Nice, affordable areas within commuting distance of central Edinburgh

[user1463172942]

Just that!

I have the possibility of a job move to Edinburgh. I have been watching threads about this with interest on here but the areas that often come up Morningside, Merchiston area are way out of my price range. The move is worthwhile, I will immediately be on about £12k more and have much better long term prospects (I'm only mid 30s so this is important)

I am a LP with 3dc and need to think about schools. I am considering the Steiner school for my eldest, he is at an 'alternative' school now and is much happier after difficulties in a mainstream primary. My younger two love school so generally good state schools will be great for them.

I would need to be a able to commute into the city in under about 30-40 mins to make childcare etc doable.

I will probably rent long term, my budget is £1000 per month (ish) and I need 3 bedrooms.

Is there anywhere I should look at or would I be stuck with really down and out areas because it's such an expensive place? Thanks.

[user1463172942]

As an afterthought I could probably also do the same job based in Glasgow, but don't know the city much (have visited Edinburgh lots). Would there realistically be more affordable options there? A quick look online makes me think prices are similar but I don't know where the commuter areas are? Thanks

[3nationsfamily]

Look at Juniper green or colinton areas you should be able to get something in your budget at 3 beds and the schools are very good- although in high demand so not sure about availability of places it may depend on the age of your children. About 35 mins commute to city centre www.zoopla.co.uk/to-rent/property/juniper-green/

[user1463172942]

That's a great house, will check these ares out thanks.

[TinfoilHattie]

There's not a Steiner school in Glasgow any more. Plenty of Montessori pre-schools, but none for older children.

Best commuter areas in Glasgow are to the north or south of the city - Newton Mearns, Giffnock, Woodfarm to the south or Bearsden, Milngavie to the north. All have excellent state schools but if you want "alternative" the only option is paying for it, afaik.

[user1463172942]

Will have a look at the Glasgow options thanks.

[user1463172942]

Wow, the Glasgow commuter areas look much more affordable, just looking on rightmove. As much as I love Edinburgh I do have a limited budget.
I think I might drive up next weekend and look properly.

[user1463172942]

Do people tend to drive into Glasgow centre or get the train? Is parking as scarce and expensive as Edinburgh?

[AuraofDora]

Check out Linlithgow, Falkirk areas too, by train they are within easy reach of central Edinburgh, Haymarket and Waverley station.

[TinfoilHattie]

Definitely spend time looking. And not just driving around - get out of the car, walk the streets, go to parks, into shops, get a feel for the place. At least the Scottish school system makes getting a school place a wee bit easier than in England.

Glasgow has the added benefit of trains as well as buses - 25 minutes into the centre of town from the edges of the city is standard, but it will depend on where you're working, and of course the school you choose for your children.

[Notthisnotthat]

My sister is in Lenzie, her DH takes the train to work in the city centre, short commute. Good schools too.

[prettybird]

Have a look at Shawlands, Newlands, Kings Park, Cardonald and Pollokshields. I've waxed lyrical about Shawlands and Pollokshields many times and the quality of schooling at Glendale, Langside, Shawlands, Tinto Primary schools and Shawlands Academy (ds went to Glendale Primary then Shawlands Academy).

Good transport links (bus, train and, if you live in Pollokshields, subway - although there is also a reasonably priced Park & Ride facility at the subway), lots of parks and an increasingly vibrant shopping area in Shawlands.

I live within a 10-15 minute walk of 4 train stations and the subway. Nithsdale Road shops (some nice delis, posh greengrocers and coffee shops) and Albert Drive (great ethnic/Asian shops - good for spices) are a 10 minute walk. The motorways are a 5 minute drive way (M77, M74, M8)

Shawlands Academy is a 20 minute walk keeps ds fit

[TinfoilHattie]

Parking in Glasgow is not quite such a nightmare as it is in Edinburgh. Most of the areas mentioned for living have unrestricted parking, in town parking is fairly expensive - you're looking at £15 for a full day, compared with a lot less on the train. Really depends where you're working and living though.

Edinburgh is less than an hour away by train or road - it's plenty close enough for a day out.

[MoreProseccoNow]

I'm from Glasgow but live in Edinburgh. In my humble opinion, West is Best! The schools, transport infrastructure, sporting/leisure facilities & general quality of life are better in Glasgow, IMO. You definitely get more bang for your buck there. Property is more affordable & the state schools (particularly in East Renfrewshire) are superior. Plus the people are more friendly, although Edinburgh is more of a mix of nationalities.

[OutandIntoday]

Glasgow is cheaper and a much easier city to get around what with suburban train lines/ subway. In Edinburgh people mainly rely on the buses which are much slower. I would live in East Renfrewshire / east Dunbartonshire for the best choice of schools.

[Redyoyo]

I drive to Glasgow every day there's a lot of car parks around Anderson which is in city centre from £4 - £6 a day.

[NatalieRushman]

Glasgow is infinitely cheaper than Edinburgh, ime. We used to live in Bearsden, one of the suburbs. Excellent primary school, reasonable house prices, and just a lovely area to live in. It's also convenient to get around - Trains and subway cover most of the city. Edinburgh is a lot more expensive (but I do technically live in the actual city now, not a suburb) and I'm not as keen on buses, but as you said, it does have a Steiner school which Glasgow does not.

[fluffygreenmonsterhoody]

Edinburgh public transport is grand. Buses are v frequent and the tram within town is speedy.

Look at Linlithgow for good community feel and highly regarded primary and secondary. 16 mins by train to Haymarket or 20 to Waverley.

Alternatively, North Berwick on the east of Edinburgh is also lovely and excellent state schools.

[morningtoncrescent62]

Another Edinburgh-ite here. I agree with the recommendation of Linlithgow which is cheaper than the Edinburgh itself, has great schools, and is in easy commuting distance. Another option might be Musselburgh to the east of the city but also an easy commute with good schools and beaches! North Berwick possibly a bit on the expensive side, but I agree, it's a lovely place to live.

[doublerainbow31]

I'm from west lothian. places around Livingston are perfect. most people work in Edinburgh then bus/train it home. If ur work place has parking the drive is easy too.

[WankersHacksandThieves]

Glasgow is cheaper for a reason.

[user1463172942]

Yikes! What's the reason?

[WankersHacksandThieves]

I could say that there is more supply given it's a bigger city which will be true to an extent. However, my personal view is that (from what I've experienced) it isn't somewhere I'd choose to live. I appreciate that there are probably some lovely areas but I just don't like it. Edinburgh just seems more relaxed and cosmopolitan. I always feel a bit uneasy in Glasgow - could be more to do with me than it to be fair.

[user1463172942]

Ok.

What do people think of Balerno, looks just about affordable and the high school looks great in paper. Also close enough (I think) for eldest to go to Steiner. Would need to check out transport routes etc.

I've booked a hotel for the weekend so will be on a whistle stop tour of both Glasgow and Edinburgh next weekend looking st some of these areas

[WankersHacksandThieves]

Balerno is a good area and school has a good reputation. I know people who live in Kirknewton and that's in catchment for Balerno too. Firrhill is also a decent school and you might get something in catchment for a decent price.

[WankersHacksandThieves]

Have a great trip, also consider that you'd be spending time in the city centres so it would be worth checking those out too.