Edinburgh- best places to live for a Londoner and young family

[mousemole]

I am London born and bred and have finally been convinced to move with hubby's job to Edinburgh. I love it as a visitor but am nervous about moving so far away from family and friends. We have 2 boys, 3 and 1.
So, what are best city centre areas to live in ? Where should you live to be near the best nurseries and schools (private or state)?
Am I totally mad or will I fall in love with the place ? Any other tips gratefully received. We will be renting at first.

rosy, DH grew up in Trinity! his mother is from New Haven, but the cottage where she grew up is no longer standing.

whereabouts?

close to Inverleith Park, i hope!

Oh, sorry, robin, didn't realise I wasn't allowed to have an interest at all in the place where my husband and kids are from and where all their family live.

Or that it's somehow seen as an affront that I'm not a city person and therefore happier here.

Blimey DirtySexyMoney that sounds perfect. We're going demented trying to find something for the fussy buggers inlaws. Can you give us a link?

ha ha my wee one also shouts at the clock! and the monkey attached to the gate thing at the door.

oh god you are so humourless sometime ex

expat-you are fine as long as you don't say glasgow is nicer

The Bridges are in Newington!

You have got it the wrong way round, Newington is not 'The Bridges', and I classed them both as such, when really Newington is the correct term.

And, its Newhaven. One word

DSM you are indeed correct.

Haahahaa, guess that's just seven years in Edinburgh rubbing off on me, robin .

At least, that's probably what they'd say around here.

But they're mostly a bunch of weegies, anyhow.

Lulu - yes, I can.

Not sure how though, don't want to 'out' myself, IYKWIM.. Could I email it to you?

Should check first - what is their budget?

oh! Mine hasnt seen the monkey yet-just as well or she'd shout 'want mucky' and get stroppy if she couldn't have it!

'expat-you are fine as long as you don't say glasgow is nicer '

Oh, not to worry, Aitch isn't around tonight .

ok exp that was quite funny

expat - its Laverockbank, so more Newhaven I would say, am very excited....had very bad experience with neighbours in last flat plus on second floor - so i will really appreciate ground floor with a garden! It is so lovely round there and near the sea, feel very lucky but huge mortgage will bring me back down to earth!

OP, where are you?

poor OP...bet she is thinking 'WHY do i think moving to edinburgh is a good idea?'

Oooo, that is a lovely area, rosy! DH's folks are still just about half a mile from the junction at Granton and Ferry Road.

His dad still works at Inverleith Church, even.

Great schools, too.

We'll be through the first week of August house-sitting for them. I think FAQ is already organising a meet up.

Will get the chance to stock up on some things we have to have delivered here and won't even have to remove the faceplate on the car stereo and activate the car alarm like we have to in Greenock .

Okay, I've been thnking about this and come to a profound conclusion. The thing that is lovely about Edinburgh (or claustrophibic, depending on your perspective) is that most of the places that you would want to go to are concentrated within about a one mile radius of the centre ie museums, shops, bars, galleries, theatres blah. For walks/beach etc you are looking at a five/six mile trip (from the centre) and given that most houses are within a six mile radius of the centre then that makes for a child friendly city. If I have to travel more than 20 minutes on a bus I consider it a major expedition where as in London a twenty minute trip is a short hop.

ah,edinburgh buses and their lovely welcoming drivers!..

DirtySexyMoney - the budget is up to 380k depending on the place. Is that in your ball park?

Lulu - very good explanation.

I love London as well, I have a flat there too, but I feel happy when I am in Edinburgh. Its beautiful, everyone is friendly, it feels safe. Its warm and inviting and so pretty, even when it is pouring with rain

Millions of people come here every year, twice! The festival just makes you want to be outside, as do all the Dhristmas and Hogmanay festivities. There is always loads to see and do, and it is so welcoming.

I bloody love Edinburgh.

Oh aye, its only £150k. it might be too small for them?

What about trams? What is happening with them?

Another bonus, OP: the farmer's market there is brilliant. It's really, really good and just goes from strength to strength. I've already got a list ready for stocking up whilst we're through.

Oh, and no major MIDGIE problem. They may be wee, but they're straight up bastards.

Agree LuLu Edinburgh is a fab place to live - everywhere has its drawbacks but I have really settled here. Expat - have always been too shy to go on meet up but might pluck up courage for next one!