Relocating to Inverness

[MontroseMum]

We are looking to relocate to Inverness from Montrose ( small town NE coast).
Any advise on best area to start looking for a house to purchase ? Requirements , family residential area suitable for a 9 year old who loves football within a catchment area for good primary and secondary schools. Would love an area surrounded by lovely forest walks , rivers or pools of water for paddle boarding or dipping , 10-15 min drive from city.
Spent time in the Black Isle which was stunning but might be too rural for son. He has grown up in an estate where he can call on friends.

Milton of Leys. Lots of parks and open spaces but just on the outskirts of the City. Good primary school, Millburn catchment for secondary. Perhaps slight lack of infrastructure but now has shop, pharmacy, takeaway. Modern housing. I would live there if I could get dh to downsize. Most of Ds3’s friends live there.

Drakies primary is a really good school. Lots of outdoor type activity. Good opportunities for football and Millburn Academy catchment but less green space perhaps. Probably more house for your money but 70’s housing and not so modern.

I suppose I should mention Inshes which is between Milton of Leys and Drakies. It’s definitely very popular with young families. I don’t know the School so well but I believe it’s very good. Nice housing and parks too.

There’s also Ness Side. All new housing and a new primary school recently built. There will be nice river and canal walks down there and it’s close to the Aquadome and disc golf (says Mums taxi) but my personal preference is the Milton of Leys/Drakies side of town.

In Inverness you are never far from county walks, beaches etc. I’ve lived here 40 years and raised 3 boys here. They all have different interests and have never been short of things to do.

I hope your move goes well. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.