Where to live in/near Glasgow

[longestlurkerever]

Dh applied for a job in London (where we currently live) but has been given an interview for one in Glasgow. It's not something we'd have seriously considered if it hadn't happened this way but the more we think about it the more it might be a good opportunity (if he were to be offered the job, obviously).

I am just at the daydream stage really but where are good areas for families in and around Glasgow? The job is fairly central and I'd be looking for one too (I'm a civil servant and would be hoping for a transfer of some kind). We are in the fortunate position of owning a house in London that has a fair amount of equity. We'd probably get about £950k if we sold it and but if we could reduce our mortgage and get something closer to 500 or 600k that'd be helpful. 3 or 4 bedrooms and a garden would be ideal. I can't decide if I'd prefer close to the city centre or somewhere further out with access to the countryside. Open to suggestions!

I have two girls aged 5 and 1. Any information about the school application process and childcare position would be really helpful.

How about:

www.zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/details/38353877?search_identifier=7d4feec8173fa49aaf18e7802f4147a1#r8hoFrMGgdDHrE1X.97

In catchment for one of the best state schools in Scotland - 30/40 mins by train or car to Glasgow, about an hour to Edinburgh. Rail station, lots going on in community for all ages, 10 mins into Stirling and less to Bridge of Allan, Leisure centres, pools, every sport you can imagine, into the hills in minutes, about 40 mins each direction to get to the beach or loch lomond though.

I also like this but very slightly less convenient for the train but still only about 10 minutes to either the train station or the motorway south. Technically in catchment for McLaren High - also a decent school, but many kids go to Dunblane.

www.zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/details/41995165#Oxjve2DQqPpITh0P.97

As you can see, longestlurker, many of us are passionate about the respective benefits of where we live.

I'm sure you'll choose somewhere that is right for you and your family. You've got lots of choices here.

:)

Another thought OP, what about the Strathblane/Blanefield area? To the north of Glasgow but in catchment for Balfron High - another decent school.

I can back up the Strathblane/blanefield suggestion. You will rarely find an area as beautiful that has a relatively short commute back to a city. Lovely community, beautiful scenery, nice pub.
No trainline though so might be a bit off putting to someone from London. (You can bus to Milngavie the take the train though).

I can also back up the suggestion of Balfron High - closet you can get to a private school ethos without paying for it. They get good results.

Primary school is small and has composite classes- which can be a good or bad thing depending on you view.

Thanks everyone. Interview is on Monday so will see how it goes then have a proper think.

Good luck to your dh for his interview .

I am happy to be PMed if you want more info - and I'm sure others would be too.

Yes - I'm happy to chat via pm too. And I can tell you that prettybird is lovely and very helpful.

I can see that SDT! Thank you too. X

We know some pretty good places for coffee and cake, if you want to meet up for a chat, too!

I always said that if i have to stay in the Uk, I'd stay in Scotland as I think it's better for families, and if I'm staying in Scotland then I want to be in or near Glasgow for the easy transport links/vibrancy/job options.

We're based in a suburb to the Southside, it's quieter than I would like, but very child centric and we are near the 'buzzier' places. I feel like I get the best of both worlds. DD goes to a top 3 placed state school and has an outdoor forestry after school club. It's a nice community, half an hour from Glasgow and I have the choice of two train stations within walking distance. (If you have to rely on buses as your mode of transport to work I would strongly consider looking at other areas- I relied on them for years and it was a constant source of stress. Over an hour to do a 20 min journey when it was on time.)

There's lots of lovely places around Glasgow tbh, I'd recommend shortlisting some schools and then coming and doing a recce around the surrounding areas.