Where to live in Edinburgh?

[pernod]

Hi guys, I really need some help and advice.

We are potentially looking at a move to Edinburgh (still up in the air, but it's one option) but we know nothing about the place.

To get a feel for what it would mean we are trying to work out things like house prices etc. So I'm after any advice on which areas are good / bad?

We are a family so would want an area suitable for kids. I'd be working in Leith but happy to drive if there are places outside Edinburgh worth considering.

Suggestions/warnings appreciated as a start for our search.

Cheers.

Edited by pernod on Thursday 15th August 20:06

[VetteG]

While there are some good properties in Leith itself they are for the most part flats so I would be tempted to look at the east side Portobello or even Musselburgh for family houses and a reasonable commute to Leith.

G

[pernod]

Thanks G. That was roughly where the other half had started looking so we aren't far off.

Next obvious Q. Every time I've been up I've noticed a lot more pot holes than I'm used to... is my Astra VXR going to be a spine breaker up there or is my memory over-exaggerating?

[ALY77]

For fear of offending anyone, I've PM'd you two lists.


Yes the roads are terrible and expect to have to buy a new wheel/tyre at some point when you miss spotting a poor bit of road surface!

[marcus1875]

hi Pernod,
i moved from leith to musselburgh a couple of years ago when the second kid came along.
Musselburgh is great imho. wasnt sure at first but its good. 20mins into town in car, 3mins by train, i believe there is also a bus.
Leith is only about 15. The roads arent too bad actually, from here to leith or into town, once of the main drag they can get a bit bumpy. i use an astra sri and a tvr and they both cope fine, although the tvr does scrape some of the traffic calming measures.
East is best.
marcus

[MissChief]

Agree with 'East is best'. Portobello, Musselburgh, Joppa are decent areas and relatively quiet.

[pernod]

Really appreciate the advice all. Moving city (again) is always a learning curve so inside knowledge is a massive help.

[Gramrugby]

Trinity if your budget permits.

[pernod]

Just wanted to pop back to this old thread to say thanks.

6 months after moving up, we have just brought and moved into a lovely wee house in Musselbrough.

Thanks for the advice, really helped on where to rent initially and the house hunt.


Loving living in Scotland so far. Everyone is just so much friendlier and relaxed compared to the rat-race on the edge of London.

[AmiableChimp]

pernod said:

Just wanted to pop back to this old thread to say thanks.

6 months after moving up, we have just brought and moved into a lovely wee house in Musselbrough.

Thanks for the advice, really helped on where to rent initially and the house hunt.


Loving living in Scotland so far. Everyone is just so much friendlier and relaxed compared to the rat-race on the edge of London.

Great to hear mate!

[mike13]

Nice having a lovely ice cream shop on your doorstep.

[pernod]

mike13 said:

Nice having a lovely ice cream shop on your doorstep.

We had found that before we had even moved in. Musselbrough looks to be a great choice for our young family (as recommended above).

We are also near Newhailes house which is amazing to take our little one walking through each night on a Gruffalo hunt* before bed (parents with young kids will know what I mean).

Now I just need to find a decent pub - any recommendations?

[mike13]

mike13 said:

Nice having a lovely ice cream shop on your doorstep.

A friend lives in Musselburgh and i think that it's sadly lacking in good pubs i'm afraid, don't know it that well but i know the reputations of a few, mostly closed down now.

[Gramrugby]

My son went to school in Mussleburgh and the only pub worth going to is the Stag.
Others are dumps.

[pernod]

Gramrugby said:

My son went to school in Mussleburgh and the only pub worth going to is the Stag.
Others are dumps.

I suspected this was the answer. Luckily most of my drinking time is afterwork drinks in the glorious Leith (and home is close enough to the station to get home).

[marcus1875]

Hi Pernod,

I'm just round the corner from Newhailes as well.
As to pubs - well depends what you want. The Stags does have a good rep if you like real ale. In the time I've been in Musselburgh I have been in all the pubs. I settled on the Auld Brig. Good, well looked after beer (not real ale though), friendly staff and customers, never seen any trouble either. And it's only a ten minute walk from where we are.
Watch out for a black TVR Wedge, that'll be me.

Marcus

[Mr Trophy]

mike13 said:

Nice having a lovely ice cream shop on your doorstep.

I used to work there when I was in college.

Going back a few years now, but I can honestly say it was the best 2 years of my life.

[mike13]

i'm lucky, i don't live too far from Morningside where there is another branch

[marcus1875]

When I first moved to Musselburgh i was told the locals didn't use that shop and left it for the tourists. The locals use the one opposite the Brunton Hall, I tend to agree as well, the ice cream is better and cheaper, and is made on the premises.
Marcus

[Cambell]

Absolutely agree. The one opposite The Brunton Hall is far superior. The other one does good toasties though !!