Portobello

[EdinburghQuestions]

Hi everyone!

I am thinking of selling up my flat in Edinburgh's Southside to get something a little larger in Spring next year, was thinking perhaps Portobello but really other than driving through it and very occasionally walking along the prom don't have very much of an idea about it.

From looking online there are a lot of nice looking properties there at the moment and you get a good deal more for your money than in central Edinburgh. Probably looking for something to be a first family home that will do for a good few years and it still seems easy enough to get to for any of our friends who live in the centre of town.

• Does anyone know what the primary school is like in Porty? I am aware that the high school will soon be rebuilt but what is the current high school like?
• What is the area like for young, new families?
• Transport links? We have a car and would be driving into the town for work but i am unsure what commute times would be like at rush hour?
• Crime rates?
• Also, I know it is hard to say but from others who have experience moving, buying and selling - is Spring the best time to focus on this?

I have always been right in the heart of the city so this all seems a bit scary and far away from the hub of everything but every time i have been there it does seem lovely so to know a little more would be great!

Any thoughts/advice will be great, thanks!

Hello

I've lived in Porty for six years, having moved from the city centre, and I love it. You're right that you get a lot more property for your money. There is a lovely community feel and it's great for young children with good nurseries, playgrounds and activities. Loads of people move here to start families and I made loads of new parent friends locally when my kids were born.

My kids aren't at primary yet but I've heard good things about Towerbank and St Johns. Towerbank is pretty large and just off the prom. St Johns is next to the current High School in Duddingston and is due to be rebuilt on the Porty High site when that's knocked down. The local catchment areas are currently in the process of changing so if you are looking at a property it's worth double checking which area it's in.

I drive to the west end for work, which takes around 20 mins if I leave around 8am, longer if I leave it any later. DH works on the east side of town and his bus takes around 20-25 mins. The buses are great, really regular and there are express buses at peak times.

Not sure about crime rates. A while ago there was a spate of bike thefts in the area but they seem to have cleared up and I've heard about the odd break in. There is a Watch Porty Facebook page which you can check out.

Porty is fab - been here for 9 years. Moved from London (although I am originally from west coast Scotland) when DS1 was a baby. Both DS been through toddler groups, nursery and now thriving at Towerbank Primary. Big school but fantastic - we are very happy with it and I love the fact that they can both skate to school along the prom and barely have to cross a road.

This is very much a community - and quite unlike many other areas of the city I think. I can't imagine living anywhere else in Edinburgh. Sandy beaches and loads of park literally on our doorstep yet a world class city within 25 mins reach on 26 bus. Property is cheaper than city centre but competition for family homes (particularly period homes) is intense due to lack of stock. One house we were interested in recently had over 20 notes of interest!

The new high school is under construction at the moment and due to open August 2016. No direct experience of Porty High but a lot of families seem very happy with it and the new building can only improve the experience for local kids.

Lones is right that you need to check out situation with catchment for Towerbank - all under review at the moment.

Not sure crime is any worse than other parts of the city. Always pays to be vigilant and members of the community do look out for each other.