Best places to live around Edinburgh

[user1479862851]

Hi
My husband got a really good job in Edinburgh and we need to move sometime in May. I don't know the area very well so a little bit of help would be greatly appreciated. If you could please help me in where to look for houses around Edinburgh that would be great. We don't want to live in Edinburgh as we want a bit of space after we lived in London for so long, also he won't mind commuting 30 min, an hour so we are quite flexible. We are planning on renting first and will buy after we know what we want. To make it more complicated :) we have a 8 year old son so i would need a good primary school with a good secondary around as well. Thank you in advance for any help.

Try posting in Scotnet, in the Other Stuff section. You should get some helpful suggestions there.

Can I recommend Fife? Maybe Aberdour or even North Queensferry? The new bridge will be open next year and commuting into central Edinburgh will be easier and quicker. Both have lovely primary schools, especially the school in Aberdour. Aberdour is the 'posh' village in the area with a lovely beach and lots of indie shops and eating places. Prices are higher than the surrounding area but it's a pretty place.
Silver Sands Beach, Aberdour.

I wouldn't rule out living in Edinburgh. I used to live in London and it's a completely different experience. I live 1.5 miles from the centre but can be on top of a hill with views to Fife in 15 minutes (walking). I can get on my bike and follow cycle paths all the way to the Pentland hills.

If you definitely want to live outside Edinburgh then I'd recommend North Berwick. Nice little town, lots of amenities (goes like a fair in the summer), beach is lovely, high school has a great reputation and it's half an hour on the train to Edinburgh.

Portobello is nice, close to Edinburgh and on the beach.

Or in town Brunstfield is near the meadows and very nice, also loads of nice streets between the university and Arthur's Seat, which are central and lovely.