Does anyone know Eskbank/Bonnyrigg/Dalkeith?

[JolieColombe]

My parents are both retired now and thinking of moving up to be closer to the grandkids We're Edinburgh-based, but they don't want to live right in the city. There are some nice houses available in these areas, but I don't know them at all, what the shops are like, or what they're like to live in. I was hoping to get the inside scoop here.

It is lovely that the new rail line is making so many more areas easily connectable

I have friends in Dalkeith & Bonnyrigg, they're happy there. Shopping is a little basic but adequate for everyday needs. Some parts are a bit rough but overall okay.

What about looking at Peebles? It's a lovely place - nice shops, cafés, parks, swimming pool and riverside walks, beautiful hills and there's supermarkets too. Edinburgh only 30 min drive away.
I grew up in Penicuik and rate it an OK place - I know the places above - prob see Eskbank as a posh (!) bit of Dalkeith more than separate town.
Personally view Bonnyrigg, Dalkeith, loan head, Penicuik as rather average options with some really rough areas (although as ever there are nice bits to be found too!)
Another nicer option might be Musselburgh as it's on the coast, or further afield Dunbar or North Berwick (both on train line) and lovely in my view.

Thanks

I live in one of those areas. Have done for about 5 years. There are nice houses here and an increasing number of nice places to eat etc. Our local primary is ok, but pretty much at capacity.
There are lots of new build which are a bit removed from town but there are also a lot of houses which are walking distance to shops etc.
DH and I both commute to Edinburgh for work, using the bus and new rail services which can be a bit unreliable! If you have any questions please pm me!

I would tell them to have a look at Joppa, Musselburgh and a bit further round the coast. Lots of nice areas down there.

Linlithgow is a great choice for retirees, lovely high street with a palace slap bang in the middle of it, and a good train link. Likewise South Queensferry although much of the housing is 70s and not very pretty, it's good value and practical, with good transport links to Edinburgh and a vibrant community.

Was popping in to say Linlithgow, but see Lonny beat me to it!

Thanks again for all these suggestions, I'm passing them all on to DM

I'd second looking out Queensferry way, or maybe even consider Fife/North Queensferry which is very accessible (I have friends who commute daily into Edinburgh) but really nice.

Musselburgh I know, and I know is nice - I'd second that too. Definitely look along the coast.

Lots of the towns/villages in East Lothian are lovely: Gullane, Longniddry, Aberlady.

We've recently moved out of Edinburgh to East Lothian and love it out here.