Scotland is a country that boasts dramatic landscapes, thriving cities, rich cultural heritage, and a rapidly evolving tech scene. It is one of the best places that you can consider moving to. And the best part? It supports almost every kind of lifestyle.
But where exactly should you move to in this vast country? Well, you should look beyond beauty when considering where to move in Scotland. You need to choose a community where you’ll truly thrive, professionally and personally. Read on to learn more about this.
What to Look for in Your Neighbourhood
As mentioned above, when searching for a place to move to in Scotland, consider neighbourhoods where you’ll thrive. And that involves considering the following factors:
Schools
If you have kids or are planning to have one in the future, then you need to consider a neighbourhood with schools. Quality schools impact both education and property value.
The good thing? Scotland is home to many top-performing state and private schools, with areas, such as Greater Glasgow and Edinburgh offering renowned educational options. Therefore, make sure you check the school catchment area carefully. It will determine which school your kids go to.
Amenities
You need to think about what kind of amenities you want your neighbourhood to have. That can include shops, supermarkets, health care facilities, gyms, cafes, and recreational facilities. These amenities can make daily living comfortable and convenient. So, choose neighbourhoods that offer the type of amenities that you need.
Public transport
If you’ll be commuting or travelling often, public transport availability should be among the top things to consider. Look for neighbourhoods close to a bus route or a train station. This can help to save money and time. At the same time, it will ensure you can easily move around your destination.
Green space
If you want to stay in an area that promotes healthy living, then choose a neighbourhood with plenty of green space. That can be in an area that features parks, leafy streets, walking trails, lochs, or beaches. The green space can be great for mental and physical health.
Commute and Connectivity Perks
When choosing where to live in Scotland, your daily commute and connectivity will play an essential role in shaping your lifestyle. Below, we’ll look at what both cities and rural areas have to offer:
Cities
If you choose to live in or near cities, you can benefit from reliable 4G and 5G network coverage in Scotland. These networks will allow you to use your travel time productively. For example, if you take a long train ride, you can use the 4G/5G network coverage to catch up on emails or join a video call.
All in all, Scotland’s cities have high-speed broadband and reliable 4G and 5G coverage from providers like EE and Three, which you can use to make your commute time efficient. That is by:
- Working online on long train rides
- Checking live bus and train updates
- Streaming music or listening to podcasts during your commute time.
Rural
In rural and remote areas of Scotland, network coverage may not be as reliable as in the cities. That’s because many of these areas still rely on satellite solutions, fixed wireless solutions, or government-backed initiatives like the Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme.
So, network speeds may be slower in remote and rural areas of Scotland. And when it comes to mobile signals, urban centres have stronger signals compared to rural areas. The poor signal and slow internet speeds in rural areas can interfere with commute productivity.
Therefore, before you move to Scotland, check provider maps or ask neighbours about their experience with internet and mobile services. You can also use an eSIM while in Scotland. An eSIM allows you to store multiple carrier profiles in one device.
If one network carrier has poor coverage, you can always choose another carrier with better coverage, with only a few taps on your phone. Check all the details about the eSIM here.
Cost vs. Quality
Different areas in Scotland have varying costs and quality landscapes. And that is mainly in terms of rent, utilities, and overall lifestyle. Below, we’ll look at some of the popular areas in Scotland and how they compare in terms of the two:
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is well-known for its upscale living and vibrant culture. One bedroom flats in the city tend to start from around £800pcm. However, there are other areas slightly out with the city – or even renting a room in a property that can be a more affordable option to rent . The capital city can be pretty high in rent compared to other areas of Scotland and the lifestyle can also be more, however, the quality of life is great in Edinburgh.
Glasgow
Glasgow is one of Scotland’s largest cities, and can be more affordable than Edinburgh. That is in terms of expenses. Rent in this city is incredibly affordable, starting at around £675pcm for a one-bedroom flat.
Despite the affordability, Glasgow still delivers a vibrant nightlife, great shopping, and strong transport links. So, this city is a great place for students or professionals who want to balance cost and city living.
The Highlands
The Highlands in Scotland tend to prioritise space, tranquillity, and nature. Rents in this area can be lower than £500pcm for small flats.
Also, you may experience limited transport and patchy connectivity in the Highlands. This may add hidden costs if you commute frequently or want to work remotely.
Remote Working Friendly Areas
Scotland offers several remote-working-friendly areas. In cities, you can choose Edinburgh or Glasgow. These areas offer high-speed internet, vibrant cafe cultures, and numerous co-working spaces.
And if you prefer a quiet place, you can choose towns such as Inverness and Stirling. They provide steady broadband, community work hubs, and tranquil green spaces, which are ideal for focused work breaks.
Conclusion
As mentioned above, Scotland has something for everyone. Therefore, the best place to live in the country depends on your personal choice. It can be in Edinburgh, where the cost of living is high but the quality of life is rich.
Or it can be in the Highlands, where rent is low and transport is limited, but the environment is tranquil. All in all, compare connectivity, cost, amenities, and transportation before you move.
