Moving to Livingston, West Lothian

[Bishoppapi]

Hi Mumsneters in Livingston/Edinburgh,

This is my first post and I would appreciate your suggestions. We currently live in Gilmerton area of Edinburgh but we don't really like the property where we are living. We have visited Livingston West Lothian and seem to like the place. Also we are expecting our first child and therefore want a bigger house and space. So I just wanted to know if Livingston West Lothian is a good place to live for families and if moving from Edinburgh to Livingston is a good idea. Secondly, as we are now thinking of good schools for our baby, I would like to know if there are pretty good schools in Livingston. I would appreciate a short overall assessment of life in Livingston and if moving there is good. Thank you.

I'm biased because I live in Livingston and want to move! I really don't like it here but will try to put that to one side and give some positives.

It has a good sized shopping centre and all of the main supermarkets are here except Tesco which is in Bathgate. Mill Farm is a great place to visit nearly every weekend when your DC are young. Whe they are older, Lowport in Linlithgow runs fantastic outdoor courses in the holidays- sailing, wilderness adventure, mountain biking, kayaking etc. Beecraigs is nearby and has nice walks. There are extensive cycle paths and we're on the Route 75 cycle route.

There are all sorts of classes and activities for children- you just need to dig about sometimes to find them.

If you need to get into the city, Edinburgh is easily accessible by train.

I don't rate the schools. The primary schools are OK, but IME not at the level of many of the Edinburgh schools. The high schools, with the exception of St Margaret's, get very poor results and have quite limited options. We've gone private and DS gets a school bus to Edinburgh every day.

It depends on what you are looking for. Lots of people are very happy here but I find it a completely soulless place with endless housing estates. I want to move to Balerno!

This is really helpful....thank you.

I'd look to stay in Edinburgh. I find Livingston a bit soulless.

Linlithgow lovely though with good schools.

Livingston is a bit soulless but property prices reflect this and the easy commute to both Edinburgh and Glasgow I think is worth it