Best Areas of Edinburgh to Live 2024
With its unique mixture of historic architecture, modern developments, green open spaces and huge variety of schools, it’s no wonder that Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, has been voted second in the world for quality of life.
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Each year, the city hosts a number of renowned art and culture festivals – the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Film Festival and Christmas Festival to name but a few. With shops, bars, restaurants, galleries and museums aplenty – there’s truly something for everyone.
With so much to offer, deciding where to settle in the Edinburgh can be challenging. Most people living in the city would describe it as a series of neighbourhoods, easily connected by its world-class public transport system, but each with their own distinct characteristics.
To help you find the right neighbourhood, we’ve broken down the five best areas to live in Edinburgh, detailing what makes them so special.
1. Marchmont
Across The Meadows from Bruntsfield sits Marchmont, conveniently located next to a children’s playground, tennis courts and sports pitches. This part of Edinburgh hosts a free festival each year, “The Meadows Festival” – with live music and family-friendly activities.
Marchmont is a short walk from George Square (the hub of Edinburgh’s Festivals), the newly developed Quartermile and the National Museum of Scotland – making it popular with young professionals and families alike.
Socialising
The Earl of Marchmont (Classic street-corner pub, with a modern style and relaxed atmosphere).
The Argyle (Friendly pub hosting a variety of live entertainment and quiz nights).
Food and Drinks
Deadly Donuts (Fresh, homemade donuts with lots of creative new flavours).
The Birchwood (Vibrant cafe and bar with a variety of dishes and art displays).
Days Out and Walks
Warrender Swimming Pool (Historic Victorian pool with modern features and fitness facilities).
Doodles (Arts and crafts centre where you can style your own ceramics to take home).
Average property prices in Marchmont are £428,000 approx. (price at March 2023)
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2. New Town
There’s no better way to experience Edinburgh’s rich Georgian grandeur than by living right in the centre of it. Edinburgh’s New Town was built in the 18th and 19th centuries as an elegant and idyllic solution to the overcrowding in the city’s Old Town.
Stretching through the city centre are Princes Street and George Street, two of Edinburgh’s premier shopping districts, including Jenners (one of Edinburgh’s oldest department stores) and some of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks. It is also here that Edinburgh’s world-famous Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations take place.
Socialising
Bramble (Basement cocktail bar with upscale interiors, serving classic and contemporary tipples).
Hoot the Redeemer (Creative cocktail bar in the style of a Victorian fairground).
The Stand Comedy Club (Comedy club showcasing the best stand-up and free lunchtime shows).
Food and Drinks
El Cartel (Classic Mexican street food. Get there early to put your name on the waiting list).
Urban Angel (Cafe and bistro serving fresh, locally-sourced foods).
Dishoom (Bombay style eatery serving a variety of dishes inspired by the region and its history).
Days Out and Walks
National Portrait Gallery (Houses the national collection of art and portraits).
Calton Hill / Arthur’s Seat (Both hills provide the finest panoramic views of the entire city).
Average property prices in New Town are £501,000 approx. (price at January 2024)
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3. Bruntsfield/Morningside
Friendly and modern, Bruntsfield sits adjacent to The Bruntsfield Links (believed to be one of the world’s oldest golf courses, where putting equipment can still be hired and golf played for free) and The Meadows – two vast green spaces perfect for sports and sunbathing.
Beyond Holy Corner you will find Morningside – a short walk from Bruntsfield. Both suburbs are spoilt for choice when it comes to independent coffee shops, boutique retailers and places to eat. Morningside is well served with both public transport and large supermarkets such as Marks & Spencer and Waitrose.
Socialising
The Merlin (Trendy and spacious bar with a good selection of lunch and dinner options).
Dominion Cinema (Family-owned cinema boasting comfy couches and VIP table service).
The Kings Theatre (Theatre showing West End and contemporary productions and pantomimes).
Food and Drinks
Artisan Cheesecakes (Selection of delicious hand-crafted cheesecake, made fresh daily).
Montpeliers (Ornate brasserie and bar in the heart of Bruntsfield with delicious Sunday brunch).
The Golf Tavern (Historic bar dating back to 1456, serving a variety of cask ales and pub food).
Days Out and Walks
The Hermitage of Braid (Beautiful historic nature reserve on the Braid Burn river).
Craiglockhart Leisure & Tennis Centre (Modern leisure centre housing a variety of sports facilities).
Average property prices in Bruntsfield are £421,000 approx. (price at January 2024).
Average property prices in Morningside are £451,000 approx. (price at January 2024)
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4. Polwarth
Polwarth enjoys an idyllic location by the Union Canal, and the peace associated with being a primarily residential location. With spacious terraced housing and ample green space, Polwarth is a popular choice for young families and dog-owners.
This neighbourhood is within walking distance of Bruntsfield and Morningside – meaning it has access to all the necessary local amenities. It is also a short hop from Fountainbridge and Fountain Park – with their cinema, gym, supermarkets and restaurants – and Gorgie, home to a popular free-entry city farm.
Socialising
The Fountain (Modern bar offering excellent craft ales and pub food).
Cineworld Fountain Park (Multiplex cinema with Edinburgh’s only IMAX screen).
The Caley Sample Room (Rustic-style pub serving a number of cask ales and craft beers).
Food and Drinks
Three Birds (Stylish restaurant offering a variety of contemporary dishes).
Odds & Ends Coffee (Relaxed dog-friendly coffee shop serving excellent coffee and cakes).
Tea & Sympathy (Perfect for picking up brunch or a coffee on the way to Harrison park).
Days Out and Walks
Harrison Park (Wide-open grassy park with community herb garden and playing areas).
Union Canal (Beautiful canal connecting Edinburgh and Falkirk. Perfect for running, cycling, walking, duck-spotting and sipping coffee from The Counter – the canal boat coffee shop).
Average property in Polwarth are £208,000 approx. (price at January 2024)
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5. Stockbridge
Once an outlying village, this idyllic suburb was incorporated into Edinburgh in the 19th century when the New Town was built in the space between. Thanks to its scenic architecture, Stockbridge is often used as a filming location and has its very own Instagram page. It is constantly appearing on “top places to live” lists and it is easy to see why.
“It’s got the community charm of a detached village. It’s so quiet at night and full of small independent shops, bars and restaurants, yet it’s only minutes from the city centre – so it’s the best of both worlds!” – Gary Donaldson (31) Stockbridge resident.
Socialising
Hamiltons (Laidback bar with cosy couches, unique cocktails and locally-sourced food).
Panda & Sons (Hidden speakeasy cocktail bar disguised as a vintage barbershop).
The Stockbridge Tap (Neighbourhood pub offering real ales, cask beers and delicious pub food).
Food and Drinks
Sabor Criollo (South American style eatery serving traditional food and folk music).
Taisteal (Relaxed restaurant inspired by the travels of Chef and owner Gordon Craig).
Stockbridge Market (Weekly Sunday food market offering local produce and global street food).
Days Out and Walks
Royal Botanic Gardens (Four beautiful gardens and historic buildings, some with free entry).
Glenogle Swim Centre (Beautifully restored Victorian swimming pool, with full gym facilities).
Dean Village (Small village comprised of beautiful 19th century buildings, the tranquil Water of Leith, the Dean Gallery and Scottish Gallery of Modern Art. It’s like stepping into another world).
Average property prices in Stockbridge are £497,000 approx. (price at January 2024)
Now that you’ve found the right area of Edinburgh to live, you need a local removals company to take the stress out of getting you there. Read more about our Edinburgh removals service and get in touch for an obligation–free quote
DISCLAIMER: This article has been produced for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Copyright © 2020 Removal Services Scotland
About The Author
Tiarnan Bandeen is a freelance copywriter and creative living and working in Edinburgh. As a native of Scotland’s capital, he has a lifetime’s experience finding all the best places to live, eat and drink.
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