Anyone from Glasgow? Wondering where to move to

[CuppaSarah]

DH has had a job offer, which is great news for us. But it's in Glasgow and we've never been to Scotland, let alone Glasgow. We're all really excited about the move, for so many reasons. We've been desperate to get out of our overpriced, overcrowded area, but we're only going to have one weekend to look at rental properties before we go. The plan is rent for a bit, then buy a house once we're settled into the area.

Of course one weekend isn't enough time to choose where to settle, since DD will have to start school when we move, I don't want to rent in Paisley, but end up buying in Clydebank and have to move her school.

So if any of you live in or know the area, whereabouts up to an hour's commute from central Glasgow would you recommend looking at for a young family? DS and I like rural, DH and DD like towns and cities. So something with the best of both worlds is perfect.

OP Would second Neilston as a 'respectable' area on outer fringes, to the south.

But if you want closer to inner city, I'd really recommend Dennistoun. Wonderful buildings (conservation area, with lovely Alexandra Park) , and also area of historic immigration so smashing Italian restaurants/delis etc together with new Polish/Kurdish shops. Up and coming but still very cheap. You just have to go there and find a street with the vibe that you like.

A PP also mentioned Carntyne. Also woefully overloooked. A suburb further east than Dennistoun but still within walking distance of centre (2.5 miles) built in the 1930s with very spacious 'four in a block' flats with bay windows, high ceilings (and yes, harled or rendered). And with gardens. All for £100,000 or less. New modern flats, as well - not so nice, IMHO, but popular with workers at very big and local and historic Glasgow Royal Infirmary. One of the very best local state schools, which happens to be Catholic but with excellent community ethos.

Even more important, again IMHO, very, very direct but decent, kind and humane - and that's what's so good about Glasgow - neighbours.