Moving back to Scotland with kids in tow - what areas would you recommend in centralish Scotland?

[Rosesandpeonies123]

I’ve been living in London for nearly 20 years now and am considering returning back home to Scotland to be closer to ageing parents. They could potentially move down to be closer to my family, but I feel done with London and would love to move back if I can get everyone on board. Maybe the rose tinted glasses are on, but I just think our quality of life would be so much better north of the border.

I’m originally from Edinburgh and my parents live there, but I’m just wondering whether we should be looking at other places in commuting distance from the city? It’s a move I want to get right. North Berwick gets a lot of press, but what about Stirling, Dunblane, Falkirk, places in Fife etc? Our eldest child will be going into high school next year, so that’s a big factor when considering a move. I just want us to be able to move to a place that has a good community and people are open to outsiders like us! Budget for a house will be £850k.

Linlithgow will tick a lot of your boxes. Great for families, excellent schools and on Edinburgh to Glasgow train line. Housing is expensive but you should be fine with that budget

Thanks, that’s a good point re. train line.

Edinburgh is generally a good place to raise teens -lots of activities, good bus network to promote independence. And with that budget you could afford to buy in catchment for one of the in demand schools.

Yeah I would think Edinburgh itself, lots to do and free public transport for teens so no running them around everywhere. And if ageing parents are a consideration the closer the better, will cut down on travel time if you intend to help them out on a regular basis.

You’ll get a lovely house in Edinburgh for thus budget. I’m born and raised there too but recently moved to Perth, love being so close to such beautiful places, dunkeld etc x

Perth was the other place I had in mind because the surrounding area is so nice! Does it feel very different from Edinburgh? My knowledge of these places is so out of date.

But yes, Edinburgh does tick a lot of boxes. Saying that I do have itchy feet to go somewhere new.

If you're going to be helping elderly parents I would prioritise being close to them - it makes a massive difference being able to pop in rather than them being an hours drive away.

Dunblane is v nice, good school and English accents not a rarity. Not always a big choice of properties on the market though, I enjoyed living there as a teen and used the train to Stirling or Edinburgh when I wanted to explore but it is quite small.
Perth High schools not as good on paper as Linlithgow, Dunblane etc. Kinross would be an option if you wanted a more country vibe, nearer Edinburgh than Perth, no train but good bus links.
North Berwick would be on my list with your budget as would Edinburgh.
I moved up from London ( unfortunately without a house to sell!) and decided that half an hour’s drive was the perfect distance from parents, now they have given up driving it feels a bit far.

Another vote for Edinburgh with your budget and teens. The free bus means it’s easy for teens to get about without needing ferried around and there’s loads for them to do independently. DS has had a great summer with his pals - going to the fringe, out to the beach, cinema, eating out, going out for coffee, outdoorsy stuff. Not a single lift needed.

Being from here, I’m guessing you already understand the differences in high school starting ages.

i’m around an hour from my mum and it feels far sometimes, it would be much easier to pop in if she was much closer.

Thanks to everyone who has replied - seems like Edinburgh is the place to be. What areas are popular with young families? Portobello?

Lots of popular areas with families, depends on what you like/what schools you want to consider. I am on the southside and I love it, great communities, lots of families, near lots of green space, yet easy access to the city centre.

With £850k I’d definitely stay within the city bypass. Portobello is great and folk seem happy with the high school if you’re using state schools.

Another one who says Edinburgh is great for teens and younger kids, has all the amenities, and closest is best for ageing parents. It’s a no brainer.

other places are lovely but I’ve got a teen and I wouldn’t even consider moving out now.

I can see the appeal of moving more rurally with younger kids but unless your teens are heavily horsey or into countryside pursuits…

I’ve been raising my children in edinburgh and love it here. My daughter is 12 now and it’s amazing how much freedom she can have and how much she can do on her own. I’m in the south of the city as well at a not-league-table school but we are super happy - league tables are only part of the story when thinking about schools

That is a really amazing budget for Edinburgh and you can pretty much live anywhere. Where are your parents? Maybe look at the best option to be local to them if that’s the basic goal? Or look at what you want out of a house and see where that puts you?

Falkirk is a hotbed of racism, I'd steer well clear.

Linlithgow and Dunblane would suit, Lenzie too.

If you don’t want the city maybe look at the Lothians. Mid and East Lothian have plenty small towns and good bus connections. East Lothian has rail connections as has some towns in Midlothian and Borders. Haddington is lovely. Has rail and bus to Edinburgh, good schools, easy to get to Gullane/North Berwick. Scottish schools still primary 5/11 and secondary 12/18.