Moving to Scotland around 6-12 months

[happysunshine8]

Possible move to Scotland

I would like to enquire about possible relocation move from Scotland maybe in 6-12 months time. We are from southwest London and currently no longer sustainable to live here as the insane cost of living is driving us out.

On the positive side, that's when we discovered the area. We fell in love with Scotland couple of years ago when we visited for vacation as husband and I simple love nature and overall vibe, we felt we're home.

Any suggestions on best commuter areas that support possible travel between Glasgow and Edinburgh? We are both working for the NHS. Our top priorities are:

1. Safe and quiet area, like a leafy community village vibe I would say this will be priority and very important for us.

1. Walkable to station due to husband having early shifts and late end shifts as he is a nurse and already have leg issues due to his nature of work. Main mode of transportation is commuting not car.

How is the commute during winter months?

1. Accessible amenities at most we can walk from a local grocery shop for 10-15mins? though this is only a plus.

1. We think of moving to highlands but it is too rural and remote for us that still want to have both of country and city life.

Also, any tips and advise between buying a flat (which is in Scotland a freehold but I still wanted to know the costs associated down the line) or a house?

Any up and coming areas or future developments? as we are also curious about the key worker deposit schemes, however I am quite wary that getting new build might have future issues or increased cost associated as well overtime.

Hoping to hear from all your experiences!

@mydamnfootstuckinthedoor thank you for giving your experience at Dundee, we will add this as area to consider!

@Girlintheframe does areas of Dundee or Aberdeen welcome diverse cultures? or would you say the towns or cities of Dundee and Aberdeen multi-cultutal?

There is a large Asian community in Dundee. There are pockets within any city that are less desirable, but with your budget you would be able to avoid those areas. There has been a huge amount of regeneration in Dundee over recent years. Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen are all within an hour and a half on the train. You are on the coast with some lovely beaches as well as being not far from lots of walks.
Linlithgow is a lovely area that has been mentioned on the thread, but you will struggle to get what you are wanting on your budget in the nicer areas closer to Edinburgh and Glasgow as houses often go for at least 10% over the asking price. There are lots of lovely places in east Lothian which are actually not too bad to commute to the royal in Edinburgh, but wouldn't be ideal for Glasgow.

@Outnumberedbywillies thank you very much for sharing these information about Dundee as these is actually one of our apprehensions in venturing further away. Happy to hear that this area is multi-cultural as well, thank you.

I didn't mean you / your husband personally; I meant whether the trains will run early enough. For example, the first train from Larkhall to Glasgow on a Sunday is 09:08. A lot of people I know on early shifts need to get the bus, and living near a train station is of no benefit most days.

Don't wear green. Get a blue or orange car.

@treadingonlego it seems that it is not always where we will be close to train station and we will have a more accessible commute specially weekends. Thank you for this as well I'll note this down too! very helpful

Bishopbriggs, Giffnock and Newton Mearns are nice for sure but not cheap and a long commute to Edinburgh.

Helensburgh also a lovely seaside town but again pricey and a longer commute to Glasgow never mind Edinburgh.

I know less about the other areas.

@happysunshine8 Dundee is very nice. There is a strong Asian and supportive community, a big Central Mosque , a Gurdwala and also a Hindu cultural and community Centre. There is a good Asian presence in most of the Dundee schools. Dundee is very safe compared to most towns - there are always going to be issues in any city, but I would say Dundee is nicer than most (and it's not very big!) As for your list, I'd avoid Coatbridge and Airdrie (not very nice) and as for Giffnock - you'd be lucky to get something in your price range. Hamilton is fine. Not sure about the others.

Scotland is not particularly multicultural, over 90% of the population are white.
If a multicultural area is important to you then stick to the cities and you'll be fine.
But I'd say try to live in the actual cities as the suburbs can be very white Scottish in nature

Hello, I had a long message typed out in response, but it cleared before I was able to send, aaargh!

I have lived in or are familiar with some of these areas, so will do my best to respond with pros and cons to each.

I think that property location in relation to public transport links and which hospital you’re going to be working in will be a crucial factor in your decision making, as not all hospitals are near to train stations and may not be on a direct bus route.

Coatbridge / Airdrie - not the nicest towns - property is affordable and transport links are ok, but they don’t seem to fit the type of thing you’re looking for. Both are in North Lanarkshire, which I would avoid.

Bishopbriggs / Kirkintilloch - both nice towns in East Dunbartonshire, Stobhill Hospital is in Bishopbriggs. More the kind of thing you’re looking for, but you would need to check what you can get with your budget though.

Robroyston - within Glasgow (suburb of), not far from Bishopbriggs / Kirkintilloch but not as nice. Close to Stobhill Hospital and easy to get to Royal Infirmary. Near the M80 motorway.

Paisley - has had a bad reputation in the past, but they’re trying hard to improve - there are some nicer areas, such as Ralston, which is near to Ross Hall, a private hospital. The Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) is in Paisley, but no train stations are close by.

Hamilton - South Lanarkshire - good transport links, near to several country parks - easily accessible to Hairmyres Hospital in East Kilbride. Property prices vary.

Have you considered East Kilbride?

Giffnock / Newton Mearns - East Renfewshire - very desirable areas and within catchment for excellent schools, which means that the property prices are very high. Good transport links to Southern General / new Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. Might be a good option to rent first to get a feel for the area?

The south side of Glasgow in general is very multicultural and has good transport links - property prices vary, but you might be able to find a flat within your budget.

Barrhead - in East Renfrewshire - has some affordable housing and good links to other areas. A friend of mine bought a house in a new build estate, which was nice. South west of Glasgow and nearer to Glasgow airport. Near to a couple of country parks.

The problem with some new estates is that there may not be the infrastructure set up for commuting and so would not be suitable for your husband’s need to travel by public transport. Is him learning to drive out of the question?

Dargavel - very new village made up of new build houses, still being constructed, just outside Bishopton. Bishopton, Erskine, Inchinnan - all in Renfrewshire - within commuting distance to Paisley (RAH). Closer to Loch Lomond and Trossachs.

Helensburgh - lovely seaside town - in Argyll & Bute. Less than 10 miles to Vale of Leven Hospital in Alexandria.
Dumbarton is not as nice but they are both near to Vale and accessible to Paisley hospitals. Near to Loch Lomond and Trossachs. Never heard of flooding being an issue?

Hope this helps. Feel free to private message me if you need more information.

Do you drive? Or does it need to be public transport?

Have you visited Dundee or Aberdeen? I think both could meet your needs but I think if you are used to large English cities, it's easy to overestimate the size of Scottish cities (Glasgow and Edinburgh aside).

Or more, it's easy to overestimate what is around it when you are used to a periphery of large towns.

Cities up here are quite compact. There aren't really suburban train links in quite the same way. But there are nice enough areas within walking distance of the ARI or a short bus ride away. Flats in Aberdeen especially have never recovered from the oil turndown and there are some excellent affordable options. You might be pleasantly surprised by the nice suburban options close by.

The university has teaching centres as part of the foresterhill campus so while diversity isn't what you'd see in London, it is an international community.

I just wondered why you are looking to commute a reasonable distance when it might serve you better to be close to a hospital and save the stress and winter difficulties? If you are going to make such a big move it is worth seeing if other Scottish cities might offer you more? You have a low budget for the central belt so it means more compromises.

@soontobeamama thank you for sharing your personal experience in my long list of areas! 💗💗💗 I really do appreciate this. Will reach out as soon as we narrowed them with the hospitals

@Thepartnersdesk thank you for sharing about Dundee and Aberdeen to consider! Husband might drive eventually but not right away when we move. Public transport is important because bec of my personal health issues I will not be able to drive by myself and dont want to be reliant on my husband driving. To answer the question why we don't want to be in the cities proper and looking to venture out has to do with lowering our monthly mortgage long term (more affordable areas) so we will not be stretched and can love comfortably even if certain things out of control happen like inflation etc. I would say it is more of a long term consideration on finances that's why.

It is probably hard to get a feel for places without visiting, but I would definitely look at Ninewells, Carnoustie which is in Angus has a great rail link to Dundee and beyond, you would get far more house for your money and have the beach on your doorstep. Broughty Ferry is a bustling little place with a train station, has a beach/parks and a lovely high street with independents as well as bigger names shops, house prices are higher than Carnoustie however. Dundee is a very welcoming City, I have worked with Dundee International Women's Centre in the past and they were a lovely community with lots going on.

Not rwt but Scotland is not a very diverse country - especially places like the borders. I wouldcrent first thing buy to get a feel for areas. You are priced put of Edinburgh.