Moving to Aberdeen help

[young_bairn]

I am bucking the trend and moving to Aberdeen from Falkirk for work. My wife will be coming with me (no kids). I have spent a lot of time in Aberdeen as I attended college for my apprenticeship before going offshore for 12 years.

I am not keen on living in the City so we are looking at the suburbs and surrounding towns which I don't know very well. Iv had a drive around Banchory, Inverurie and Stonehaven and all seem like pleasant enough places. Any areas that I should avoid and any other areas worth considering. I would like to keep the commute within 30 mins of Altens.

Despite the downturn prices still considerably higher than Falkirk which is a shock.

[young_bairn]

Pib1978 said:

Are you here for the long haul?

Although Altens is south side of town (which means the likes of Stonehaven, Banchory etc suit being the right side), the city bypass (AWPR) will be complete in about 18 months or so which means commuting from any side of town should no longer be a major issue.

North:
Newmachar, Balmedie, Kintore. Ellon at a push but willl need more than 30 minutes commute to Altens pre-AWPR)

West;
Westhill, Kingswells (But potentially new AFC Stadium being built out this way)

South:
Portlethen, Stonehaven, Newtonhill

Each will naturally have its own share of lets say 'less desirable area' within to live but you'll be able to tell during viewings.

Moving up for the foreseeable, thinking 4 years. Yes I did take the AWPR into consideration but don't know a lot about Ellon and the likes. Iv been out to Old Meldrum to play golf and it seemed nice enough but not much to the town. I like the idea of Stonhaven and Banchory as they are nice places for the family to come up and visit. Ellon doesn't sound that apealing to visit unless I am doing it an injustice.

When is the AWPR due to open or at least some sections of it? The website doesn't give any dates which is understandable given the delays. Cheers

[young_bairn]

Thanks for the replies. Think I have my head in Stonehaven now. More for my wife's sake really as being stuck an hour out of town when I'm working will probably send her doolalay. I work shifts so early starts and late finishes mean the roads will be quiet.

2nd viewing planned for a house in Stonehaven on Monday. The good thing is there us plenty to choose from

[young_bairn]

rossub said:

Be aware of the sea haar on the east coast. Many well made plans of late afternoon and early evening BBQs have been ruined by it in the summer. Seriously depressing sitting at work with the sun shining and seeing that bank of fog heading in by home time and it happens a lot. 7-8 miles inland guarantees you won't have that problem.

My mum moved to Inverurie from the Balmedie area mainly for climate reasons and I wouldn't live on the coast because of it.

The likes of Balmedie, Portlethen, Cove and Newtonhill are relatively cheap for Aberdeen but there is a reason for it. Stonehaven is a bit pricier because it's an older town with a lot more going on. Popular with tourists as well. If I had to live on the coast, it would be there.

Iv heard that quite a lot from people at work. Iv also seen it with my own eyes. Strange how the haar sticks to the coast in the summer. I don't think that is a deal breaker for though but I will take it into consideration. I actually prefer Banchory setting with the trees etc but I do worry about the midge!

[young_bairn]

Thanks all, I'll update if anybody is interested when I find somewhere. Our house has sold so time is ticking.

[young_bairn]

Update to those who contributed,I opted for Stonehaven and moved in last Thursday with my wife. So far so good and couldn't have picked a better weekend to move in. Enjoyed a few beers on the harbour wall on Saturday night.

Cheers