Moving to Glasgow - advice on these places

[PoochiePie]

Hi all, moving to Glasgow imminently, and will be renting is my house down south hasn't sold yet and need to be with DH when our little one is born (due in 6 weeks!)
Money is going to be tight, as we are paying double everything (including council tax?!) our max rental budget is 750-800/month at the moment, so weighing up cheaper rents further away with cost of transport. I'll be on maternity leave, and DH works in Govan. DH is happy to get public transport, or drive (apparently there is on street parking near his work), and we are used to commuting 40 mins at the moment - although would rather not be doing 20 miles each way if we can avoid it.
The catch is we need to have a garden, and the property needs to be dog friendly as we have two - so that narrows things down considerably. We are moving from an area where we are comparatively well off, but given it's a city, mat leave, and we are paying twice over I'm not expecting to live in an affluent area. That said, we both have 2 year old cars (1 is an Audi), and having lived in rough areas of London a few years back, I don't want to live somewhere where having a car like that will make us stand out as a target for crime/vandalism.

I'm viewing some rentals next week in the following areas, and hoped those that know them could give me an idea of if they are ok etc.

-Bearsden - this is pushing our budget but seems like a nice property for our budget, and less than a mile walk to the station.
-Bishopbriggs
-Gartcosh

• Stonehouse (DH would need to drive, as 3miles to nearest station)
• Dalry (Ayrshire - also need to drive)
• Kilmarnock (but not close to the station)

-old kilpatrick

Thanks!!

East Kilbride could be a good bet while you get your bearings. It's a bit further out so more affordable, with loads of baby and toddler groups for the new arrival. If your DH is working on the south side of the river, the commute isn't too bad either - probably around half an hour by car. The trains aren't great though (depending on what you're used to) - there's only one line into Glasgow central so you need to change to get to most places.

Definite no to Dalry.

I'm in South Craigs, Kilmarnock and its a very mixed bag. Most Kilmarnock people are friendly and welcoming in a brash sort of way, South Craigs is ok but it is a cramped estate and not hugely friendly although very safe for children to go out and play together from around 8-9 years old. Its very quiet so hope your dogs don't bark much as it wont go down well, but there are a few good local places to walk them offlead!

The town centre has very little to offer and you need to travel further for a decent restaurant (apart from one outstanding Chinese). Local school for South Craigs is Onthank Primary which is a deprived area with a mix of good and bad. It used to be a fantastic school (ds went there), but it has changed since the outstanding headmaster retired.

South Craigs is ideal for a Glasgow commute as its literally 2 mins to the motorway, I commute to Glasgow every day over the Kingston Bridge, but I choose to do an early start/finish to miss the traffic (leave Kilmarnock 6:20, leave Glasgow 15:45) and it only takes 30 mins.

I'm an Ayrshire lass so cant comment on the Glasgow areas.

Troon and Ayr will increase your commute significantly. Fenwick is closer and a nice village if there is anything to rent there, but can be cliquey.

Are you renting there for long?
Clarkston, newton Mearns area is very nice and lots of properties with gardens. Motorway to get you every where. East Renfrewshire best district in Scotland for schools but you are a long way off that. Good luck

In your situation I'd be moving here - and it even says "pets negotiable".

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/property-58767490.html

Is this a short or long term move If you expect to be here when your DC goes to school then get into Clarkston,Bearsden etc for the schools

Bearsden is lovely - but more expensive than other areas of the city. there isn't a huge amount of rental property here either. Schools though are excellent.

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/property-59057284.html

Is in catchment for Baljaffray primary and Beasrden Academy, right on the edge of fields and ideal for dogs.

Kinning Park

I'd look along the A77/M77 corridor from Strathbungo & work out to Giffnock, Mearns, Fenwick, Neilston to Dunlop, then Prestwick/Troon/Ayr. Although you're looking at a fair commute with the latter.

Or go West along the M8 to Kilbarchan, Houston, Bridge of Weir etc if you want a more villagey feel.

You should be able to get something decent for your budget.

Agree that your biggest barrier will be finding a LL who agrees to pets.

Have you looked around Ferry Village in Renfrew?

Great transport links to Govan and on the same side of the Clyde as your husbands work.

You are also walking distance from Braehead shopping centre, 10 mins from Glasgow Airport and a short walk from Renfrew town centre for any local amenities.
The bus route also goes via the Southern General hospital.

It's very popular with young families and you'll find plenty local agents renting there and also some AirBnB accommodation.

Good luck!

On a separate note, I'm also due in 6 weeks so hope all goes well!

Yip I'd 2nd the ferry village suggestion, or Renfrew itself. Definitely get something within budget and a very easy commute for your husband. Easy to get into Glasgow itself and get out into the country.
Central for everything, not on a train line but the prices reflect that and has excellent bus links. You can choose either the rah or the queh hospital for having your baby (choose the rah would be my advice)

I live in one of the towns you mentioned in the OP, and it's ace. I am in a very nice part of town but, as with all places, you need to be careful...a couple of miles the wrong way and you're in Beirut.

I'm not from Glasgow originally and still struggle with there being such expensive houses streets away from places that have significant issues with poverty.

I'm in Kilmarnock and Glasgow is very easy to get to. Either public transport (southcraigs is a lovely area) Glasgow buses are very frequent. The bypass is quick if you leave at the right time. I find if I leave at 7am I have a clear run. 15 minutes later and it gets busy. It's an easy drive. Kilmarnock prices aren't too high. You will easily get a rental in a nice area for that budget.

Locally you have good park access. Dean castle country park is close to southcraigs. You can also get to beaches too in about 15 minutes.

I'm slightly biased but I like living here

Bearsden, Milngavie [ near Bearsden] Bishopbriggs - all good areas. I agree about the rental market. There isn't that much although i have seen a sharp rise in properties for rent so you may be lucky.

Another one for ferry village here. Nice area, good transport links, and shopping centre within walking distance

You've had plenty of advice on specific areas here so I won't add to that. Pet friendly rentals may be hard to find.

The local libraries in Glasgow do Bounce and Rhyme sessions which are a good way to meet local parents, so it's worth looking for a library within walking distance. Good luck.

I moved up from kilmarnock to glasgow in October. We rented a 2 bed house in knightswood for 600 a month before buying a house here in April. It's so quiet, lots of walks and friendly people. I work in the same area as your husband and I run/cycle to work. It's 5k from my door to work and it's perfect.
I love it here and I didn't know the area at all. Good luck it's a big change esp with your new arrival coming soon x