Considering a move to Edinburgh

[Vertig0]

Hi all

I'm new to this forum and decided to join seeing as it looks as though it is one of the better places to seek advice on moving to a new area.

I am considering moving to Edinburgh from further down south, mainly due to the good job prospects and because it is very pleasant. However, I am mostly unfamiliar with anything but the city centre, and was wondering if you could provide advice on areas that meet the following criteria:

-safe area/contiguous with other safe areas
-fairly affluent/middle class (take that as you will)
-easy access to the city centre (if not the same area)
-fairly vibrant restaurant/cafe scene

My budget is in the £650 - £750 pm region, and I am hoping for a 2 bedroom flat or house.

I'm open to areas within the city centre as well. Unlike many of you, I don't have a family to move with; just moving with my flatmate/friend and our shared moggy. I mainly intend to move for work, potentially in the banking area, but I'm also thinking of doing a course at the university.

Agency names would also be useful, particularly ones that are more open to pets, though I'm aware this tends to be more reliant on the landlord/lady than the agency.

I'm also interested in how people find public transport in Edinburgh. I have heard good things. I was originally contemplating a move to Bristol, but the reputation of its transport system and expensive rentals dissuaded me. :/ Recommendations of similar areas in the south would also be appreciated, as I am casting a wide net.

Thanks.

[sleepyhead]

If I were to move to Edinburgh, I'd be looking in Bruntsfield or Marchmont. They tick most of your boxes. Stockbridge is also very nice.

Unfortunately I don't know what rental prices are like in Edinburgh - I live in a similar area to these in Glasgow and £750 wouldn't give you a great choice of properties.

Have a look at the Edinburgh Local Mumsnet talk board. You might get more Edinburgh mumsnetters looking there.

[ScotsWhaHae]

In Edinburgh I'd recommend you look at Morningside, Stockbridge/Comley Bank, New Town or Bruntsfield/Meadows although your budget might not stretch to the fairly central areas like that. Put it in perspective, a two bed ex council house on a not particularly great scheme a 40 minute bus journey from the city centre gets £650 on the private rental market.

But you never know.

Buses are fine. Monthly passes are worthwhile if you are making a,couple of trips a day. LRT are the main bus provider and have most of the city and surrounding areas covered. Trams are there, might be useful if you end up working out at the Gyle (huge business park on the western fringes of the city) which is likely if you are in finance. HSBC, RBS, HBOS and many others have large offices out there. City centre head offices and standard life, Scottish widows etc.

Would you be better looking to transfer if you're already in finance? Chances are whoever you work for,have something in Edinburgh.

[Vertig0]

Thanks for the replies both and for the area recommendations. I'll also give the Edinburgh Local Mumsnet a go. My budget is flexible to a degree, i.e. to £800 or so.