Advice on move to Edinburgh or Glasgow

[PouletDePrintemps]

DH and I currently live outside the UK in a European city. We are planning to move back to the UK very soon.

We were planning on going to Edinburgh but we are now wondering if Glasgow might be better for us.

We are in our 40s with no kids. We love walking in the hills and would like easy access to the countryside. No great interest in night life such as nightclubs etc but enjoy eating out from time to time.

We are looking to rent initially, ideally 2 beds with preferred budget of no more than GBP1000 per month.
DH will be working from home (he can move with his job) but I would like to find work in book-keeping/office management type role but of course at this stage have no idea if that is a)possible or b)where that job would be so it is probably best we stay fairly central or near to good transport links.

One final thought that may have some bearing on where we should look is that we are English, though I am not sure if this matters as much as some of the press make out.

We are going to Scotland next week to check areas out and maybe even to find a flat to rent so I would really appreciate your input on where you would recommend for us.

The meet up sounds great. Unfortunately we aren't flying until 2pm on Wednesday so won't be able to make it. Have some for me though

Poulet - someone's already mentioned Bridge of Weir, and I would add Brookfield and Houston. Linwood is bigger, but not as nice. Bishopton and Quarriers Village are nice, but I don't know as much about the transport links.

You don't mention children, but Houston and Bridge of Weir both have good primary schools, and a very good secondary school (Gryffe High school).

OP, if you could hire a car & focus on the two parts of town, that would give you a really good feel for the areas.

Southside: along the A77/Kilmarnock Rd corridor eg Strathbungo, Queens Park, Shawlands, Newlands, Giffnock. It's a long main road & cuts through all these areas.

West End: Kelvinbridge, Great Western Rd, Byres Rd, Broomhill, Partick, Jordanhill, Hyndland - these areas are all enclosed within an area too large to cover on foot - a car would give you an idea of the wider area.

There are loads of letting agents in Byres Rd & Kilmarnock Rd. Parking can be a bit tricky on the main roads but there is plenty on the surrounding side streets.

Sauvignon 's suggestions are spot on. I'm in Edinburgh but have lived in both Glasgow and Stirling so knowledge of them all.

Personally, I feel most at home in Edinburgh but it's a personal response. You'll know yourself pretty quickly when you spend time in each.

Edinburgh wise, Stockbridge and New Town obv fab but most pricey. Dean Village, Bruntsfield, Morningside, are also nice areas though not cheap.

In Glasgow, I'd go Southside - Shawlands, Queens Park, Giffnock.

And agree with ocelot about the weather - the dreich Glasgow weather got me down. Edinburgh is MUCH drier , though cold!

I'd add in Pollokshields (West of Shields Road) and Langside.

You asked about where jobs would be located. The majority would be in the centre of the city, but like any major city, there will be jobs all around the place. Especially if you are looking for an office manager type role.

The good thing about Glasgow is that there is an excellent suburban railway system and of course our dinky subway system.

The Southside is also easy access to the M8 West to get to the Highlands via the Erskine Bridge (rather than along Great Western Road).

You should definitely consider Milngavie if you're adding Bearsden to the list. Still with good railway links. However, the availability of flats is likely to be more limited. Right on the edge of the countryside and of course the beginning of the West Highland Way.

If you fancy meeting up for coffee at some point while you're here, PM me. I'm sure SDTG would also be happy to meet up.

Edinburgh is always on those great standard of living lists. I love it (but that's no help to you). Glasgow has a more urban feel but Edinburgh is still definitely a city. Neither is more cosmopolitan. Glasgow is more 'Yes' voting, if that influences your choice.

If weather is important to you, be aware that in Glasgow it rains a lot. But it is cheaper.

I definitely would, prettybird.

You should take her up,on the offer, Poulet - *prettybird makes some of the best tablet (a sweet Scottish delicacy) I have tasted.

Thanks prettybird and SDTG that sounds great.

I am back for more advice!

I quite like this place. What is Mount Florida like?

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/property-54621323.html

Lots of lovely flats about, though I am finding more choice in the south.

Like this

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/property-38940060.html

Your first - I don't really know the area but have been to Queens Park a few times (they have a mini-zoo in the glass houses). My vague memories are a pretty nice area, but may have challenging parking. That property is right next to the train station though so you could maybe do without a car.

That second flat looks more basement than ground floor to me

As others have said, you really need to have a wonder around the areas yourselves during the day, and the night, to get a feel for now things really are.

If you go onto Google maps they have all the public transport in so you can have a look at how practical it is to get places, and if course you can have a most on street view too :)

I

A nosy on street view

Thanks. I know I need to be patient and wait until next week when we can have a properly look around. Just getting excited and patience isn't my strong suit

I agree about the basement in the second flat. The view from one of the bedrooms of the underside of the stairs is stunning!

I know the area very well. Am originally a south-sider & still have my flat there.

Queen Square is a beautiful street - my sister lives there! It's in the Strathbungo conservation area, yet the end of the road you have all the amenities in Shawlands. A lovely neighbourhood.

The 2nd flat in Mount Florida is a bit more urban. Still has good transport links & amenities, but not as desirable as Shawlands.

Also have a look on s1 homes & citylets for rental properties. The market moves quickly, with desirable flats snapped up quickly. You'll also be pleased to know that agents don't charge tenants fees in Scotland

Mount Florida is very handy for the city. Good public transport links. Some nice cafes around but few bars (you might think that's good!).

Parking is a nightmare and even worse when there is an event on at Hampden. It is constantly noisy. I think that rental price is a lot for that flat.

Queen's Square is a bit quieter, slightly closer to town, handier for Queen's Park. Good bus links, and close to shopping/pubs etc on Victoria Road and Pollokshaws Rd. This looks like better value (despite only being 2bed). I would want to see how much light it got being a basement flat.

I agree with Sauvignon's very succinct assessment

Actually, I disagree, and think you should indulge your impatience

The better you know Glasgow, and the better you know the rental market, the more useful your visit next week will be. If you can get your ideas narrowed down now, the less time you'll waste when you are here.

Do you plan on using public transport?
Hiring Nextbikes?
Are basement flats acceptable?
How many bedrooms?
Do you want be walking distance from corner shop/supermarket/places to eat?
Do you want to be somewhere that has a "centre"? Quirky shops and pavement cafes?
Do you want to be next to a park? Which park?
After you going to have a car? Do you want off street parking?
How close do the hills need to be?

Etc etc

Have fun planning and getting excited :)

Am on a rush, multi-tasking while feeding toddler her lunch!!

Am hugely sentimental for the south side of Glasgow! Really miss it & have unrealistic views of moving back in to my wee flat in my retirement. It was a great place to live, with all the amenities on your doorstep, yet within easy reach of parks, town etc.

South side is also cheaper than West End.

Ps agree with prettybird re: parking around mount Florida, also the Victoria infirmary has an impact on parking too, as well as concerts. Would also avoid streets off Victoria Rd - not so nice, you could do a lot better for your budget.

Thanks for all the feedback. I am going to take a list of possible areas and answers to to Itsall's questions.

There are some really gorgeous flats in the already let section. I'm hoping there will be something wonderful that arrives on the market just at the right moment for us

If not I will look on homeaway or similar for a holiday rental to get us started for a couple of weeks. Would prefer not to move twice though.

I'd amend that to say avoid the roads directly off Victoria Road except the ones facing directly onto Queens Park - and the couple of roads just off that road (can't remember what it's called) across to Strathbungo (there's a sort of tree lined square beside the church).

Parking anywhere where there are tenement flats is a bit of lottery. You get very used to parallel parking!

Iirc, when I had a quick look at what was on for rent, there was one in Edgemont Street which looked good. Also in Waverley Gardens.

But as gas been said, the rental market moves fast here. Ironically, it can be cheaper to buy than to rent - even a tenement flat!

If you can bear to consider Edinburgh again, this flat www.zoopla.co.uk/to-rent/details/38772077?search_identifier=33f1e6dda1f7eb837bce325e46e056a9#0cHYz6g4GtEuCGWq.97

is in an amazing spot, directly facing the Queens Park and Arthur's seat. My Grandparent's lived there and I spent chunks of my childhood there. The view is beautiful and you are only a short hop, or even walking distance from the the town centre. I would move there in a flash!

My advice us to choose the west end some parts of Glasgow you like the look of and have a wander about.

Ah, glad you picked Glasgow! I live a few mins away from areas you're looking at and agree with the comments you've had in the south side. I think I read that it's just you and your DH so as much as I love the south side I'd consider finnieston too - good pubs and restaurants on your doorstep.

If you'll need storage I've used Storage Vault before when moving house and they were really good.

Good luck with the search.

Are you drivers or do you mostly use public transport?

That will be a big factor in the pros/cons of areas.

I'd recommend the Hilton on bytes road as a base. You'll get a feel for the west end and can use the subway to go south/town.