Where to live for nature and city?

[nestinginnl]

We're thinking about relocating to Edinburgh, I know the city well but not really the surrounding areas and hoping someone has pointers. We have two young kids and two border collies who need lots of walking.

Would like somewhere that's easy to get into Edinburgh city centre (under 30 mins with no traffic) and also has good access to nature, hills, parks, endless walking.

Somewhere with some personality and cafes and things to do on the doorstep, not having to commute every time. Maybe Dalkeith but I've never been there. Would love to have local friends for me and the kids.

Might as well ask for everything eh 😂

Anywhere we should look at?

totally doable- but what’s your budget?

Let's pretend there's no budget for now

If you’re thinking of Dalkeith aim for Eskbank. Try looking at Bonnyrigg too, or Rosewell. Good luck!

Do you need to drive in, or are trains an option?

30 mins on a train gives you a fair few options in East Lothian with great walks, beaches etc

I can't think of anywhere within 30 mins that's not got traffic going into or out of Edinburgh. Edinburgh traffic is mental.

Have you thought about the Highlands op? Ticks all your list and Inverness, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh all within day trip drives.

I’d think Colinton, I don’t know it very well though so might be talking rubbish. I do know it’s nice, rather than a massive new build estate in the middle of nowhere.

Aha well, then I would say go for somewhere beside Bruntsfield links/the Meadows. Large green spaces, right beside the city (20mins walk to the centre) easy access to Arthur’s seat, Hollyrood park, and lots of urban and semi-rural walks nearby. You also have some amazing restaurants and cafes on your doorstep, lots or classes and activities to meet people. Schools are very good in the area and some very beautiful properties if you’ve got the funds. Quite studenty in parts but that adds a bit of life to the place too.
So Bruntsfield, Marchmont, Morningside, Merchiston, and some parts of the Grange also good options I reckon.

Portobello has fantastic beaches and easy access to East Lothian countryside.

cramond, barnton, camp estate new builds - there are tonnes of options.

Cammo, not camp!

Barnton is nice then? There was a house there I liked the look of just from browsing

Yes it is - of course there are pros and cons to every area!

Eskbank is nice!

Sorry, posted too soon. 15 minutes on the train to Waverley. Cheaper than much of East Lothian, lots to do.

J K Rowling lives in Barnton/Cramond, so if it’s good enough for her …!

@nestinginnl do you work from home? Is there somewhere you need to get to in Edinburgh regularly?
These are considerations as traffic can be pretty bad if you have to cross the city at rush hour.

Yes Barnton is very nice but traffic is very heavy in that area and only getting worse with all the new houses being built at Cammo.. No choice to take train from there but there is from east or Midlothian

No office to commute to. We'd go in at non commuter hours or take the train.

The bits of East Lothian I like are all a bit far out. We're more of a forest and hills family than beach family, although I definitely wouldn't say no to living near the sea.

Haha yes fair enough!

What sort of things are there to do in Eskbank?

There's a couple of yoga and Pilates studios, some nice restaurants, cross borders brewery taproom. Quite a few events at Dalkeith country park too.
Actually, lots is pushing it! But it's close by lots of things.

One of my Edinburgh friends lived near The Meadows and loves it.

Colinton. Near town and hills on your door stop.

Colinton would definitely be worth looking at, right at the foot of the Pentlands but easy access to city centre....

Colinton definitely seems worth us looking at! Thanks :)