Moving to Edinburgh/surrounding areas
Discussion
The missus and I are toying with the idea of moving to Edinburgh from Berkshire for mainly financial reasons. Jobs up there seem plentiful in our fields (IT Architecture, IT PMO work), and broadly similar in terms of pay. Property seems half the price and we have lots of equity in our current house to live mortgage free and put a substantial sum in the savings bank. We have two children in private prep school (ages 8 and 11), fees up there seem similar or lower. University will be free in the fullness of time as opposed to saddling them with 50k debts on graduation.
My family background is half Scottish, although I was born and raised down here (soft Southern poofter accent). We have no family up there, but then we have none near us here either.
We're getting slowly more convinced it's a good idea but I'm wanting to get an idea of the pitfalls before making such a big change. Some things I'm concerned about: 1) Is work that easy to come by for 40-somethings with degrees and 20+ years experience? 2) Will the children find it uncomfortable in school due to their southern accents? 3) Is the weather totally unbearable?
The political situation seems to be in flux both here and there, not much certainty around anywhere right now. So that kind of evens itself out in terms of risk.
Any thoughts from anyone local to Edinburgh about any pitfalls or areas to favour/avoid?
I think we'd initially rent a place there and buy when settled - current budget would be up to about 400k and wanting a 4 bed detached in a decent area. Modern or older property, not fussed. Just want value for money. Is this realistic? Don't mind a bit of a commute, would want to be near a railway station for that. I'm thinking Musselburgh at the moment.
My family background is half Scottish, although I was born and raised down here (soft Southern poofter accent). We have no family up there, but then we have none near us here either.
We're getting slowly more convinced it's a good idea but I'm wanting to get an idea of the pitfalls before making such a big change. Some things I'm concerned about: 1) Is work that easy to come by for 40-somethings with degrees and 20+ years experience? 2) Will the children find it uncomfortable in school due to their southern accents? 3) Is the weather totally unbearable?
The political situation seems to be in flux both here and there, not much certainty around anywhere right now. So that kind of evens itself out in terms of risk.
Any thoughts from anyone local to Edinburgh about any pitfalls or areas to favour/avoid?
I think we'd initially rent a place there and buy when settled - current budget would be up to about 400k and wanting a 4 bed detached in a decent area. Modern or older property, not fussed. Just want value for money. Is this realistic? Don't mind a bit of a commute, would want to be near a railway station for that. I'm thinking Musselburgh at the moment.
If you want to keep your kids in a private prep school/public school, are you happy with boarding or want them to be day pupils?
You need to find where you are going to work first and then link to schools IMO. Commuting in the central belt is generally easier than down south, but there are pinch points.
Edinburgh is lovely, but property is relatively pricey if you want detached with garden.
Look north of Edinburgh too - plenty of good schools in Perthshire.
You need to find where you are going to work first and then link to schools IMO. Commuting in the central belt is generally easier than down south, but there are pinch points.
Edinburgh is lovely, but property is relatively pricey if you want detached with garden.
Look north of Edinburgh too - plenty of good schools in Perthshire.
Cheers, Leithen. Day school only. Was thinking Stirling/Bannockburn area might be an option (my family came from Drymen originally).
Liked the idea of Musselburgh as it seems to have a fast rail link to Edinburgh, and it might also be commutable to Glasgow. Children are approaching senior school age and could also use train/bus to get to the city for school. Sound practical to you?
Liked the idea of Musselburgh as it seems to have a fast rail link to Edinburgh, and it might also be commutable to Glasgow. Children are approaching senior school age and could also use train/bus to get to the city for school. Sound practical to you?
You also have the new borders rail line which is fast and opens you up to the towns along its path.
Personally i grew up in Musselburgh and its a bit of a hole. The further out you go, the nicer it gets. Congestion seems to affect the west side of Edinburgh more than the east side. The bypass is bumper to bumper on the west side on a daily basis. Bang for buck you will get far more for your money in Fife, but that's because you need to suffer the bridges in your commute.
Personally i grew up in Musselburgh and its a bit of a hole. The further out you go, the nicer it gets. Congestion seems to affect the west side of Edinburgh more than the east side. The bypass is bumper to bumper on the west side on a daily basis. Bang for buck you will get far more for your money in Fife, but that's because you need to suffer the bridges in your commute.
There will certainly be buses for some of the rural schools. If you are thinking of the Stirling area consider Dollar Academy or Strathallan. Not sure about using trains for the kids.
I think you need to hit the job sites to see what is available where, for the salary you might expect.
I think you need to hit the job sites to see what is available where, for the salary you might expect.
BuzzBravado said:
You also have the new borders rail line which is fast and opens you up to the towns along its path.
Personally i grew up in Musselburgh and its a bit of a hole.
Is that the rail line to Galashiels? Worth considering if it's a good, reliable line. Thanks.Personally i grew up in Musselburgh and its a bit of a hole.
Surprised to hear that about Musselburgh - I grew up in Windsor, which most outsiders seem to think is A Land Of Wonder and Joy, but it is also a bit of a hole in places. Evidently more homework needed on my part. Thanks for the comments.
Leithen said:
There will certainly be buses for some of the rural schools. If you are thinking of the Stirling area consider Dollar Academy or Strathallan. Not sure about using trains for the kids.
I think you need to hit the job sites to see what is available where, for the salary you might expect.
There's also Beaconhurst School in Bridge of Allan. There are very good rail links for commuting to Edinburgh or Glasgow from most of Central Scotland.I think you need to hit the job sites to see what is available where, for the salary you might expect.
It's also a nice part of Scotland!
SilverSixer said:
Some things I'm concerned about: 1) Is work that easy to come by for 40-somethings with degrees and 20+ years experience? 2) Will the children find it uncomfortable in school due to their southern accents? 3) Is the weather totally unbearable?
I think we'd initially rent a place there and buy when settled - current budget would be up to about 400k and wanting a 4 bed detached in a decent area. Modern or older property, not fussed. Just want value for money. Is this realistic? Don't mind a bit of a commute, would want to be near a railway station for that. I'm thinking Musselburgh at the moment.
I live in a village about 10 miles from the centre of Edinburgh but have lived in the city too.I think we'd initially rent a place there and buy when settled - current budget would be up to about 400k and wanting a 4 bed detached in a decent area. Modern or older property, not fussed. Just want value for money. Is this realistic? Don't mind a bit of a commute, would want to be near a railway station for that. I'm thinking Musselburgh at the moment.
1) There's quite a bit of work in the sector you mention - I work for a company that is in that very field and see the trouble we have filling positions.
2) Children will have no problems whatsoever at school. In a private school in or around Edinburgh you'll find plenty of English kids and even the Scottish ones will be generally well spoken so there will be no reason to tease.
3) I've lived in Scotland my whole life with a 5 year stint in the UAE. The weather is crap but not so much worse than the rest of the UK. The further east you go along the cost to North Berwick and Dunbar, the drier it gets. Will always be cold on the coast in winter though.
You have lots of options for areas, depending on how close you want to stay to the town (I think you already know that you won't get anything like a 4 bed detached in Edinburgh for 400k). There are lots of nice towns and villages in East Lothian within easy commuting distance.
Haddington
http://www.zoopla.co.uk/new-homes/details/39925294...
http://www.zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/details/35984239?...
Gifford
http://www.zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/details/40464691?...
Musselburgh
http://www.zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/details/37424576?...
There are loads of decent places really. Happy to help with more local knowledge if required.
SilverSixer said:
2) Will the children find it uncomfortable in school due to their southern accents?
SilverSixer said:
3) Is the weather totally unbearable?
Stirling and Edinburgh are both very nice places, certainly recommend moving up here. Probably a good time to do it before the kids get older too. Good luck if you decide to go for it!
Edited by Sten. on Friday 8th July 12:01
Edited by Sten. on Friday 8th July 12:02
I'd agree with people suggesting looking at the work situation first. as theres lots of nice areas surrounding Edinburgh, but its best to try and avoid going round the by-pass at peak hours!
but anyway, lots of options for living in and around Edinburgh, within the by-pass theres lots of nice and some not so nice areas. closer to the town the more expensive those gardens and bedrooms get! anywhere in and around Edinburgh and you'll have access to jobs and numerous private schools for the kids (at least within bus/ walking distance)
but as for commuter towns have a look at places listed below. all within 30mins of Edinburgh on the train and probably 30mins in a car outwith peak traffic time :
Linlithgow (pretty good state school!)
Livingston
dunfermline (including places like dalgetty bay)
you could go further afield, stirling/ bridge of allan and still have access to decent private school in Dollar academy.
I would say a weekend up in and around Edinburgh would be a good start and you can have a shortlist of potential locations and have a quick scout of them all, you ight like some immediately and rule others out.
but anyway, lots of options for living in and around Edinburgh, within the by-pass theres lots of nice and some not so nice areas. closer to the town the more expensive those gardens and bedrooms get! anywhere in and around Edinburgh and you'll have access to jobs and numerous private schools for the kids (at least within bus/ walking distance)
but as for commuter towns have a look at places listed below. all within 30mins of Edinburgh on the train and probably 30mins in a car outwith peak traffic time :
Linlithgow (pretty good state school!)
Livingston
dunfermline (including places like dalgetty bay)
you could go further afield, stirling/ bridge of allan and still have access to decent private school in Dollar academy.
I would say a weekend up in and around Edinburgh would be a good start and you can have a shortlist of potential locations and have a quick scout of them all, you ight like some immediately and rule others out.
Thanks, mcbook and matchmaker, Sten, Malks and Paul. That place in Haddington looks right up our alley (save the footballers' wives décor :-)). I guess Longniddry is the nearest railway?
East Lothian was one of the areas I felt would be a decent bet.
I'll look in to that school in Bridge of Allan though.
Cheers. All helpful stuff.
East Lothian was one of the areas I felt would be a decent bet.
I'll look in to that school in Bridge of Allan though.
Cheers. All helpful stuff.
Edited by SilverSixer on Friday 8th July 12:04
malks222 said:
I'd agree with people suggesting looking at the work situation first.
Yes, you're right, that would be the priority. I think a plan would be to rent out our house here, rent something smaller temporarily in/near the city, find work and then look at selling/buying. The fly in the ointment is that when we do go, we have to have schools lined up straight away so identifying our long term area is key.I can't comment on the employment/schools stuff, but I will say that Edinburgh is a wonderful place to live and work, certainly my favourite city that I've ever been in. I was there for six and a half years and I miss it very much. It's the perfect size for a city: big enough to have everything you need and lots to do, small enough that you can quickly escape to the countryside. (I rode a bicycle out of the city regularly.)
The weather can be challenging, and the limited daylight is hard going in the winter if you're one of those people that benefits from a lot of natural light. Having said that, the climate adds to the wildness that makes it an exciting place. And where else in the UK do you have an extinct volcano plonked in the middle of your city?
There are some lovely towns within easy driving distance of Edinburgh but the nicer ones won't be particularly cheap for property, even in southern terms. You're likely to be very car dependent unless you choose one of the few places mentioned above that's served by rail links. Oh, and driving in the centre sucks - lots of complicated one-way systems and congestion.
If you are looking at houses in the city, be aware that Edinburgh is one of those places where nice areas and less nice ones are very close together. It may not be obvious when looking at properties online, but try not to be put off before you've seen a place in person. Newington, for example, has everything from really grotty flats to absolutely stunning Georgian mansions.
The weather can be challenging, and the limited daylight is hard going in the winter if you're one of those people that benefits from a lot of natural light. Having said that, the climate adds to the wildness that makes it an exciting place. And where else in the UK do you have an extinct volcano plonked in the middle of your city?
There are some lovely towns within easy driving distance of Edinburgh but the nicer ones won't be particularly cheap for property, even in southern terms. You're likely to be very car dependent unless you choose one of the few places mentioned above that's served by rail links. Oh, and driving in the centre sucks - lots of complicated one-way systems and congestion.
If you are looking at houses in the city, be aware that Edinburgh is one of those places where nice areas and less nice ones are very close together. It may not be obvious when looking at properties online, but try not to be put off before you've seen a place in person. Newington, for example, has everything from really grotty flats to absolutely stunning Georgian mansions.
SilverSixer said:
Thanks, mcbook and matchmaker, Sten, Malks and Paul. That place in Haddington looks right up our alley (save the footballers' wives décor :-)). I guess Longniddry is the nearest railway?
East Lothian was one of the areas I felt would be a decent bet.
East Lothian is a decent bet. Very few poor towns. Haddington is a nice town, but yes you would need to drive to Longniddry and Drem station. Good place to live if you like fast B-Roads too East Lothian was one of the areas I felt would be a decent bet.
Edited by SilverSixer on Friday 8th July 12:04
MajorMantra said:
If you are looking at houses in the city, be aware that Edinburgh is one of those places where nice areas and less nice ones are very close together.
Very true. Duddingston Village is very nice to the point its almost an elite society that live there, then literally 1 mile south you have downtown Baghdad.I started a thread in here a couple of months ago, we are in very similar positons. We live in the home counties But I lived in Edinburgh for 5 years. We’re now moving back up there next May/June with a 15 yr old, an impending new baby, a huge dog and no family support (but we have friends up there).
Want my opinion? Do it. I’ve lived in some cities abroad and in the UK and Edinburgh cr@ps on all of them. It is a wonderful place to live, to grow up, to raise kids, and the benefits are numerous – hence us moving. Financially we are first time buyers (the south is ruinious) but I work as a day rate contractor in banks so we have the finances now finally for a deposit on a house up to around 325k – for that you can get something decent enough inside the bypass or a mega-new-build type thing outside.
Everyone says the bypass can be a nightmare – it can, but to me, someone who does car/train/tube into London for 6k a year, the idea of an hour in a car each morning is heaven  Failing that, Edinburgh has park and rides, a great bus service and fast trains into the city from all sides.
Places to recommend – Bonnyrigg, Eskbank, Newtongrange, Lasswade on the re-opened borders railway line. This is our likely destination having looked around recently. Close enough to Edinburgh for family to feel part of it all, but far out enough for a big garden and a bit of peace.
East Lothian – gorgeous scenery, quick trains from North Berwick, Prestonpans etc – some of these towns are ex mining and the interiors/high streets are maybe a bit grotty but the outskirts are perfectly pleasant legolands. Also Loretto private school at Musselburgh could be considered.
West Lothian – bathagte, Broxburn, Livingstone – nowhere near as pretty as East Lothian but great train connections and the right side of the city for the airport and tram out by the Gyle
I hope this helps, feel free to PM me for any additional info, happy to help 
Want my opinion? Do it. I’ve lived in some cities abroad and in the UK and Edinburgh cr@ps on all of them. It is a wonderful place to live, to grow up, to raise kids, and the benefits are numerous – hence us moving. Financially we are first time buyers (the south is ruinious) but I work as a day rate contractor in banks so we have the finances now finally for a deposit on a house up to around 325k – for that you can get something decent enough inside the bypass or a mega-new-build type thing outside.
Everyone says the bypass can be a nightmare – it can, but to me, someone who does car/train/tube into London for 6k a year, the idea of an hour in a car each morning is heaven  Failing that, Edinburgh has park and rides, a great bus service and fast trains into the city from all sides.
Places to recommend – Bonnyrigg, Eskbank, Newtongrange, Lasswade on the re-opened borders railway line. This is our likely destination having looked around recently. Close enough to Edinburgh for family to feel part of it all, but far out enough for a big garden and a bit of peace.
East Lothian – gorgeous scenery, quick trains from North Berwick, Prestonpans etc – some of these towns are ex mining and the interiors/high streets are maybe a bit grotty but the outskirts are perfectly pleasant legolands. Also Loretto private school at Musselburgh could be considered.
West Lothian – bathagte, Broxburn, Livingstone – nowhere near as pretty as East Lothian but great train connections and the right side of the city for the airport and tram out by the Gyle
I hope this helps, feel free to PM me for any additional info, happy to help 
carparkno1 said:
Places to recommend – Bonnyrigg, Eskbank, Newtongrange, Lasswade on the re-opened borders railway line. This is our likely destination having looked around recently. Close enough to Edinburgh for family to feel part of it all, but far out enough for a big garden and a bit of peace.
Exactly what we're after. Decent garden, bit of peace. Hadn't looked at those towns before, will do so now. Thanks. Like the idea of George Watson's School if we can get places there.
SilverSixer said:
Exactly what we're after. Decent garden, bit of peace. Hadn't looked at those towns before, will do so now. Thanks.
Like the idea of George Watson's School if we can get places there.
yeah they weren't on the radar until the railway opened but now there is a half hour service into Edinburgh Waverley, a big park and ride to get round the bypass and loads of buses right into town. My boy will be at college and the missus has a car so it covers all bases, and you do get a lot of house.Like the idea of George Watson's School if we can get places there.
Don't worry about English accents, trust me - Edinburgh has a very cosmopolitan attitude in general.
carparkno1 said:
SilverSixer said:
Exactly what we're after. Decent garden, bit of peace. Hadn't looked at those towns before, will do so now. Thanks.
Like the idea of George Watson's School if we can get places there.
yeah they weren't on the radar until the railway opened but now there is a half hour service into Edinburgh Waverley, a big park and ride to get round the bypass and loads of buses right into town. My boy will be at college and the missus has a car so it covers all bases, and you do get a lot of house.Like the idea of George Watson's School if we can get places there.
Don't worry about English accents, trust me - Edinburgh has a very cosmopolitan attitude in general.
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