Help! Another relocating qtn sorry!

[Trixiema]

Hi! Am relocating to Edinburgh with 18month dd. We will be renting for a while but are unsure where would be best for a family (schools and activities). We would like to be central however in a safe area. Any suggestions? Eventually we would be looking for state schools, however not sure if I should be worrying now? Quite like new town and stockbridge. Looking pref under 1100 pcm? Unrealistic? Thanks in advance!

Bruntsfield/Merchiston/Morningside is locally known as nappy valley...great state schools (primary and secondary) and a very family-friendly area in general. Also very safe. All this of course adds up to quite high rents but you would easily get a 2 bed flat for £1100 pcm. BTW a lot of central Edinburgh housing stock is flats so if you prefer a house you are best off looking in the suburbs.

Thanks! Will look at flats there it's helpful as I don't really know the area.

Newtown, Stockbridge and Comely Bank are all nice too - and mainly feeding to either Flora Stevensons or Stockbridge Primary which are well regarded.

The areas mentioned above by Willpenn are also lovely - we considered them all when looking to buy (not done so yet - renting in West End/New Town at the moment.) Only potential issue is that they can be more studenty which may or may not bother you. It's very hid or miss - some blocks can have lots of students and others very few.

I think Roseburn primary is also quite good - it has a catchment extending from Murrayfield to Haymarket/West End. Blackhall Primary is good too. TBH, I don't think any of the very central primaries are "bad" - there is a bit of snobbery in Edinburgh over certain schools being the ones to go to.

You might find this interactive catchment map useful - www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/879/school_and_nursery_places/937/school_places/3

We are moving from London and most people where we live send their children to private schools as state ones aren't too great around here! Thanks for suggestions, will bring up issues of students with estate agents, hopefully they will know. I don't fancy having a parties if I want lo sleeping!!!
Will look at those areas!