Relocating: best place to live with good schools and opportunities

[chasingthatunicorn]

Hi all, we are looking to relocate and move home to Scotland after 17 years as expats. Budget of 325k for a 3 bed home. Ideally somewhere beautiful (mountains/hills/trees) with hacking/horses and hiking nearby and good schools for our kids (we have 2 aged 6 and 8 now but looking long-term for decent state high schools).

I'm happy to go rural, he is leaning more to semi-rural (so within an hour of a city/big town)

I'm a teacher and hubby is in sales but we'd like to narrow down some areas then look at job opportunities.

So far we've looked into Melrose and Peebles, Balerno area outside Edinburgh around the Pentland hills, Dunblane/Stirling county, considering more north (Aberdeenshire?) and more west (it's so beautiful) but trying to get find that sweet spot and just so overwhelmed! Any suggestions to consider please?

Hey, we were looking at areas around Edinburgh before moving back to Scotland after 15 years in South of England. Balerno/Currie is where we've chosen after lots of research. 2 great primary and high schools (Currie high being built brand new just now and plans look awesome). Can run/ bike in Pentlands or woods within 45 min walk, or can commute cycle to city centre for 8 miles literally without crossing a road down water of Leith path. My only grumble is I didn't find this place earlier! Good luck on the move.