Where to live?

[Gorseandbroom]

We need to find somewhere to live and I within commuting distance to Edinburgh. What would be your top three (non city) areas?

Do you have any other criteria? Schools/budget? My top three would be:

Linlithgow
Bridge of Allan/Dunblane
Gullane

yes, depends on other criteria, almost predominantly budget and also re the commute, how long are you willing to commute and by which method.

Yes to Celties options plus Stirling, Kirknewton, Dunbar (or into the Borders if you were happy to commute longer) Lots of new building happening in Penicuik too.

Perth? Although I think it may technically be a city, but it’s a very small one.

Peebles is nice

Sorry but Perth would be crazy. There are so many places to live that would be a much easier commute, especially if you don't want to live in a city.

North Berwick (East Lothian in general)

Or Linlithgow, Aberdour, South Queensferry.

But it depends what you are looking for - small village or bigger town? How long a commute?

Budget?

Linlithgow
North berwick
South Queensferry

Much of East Lothian is good, though North Berwick is crazy expensive. There's a decent train line and a lot of lovely villages not far from stations.

Thank you. Here's the criteria -

No school requirement
Less than an hour commuting
Budget - 300k Max
2/3 bed
Decent internet connection
Village if possible

Any particular side of Edinburgh to commute to? Best to avoid a complete east to west or vice versa trip round the bypass if possible :)

Kinross is nice too

Or dollar and muckhart

Very broadly speaking, I would say you get a lot more for your money in West Lothian, but East Lothian has coast and is (very generally speaking) a bit more upmarket. Fife has lovely villages and coast and offers better value than Edinburgh but you have to get across the Forth somehow, which might prove to be a real pain, but for many people it's totally worth it.

Lots of nice places in East Lothian and also the Borders. The place you need to commute to and if it's peak hours will have an effect on your journey times. The bypass can get bad, expect an extra 30 min at peak times for a 20 min journey.

Thanks fir the replies. I've found a couple of possibles - Auchtermuchty and Kinross. Any thoughts on either of these?

South Queensferry is a good option 😊

I have no real knowledge of either Kinross (other than the market) or Auchtermuchty but come on - how marvelous would it be to say you live in Auchtermuchty? I have always loved saying it. Can't recall if I've been though.

Sorry. As you were.

I work in Fife so know both places a little.

The high school in Kinross is very well thought of, there's been a lot of new build activity there. Very popular with families. It has good facilities & transport links (near M90) & easy access to Edinburgh//Perth. As well as outdoor stuff. And Loch Leven Larder nearby, which is fabulous.

Auchtermuchty is obviously more rural, but still with a good community. The B roads can be a bit of a challenge in winter, or if you're stuck behind a lorry. I'm not as familiar with it.

Just seen your earlier posts about commuting to Edinburgh- you could get the train from Cupar (if Auchtermuchty) or if Kinross you could drive to Dunfermline or Lochgelly & go from there.

I wouldn't like to drive to Edinburgh from either as a regular commute - the bridge traffic is horrendous going south & long queues after there. But you could park & ride.

I don't know the places you mentioned, but if you're planning to drive it will be a long commute. Definitely more than 1 hr with traffic.

Should have said Ladybank is the nearest train station to Auchtermuchty - check the times though - am not sure how regular the service is.

If you’re working in the city centre then train/bus commuting is best. Otherwise the bypass can be horrendous so think carefully about access to your workplace! Commuting by car from West Lothian can also take ages (I used to do it and the M8 can be hell.)

I’m in Midlothian - try Lasswade, Eskbank, Roslin.

Thank you. My DH is the one doing the commute. He reckons three days a week and he's a very early riser so thinks he'll miss the worst of the traffic. Housing market is frantic at the minute and we need somewhere urgent. So we've been looking at a new build in Kinross. House is lovely - estate is not what I would have wanted but we need somewhere. I wish I knew where the market was going but renting just seems like a massive waste of money and we wouldn't be settled.

Where in Edinburgh will he be working @Gorseandbroom?

I am an expert at commuting from Edinburgh to Fife (the other way!)

Looks like Kinross