The 8 Best Places to Live in Edinburgh

For those looking to move to Scotland, the capital is a popular destination and it isn’t difficult to understand why. This beautiful city offers views of the sea and rolling green hills, varied architecture, rich history, diverse culture and great nightlife. In comparison to other cities such as London, Edinburgh is fairly small, which makes it easy to navigate on foot or by bicycle, there are also good public transport links, so getting around isn’t an issue. 

However, with so many neighbourhoods, deciding on the best area to set up your new home can be a challenge - you may even find yourself spoilt for choice. Here’s our guide to the best places to live in Edinburgh so that you can narrow down your options and find the perfect place to relocate.

1. Leith

The port district of Leith has recently been at the centre stage of several urban regeneration projects and is thriving. With the average property costing around £278, 997*, housing here is more affordable than in the centre of the city but is just a short walk away. The lively reputation of Leith promises a plethora of places to dine, trendy bars and even its own shopping centre, making it a great place to live for young professionals.

2. Stockbridge 

Though just a short walk from the city centre, Stockbridge has an appealing village feel featuring a bustling market, Georgian terraced homes and a quaint boat pond. If you’re looking for somewhere with kerb appeal, Circus Lane in Stockbridge has just that! Stockbridge has a rich literary culture and was once a favoured place for artists, poets and writers to explore. It’s also said to have some of the best charity shops in Edinburgh. 

3. New Town

Edinburgh New Town is the city’s main shopping district and is often seen as the heart of the city centre. The neighbourhood, which boasts wide symmetrical streets and large green open spaces, was designed in a grid-like pattern, making it easy to explore without getting lost. Many spots in New Town offer uninterrupted views of the capital’s very own castle and there are architectural delights to be seen on every corner. 

This residential area is home to a broad demographic of people and is popular with young professionals and families alike.

4. Old Town

The steep streets of the historic Old Town can sometimes feel like a step back in time, to a bustling era when animals roamed free and tradesmen sold their wares. Here you can explore iconic church buildings, tour the Palace of Holyroodhouse and relive the past by visiting the National Museum of Scotland. The historical value of this area comes at a price, with the average property costing £319,188*. 

 If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, you’ll be pleased to hear that these are the streets said to have inspired JK Rowling when she wrote her first book.

5. Marchmont

Owing to its proximity to the University of Edinburgh, the small neighbourhood of Marchmont is particularly popular with students and young adults at the start of their careers. The people are friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed, making it a desirable place to live. 

If you’re a student making the move to Edinburgh, our student storage solutions make it easier and safer to store your belongings. 

6. South Queensferry

Offering a selection of great schools and value for money when it comes to property, South Queensferry is a popular destination for those with young children or looking to start a family. It’s a small town on the edge of the city with colourful, pretty buildings and access to many independent shops and cafes. South Queensferry is also home to the Forth Rail Bridge, a famous Edinburgh landmark and a truly impressive sight. 

7. Morningside

The suburb of Morningside is upscale, leafy and peaceful. South of the city centre, Morningside was once named one of the best places to live in Scotland. Host to a variety of pubs, traditional shops, a library and a theatre, Morningside is popular with those who have made a success of their career and are looking for a slower pace of life. Property prices here are high, with an average price of £495,529*. 

8. Portobello

The seaside suburb of Portobello is a location that cannot be forgotten when talking about the best places to live in Edinburgh. After all, it has a beautiful sandy beach and a long promenade that attracts some of the greatest vintage stores, independent businesses and eateries. Portobello offers a real sense of community and the people are infamously welcoming, a great draw for those moving to the area. With so many things to see and do, Portobello is a popular place to raise a family. 

With an average property price of £308, 247*, Portobello is also more affordable than some of its Scottish counterparts. 

Once you’ve decided on your ideal neighbourhood for relocation, you can rest assured that we’ve got your Edinburgh storage needs covered. Whether you want to store some of your belongings whilst you decorate your new home, or if you won’t quite have all the space you need, you can explore our home storage solutions. 

*Property prices from June 2023.