburgh in a nice are, the house & location we can change later if we get braver!