There comes a time in any potential homeowner’s life when they have to make the choice to lay down their hat and call one place home. And, it doesn’t make it easier when a country is as pretty as Scotland, from its glens to isles. So, how do we do it? Deciding where to live in Scotland may depend on various circumstances, and circumstances can also take their shape based on your decision. We are going to make this easier for you step by step.
Countryside or Urban Area
Country Vs. city is still an enduring argument no one is going to win anytime soon. However, most people choose a city life due to convenience, especially for work. If you are moving for work in Scotland, then you might want to go where there are job opportunities or to industry-specific areas. Young professionals are the quickest to move to cities as they are more focused on career rather than raising family or retirement. However, what makes Scotland special is, there is always somewhere that offers a perfect mix of both urban and rural suitable for people of all ages.
Edinburgh is probably the most vibrant city in Scotland, and Glasgow is the largest city. These are hotspots for jobs, education, business, and arts. If you want to live closer to England or work in the textile or agricultural industries, the Scottish Borders are a good choice.
Land and home values
Scottish property prices are lower than England’s. So, there’s a chance you can afford a bigger home, possibly with a bigger garden. As anywhere else in the world, properties in the city cost more than in the suburbs and countryside. Even if you can afford to buy in the city, it is important to factor in the cost of living. Properties are not the only expensive thing in the city.
Type of residence
It is important to determine whether you want to live in a house or an apartment and how many bedrooms you need. If you want a garden and a larger floor area, you are better off looking at properties away from the city. In large cities, apartments are more affordable than houses. Houses also become preferable when people have children and need more space.
Size of family
As families grow, space becomes the most sought-after commodity. Sometimes, the convenience of the city is foregone to increase the number of bedrooms. Let’s not forget the pets. They, too, need space, and a garden becomes a necessity. Once children leave home, parents retreat to the country. Most people invest their retirement funds in a country home.
Nearby Schools/Colleges
If you prefer a particular school for your child, you need to live in the catchment area. Councils use catchment areas to decide in which school your child will be allocated a place. You don’t have to always live in a big city to find good primary and secondary schools.
When it comes to universities, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, and St. Andrews are not just top universities in Scotland but the world. The wonderful thing about Scotland is, you don’t have to live in a metropolitan area to study in an acclaimed university. For example, St Andrews is located in rural Fife on Scotland’s east coast, famous for its golf course. The town’s population either studies or works.
The time it takes to commute to work
Good travel links better connect the outskirts and countryside to the city. You cannot always rely on private transport. Easy access to a well-functioning public transport system, in the form of commuter rail lines and bus services are a major requirement if you travel to work every day. A 30min commute is sometimes worth all the greenery and fresh air you get in the country. If you are a frequent flyer, it makes sense to live somewhere nearer to the airport.
Nearby essential services
While you can always make the trip to the nearest city for family entertainment, shopping, and socialising, you need immediate access to essential services. Supermarkets, local shops, doctor’s surgery, nearby hospital & bank, cafes, and schools are basic amenities to look for.
Lifestyle factors
If you are a social creature, partial to the cosmopolitan life, the urban setting is your best friend. However, if you don’t mind a regular short drive, you can still choose to live in the suburbs. Gyms, cinemas, mall parks, and entertainment are more important to some than others. If natural beauty and pleasant country living are what you are interested in, Loch Lomond, the Trossachs, Stirling, & the Forth Valley are known as the Gateway to the Highlands, stretching almost from coast-to-coast provide ample opportunities to live the rural dream life. North Berwick in East Lothian is within a commutable distance to Edinburgh and is ideal for anyone looking to live in a picturesque fishing village.
Type of neighbourhood
Raising a family is more conducive in certain neigbourhoods than others. Some move to Scotland with the sole purpose of raising their families here. In such instances, choosing to live in the suburbs or the country is more beneficial.
Wherever you choose to live in Scotland, there is ample natural beauty, free healthcare, good schools, renowned universities, safety, and a high standard of living without too many expenses. GS Brown Construction offers residential developments in some of the most enviable areas and neighbourhoods in Scotland.
