Scotland’s most populated city proudly declares that the “People Make Glasgow.” Its cheery, welcoming residents are fiercely proud of their home – and it’s easy to see why. Here are the best areas of Glasgow to live.
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Glasgow is packed with cultural attractions for all ages, countless expansive parks and some of the best schools in Scotland. Jenny from acclaimed experts MQ Estate Agents told us:
“Compared to London, Glasgow’s standard of living is better, albeit a bit wet. Here you’re more likely to find a house with a garden, a bit of space, and you’re never too far away from green fields. Supply and demand are in favour of the seller, and as there are so many agents nowadays, the buyer has a lot of different places to view all the stock. I’d sing Glasgow’s praises all day long.”
Armed with the advice of the experts, the GSPC website and insider knowledge of the region, we’ve highlighted five of the best areas of Glasgow to live.
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1. Hillhead
Glasgow’s trendy and increasingly desirable West End is one of the best areas of Glasgow to live. With Hillhead at its heart, this neighbourhood is popular with students, young professionals and families alike. Located in the middle of the Glasgow Botanic Gardens and spacious Kelvingrove Park, it offers an array of museums, art galleries and independent shops.
If that hasn’t sold you, then how about its proximity to both Hillhead Primary School and Kelvinside Academy, two of the best schools in the city? These features come with a price, but being in one of the most exciting parts of Glasgow may well be worth it.
Average house prices in the West End of Glasgow are £311,000 approx. (price at January 2024).
2. Shawlands
Shawlands is an attractive option for young families relocating to or within Glasgow. This stylish, up-and-coming area was compared by The Guardian to Manhattan’s Lower East Side and celebrated for its great schools and cafes.
When you aren’t grabbing a bite in some of the city’s best bakeries, your family can enjoy a stroll around the luscious and leafy Pollok Country Park. The Edwardian Pollok House mansion offers a cultural stop off brimming with art and architecture. Nearby you will find the renowned Burrell Collection, which will be well worth the wait when it reopens in 2020.
Average house prices in Shawlands are £211,187 approx. (price at January 2024).
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3. Bearsden
Houses in Bearsden may fetch the highest prices of any area in Glasgow, but for those with the budget, few neighbourhoods can match it for quality of life. The wee ones will enjoy spotting sculptures of The Gruffalo dotted around this affluent neighbourhood as a tribute to the author, Bearsden’s own Julia Donaldson.
Golf courses, quality primary schools and Kilmardinny Loch Nature Reserve all add to the appeal of this charming suburb, making it one of the best areas to raise a family in Glasgow. With quick and easy rail links to the city centre, everything you could need is within close reach.
Average house prices in Bearsden are £341,441 approx. (price at January 2024).
4. Giffnock
With ample delicious dining options and cultural attractions including the Eastwood Theatre, the Herald Scotland describes Giffnock as a “dynamic business and family district.” Of the neighbourhood, Jenny from MQ Estate Agents says:
“Giffnock is super. It’s a nice suburb with lots of shops and restaurants within walking distance. The schooling is excellent and the properties themselves are well maintained. There’s a wide variety of properties, from nice flats to big sandstone villas, and you’re not far from the motorway so it’s a quick journey into town. It’s fantastic.”
Average house prices in Giffnock are £274,694 approx. (price at January 2024).
5. Scotstoun
The riverside neighbourhood of Scotstoun is one of the best areas of Glasgow to live and a firm favourite amongst families. Scotstoun Primary School and nearby Jordanhill Secondary School are two of the best in the city, ensuring a bright future for any children that move to the area.
The kids can then spend their weekends exploring the nearby Clyde museums, playing in Victoria Park or honing their sporting skills in the Scotstoun Leisure Centre and Sports Campus. It’s also a relatively affordable area to live in Glasgow, compared to nearby Hillhead and the West End.
Average house prices in Scotstoun are £168,575 approx. (price at January 2024).
If you’d like to learn more about relocating to or within Glasgow, please contact MQ Estate Agents for specialist sale and purchase advice.
At Removal Services Scotland, we’re dedicated to making your family move as stress-free as possible. Feel free to get in touch for an obligation-free quote, whether you are moving within the Glasgow area, or are moving into the city.
About The Author
Nathanael Smith is a freelance copywriter, copy editor and film critic. As someone who moved to Scotland and now travels the country for work and leisure, he knows what’s important to consider when relocating. With a true creative eye, Nathanael can spot a good location a mile off.
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