What are the best areas to live in Aberdeen? The answer depends on your lifestyle, budget, commute and whether you are moving to the city for university, work or family life. Old Aberdeen is particularly convenient for University of Aberdeen students, while Garthdee is an obvious choice for students at Robert Gordon University. Rosemount and Aberdeen City Centre combine convenient amenities with easy access to the rest of the city, while quieter neighbourhoods such as Ferryhill, West End and Cults appeal to residents looking for a more residential environment. This guide explores what it is like to live in Aberdeen, compares some of the best places to live in Aberdeen, and helps students choose a neighbourhood close to their university.
Is Aberdeen a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Aberdeen can be a good place to live for students, young professionals and families. As Scotland’s third-largest city, Aberdeen combines two major universities, a compact city centre, coastal scenery, historic architecture and access to the countryside of north-east Scotland. Compared with some larger UK cities, Aberdeen can also offer more manageable living costs, although rent and lifestyle costs vary considerably by neighbourhood. Students may prefer areas such as Old Aberdeen, Garthdee and the city centre for university access, while families often consider quieter residential areas such as Cults or Bridge of Don. The best place to live ultimately depends on your budget, commute and preferred lifestyle.
1.Culture, History and Natural Scenery
Aberdeen offers a mix of historic architecture, cultural attractions and easy access to nature. Its distinctive granite buildings have given it the nickname the Granite City, while museums, galleries, theatres and music venues provide plenty to explore throughout the year.
Beyond the city itself, Aberdeenshire is particularly well known for its castles, historic houses and countryside. Aberdeen’s North Sea location also gives residents easy access to the beach and harbour, while the Rivers Dee and Don run through the surrounding area.
For outdoor activities, the wider region offers walking, cycling and coastal trips, while the Cairngorms are accessible for hiking, climbing and winter sports. This combination of city facilities, coast and countryside is one of Aberdeen’s main attractions for people who prefer a smaller city with outdoor spaces nearby.
2. Great Location
Aberdeen’s international airport is less than 10 kilometres from the city centre. It offers direct flights to many key European destinations and major UK cities. The railway station is located in the centre of Aberdeen and is only about an hour away by train from Glasgow or Edinburgh. At the same time, the East Coast Main Line trains from York or Newcastle Towers also provide a quick connection to Aberdeen. Towns and villages within the Aberdeen area and all parts of Scotland are easily accessible by bus.
3. Low crime rate
Want to know is Aberdeen a good place to live you should know the whole situation of the city. According to the Complete University Guide, Aberdeen is the third safest city in the UK. The third most popular city in Scotland, Aberdeen has not only secured a place in the safest cities list. Still, it has also been selected as one of the friendliest cities in the UK, thanks to its vibrant atmosphere and record-low crime rate. Aberdeen is also a student-friendly city with a young and vibrant urban population. For the seventh consecutive year, Aberdeen has won the Purple Flag Award, a highly prestigious award given exclusively to cities that are committed to providing a vibrant and diverse range of food, drink, entertainment and culture whilst promoting the safety and well-being of visitors and local residents.
4. Less stressful life
Aberdeen has replaced Coventry in the ranking of the best cities in the UK. The Scottish city is ranked seventh in the world for purchasing power. Aberdeen’s healthcare system and average net salary are also among the top 100 globally, while the cost of living is below average, so living in Aberdeen is not stressful.
5. Educational resource
Founded in 1495, the University of Aberdeen is one of the UK’s five most famous historic universities (Oxford, Cambridge, St Andrews, Aberdeen, Glasgow) and the fifth oldest university in the UK. The University of Aberdeen is one of the top 30 universities in the UK, and the QS World University Rankings have been in the top 200, so the University of Aberdeen has always been one of the most historical, representative and academically strong public research universities in the UK. The quality of teaching and research at the University is also world-renowned, with five Nobel Prize winners and 75 per cent of its research outputs rated as ‘world-leading’. The university attracts scholars and students worldwide to study and research here, bringing together a wealth of high-quality educational resources. In addition, the university provides students with a lot of support. The University of Aberdeen Students’ Union sponsors more than 150 clubs and societies, and its number of sports clubs is one of the largest in all Scottish universities.
6. Climate and Weather
Despite its northern location, Aberdeen’s climate is surprisingly mild, with average temperatures of 1-7°C in winter and 10-18°C in summer. Aberdeen’s proximity to the sea and its latitude make it rainy. (short days and long nights in winter and long days and short nights in summer)
Best Areas to Live in Aberdeen
Aberdeen City Centre
Best for: Students and young professionals
Lifestyle: Busy, central and convenient
Main advantage: Shopping, nightlife and transport
Consider: Some streets are busier and less residential
Aberdeen City Centre is one of the best places to live in Aberdeen for students and young professionals who want shops, restaurants, nightlife and transport within easy reach. Union Street and the surrounding streets contain many of the city’s main shops, cafés, restaurants and entertainment venues. Aberdeen Railway Station and the bus station are also centrally located, making the city centre particularly practical for residents who travel frequently or rely on public transport. For students, the main trade-off is distance from campus. University of Aberdeen students will usually need to travel north towards Old Aberdeen, while RGU students can use regular bus services towards Garthdee. RGU confirms that bus routes 1 and 2 regularly connect the city centre with its campus.
Rosemount
- Best for: Students and young professionals
- Lifestyle: Lively but residential
- Main advantage: Good balance between city life and local amenities
- Consider: Not as close to RGU as Garthdee
Located just north-west of the city centre, Rosemount combines residential streets with a strong selection of everyday amenities. The neighbourhood is known for independent shops, cafés, restaurants and traditional granite housing, alongside newer flats. Rosemount is popular with both young professionals and families and offers a useful balance between city-centre access and a more neighbourhood-focused atmosphere. Parks and green spaces nearby also make it suitable for people who prefer a slightly quieter environment than the city centre.
Old Aberdeen
- Best for: University of Aberdeen students
- Lifestyle: Historic, academic and student-friendly
- Main advantage: Walking distance to campus
- Consider: Less central for RGU students
Old Aberdeen is one of the best areas to live in Aberdeen for students attending the University of Aberdeen. King’s College and many university facilities are located directly in the neighbourhood, allowing many students to walk to classes. The area is also one of the city’s most distinctive historic districts. Cobbled streets, granite buildings and green spaces create a quieter atmosphere than the city centre. Seaton Park provides a large outdoor space nearby, while cafés, takeaways and everyday amenities cater to the student population.
Housing ranges from historic properties and private flats to purpose-built student accommodation. Old Aberdeen is particularly suitable for students who prioritise a short university commute and a strong campus atmosphere over being directly beside the city’s main nightlife areas.
Ferryhill
- Best for: Students, professionals and residents seeking quieter central living
- Lifestyle: Residential, green and convenient
- Main advantage: Close to the city centre without being in its busiest streets
- Consider: University of Aberdeen is less convenient than from Old Aberdeen
Ferryhill sits immediately south of Aberdeen City Centre and offers a quieter residential environment while remaining close to central amenities. The area has traditional housing, leafy streets and access to green spaces, making it attractive to residents who want to avoid the busiest central streets without moving far into the suburbs. Ferryhill’s location also gives residents convenient access to the railway station, Union Street and routes towards the south and west of Aberdeen.
Garthdee
- Best for: Robert Gordon University students
- Lifestyle: Residential and student-friendly
- Main advantage: Immediate access to the RGU campus
- Consider: Quieter than the city centre
For students at Robert Gordon University, Garthdee is one of the most practical areas to consider. RGU’s main campus is located directly in Garthdee on the banks of the River Dee, with the university’s learning facilities and student services concentrated there. Living nearby can significantly reduce the daily commute and makes it easy to reach lectures, university facilities and RGU SPORT. Garthdee has a quieter, more residential character than Aberdeen City Centre while still offering supermarkets and everyday amenities nearby. Regular buses also connect the campus area with central Aberdeen.
Cults
- Best for: Families and long-term residents
- Lifestyle: Quiet, suburban and green
- Main advantage: Residential environment and access to nature
- Consider: Less convenient for most students
Located to the west of central Aberdeen, Cults is one of the best-known suburban residential areas in this city and is particularly popular with families. Compared with the city centre, Cults offers a quieter environment, more greenery and a stronger suburban feel. Residents still have access to cafés, local shops and everyday services, while the surrounding countryside and River Dee provide additional outdoor space.
West End
- Best for: Professionals, postgraduate students and quieter living
- Lifestyle: Upscale and residential
- Main advantage: Attractive streets and green spaces
- Consider: Generally more expensive than student-focused areas
The West End is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Aberdeen. It is known for attractive residential streets, traditional granite and Victorian properties, and a quieter atmosphere than the city centre. It is particularly appealing to professionals, postgraduate students and residents looking for a more established residential neighbourhood. The West End generally feels more residential than student-dominated neighbourhoods such as Old Aberdeen, and housing can be more expensive.
Student Accommodation in Aberdeen's Best Areas
Students who prefer purpose-built accommodation can find options across central Aberdeen and around the University of Aberdeen. Instead of choosing only by property facilities, it is worth considering how each residence fits your preferred neighbourhood and daily university commute. Here are the popular student accommodations in Aberdeen’s best areas.
Powis Place
Powis Place is one of Aberdeen’s most sought-after flats and is very easy to walk out of. It is close to Rosemount, one of Aberdeen’s best areas. A short walk down George Street will bring you to Bon Accord St Nicholas Shopping Centre, Aberdeen’s second-largest shopping centre. There are plenty of high-end shops in the immediate vicinity of the flat.
- It only takes 10 minutes to the city centre and 13 minutes to the University of Aberdeen.
- The flat has a spacious communal lounge, gym and activity area for you to relax with friends after a hard day’s study. The flat also comes with a small garden with beautiful views, car parking, and bike storage, which is all inclusive of the rent ~ 100Mbps WiFi coverage throughout the flat, as well as a door entry system and CCTV to ensure your safety.
Justice Mill Studios
Justice Mill Studios is located in the Ferryhill area mentioned above, and it would be a great experience to stay here!
- New flats just opened in 2023. Everything from the gym to the study room to the laundry is new and modern.
- 3 minutes walk to the city centre and 10 minutes to the train station.
- 25 minutes by bus to Aberdeen University.
Causeway View
- The exterior of the Causeway View is in the style of classical English architecture. The rooftop retains the ancient viewing platform with panoramic views of Aberdeen and Pleasure Beach, which can be reached in about half an hour’s walk. It’s not far from Rosemount and continues the friendly community atmosphere of Rosemount.
- Five minutes walk to the city centre.
- 9 minutes to Aberdeen University by bus and 12 minutes to Robert Gordon University.
Pittodrie Street
The features of Pittodrie Street are:
- Close to the school: 11-minute walk to Aberdeen University.
- The ensuite and studio are great value for money and can be paid in installments.
- Provide 24-hour security and access control system, creating a quiet and comfortable living environment.
Old Fire Station
- Old Fire Station provides studios close to the sea.
- Not only do they have a sea view, but they have the safest living environment possible.
- 15-minute walk to Aberdeen University and the city centre.
Fraser studios
- Fraser Studios flats are designed to improve student life and offer a variety of Studio room types at various prices.
- All rooms are tastefully furnished and decorated. They have a private bathroom, a queen-size bed and study area, and a modern integrated kitchen.
- The flats offer 100Mbps WIFI, laundry facilities, common facilities and areas such as a cinema room, games room, study area, as well as a swimming pool and gym membership privileges.
- The flat is ideally located close to major shopping areas such as Union Street, which is packed with shops and restaurants.
- The University of Aberdeen is approximately a 16-minute walk from the flat. The bustling city centre is also only about 10 minutes away.
- Living near the flats is very convenient. There is a bus stop right across the street, making it easy for students to get around.
- Outside school hours, relax with family and friends at Queen’s Link Leisure Park, which has a cinema and restaurants and is right next to the recreational beach on Aberdeen’s famous Sunset Strip.
FAQ
The most prestigious and affluent area in Aberdeen is Rubislaw Den South, renowned for its opulent residences and upscale lifestyle. This exclusive neighbourhood stands out as the epitome of luxury living in the city, with current average property prices soaring at £1,111,666. This makes it a coveted address for those seeking sophistication and elegance in their surroundings. People who live there appreciate the finer things in life and aspire to reside in a community synonymous with prestige and affluence.
One of the most captivating neighborhoods in Aberdeen is the historic and vibrant area of Old Aberdeen. With its rich cultural heritage, charming cobblestone streets, and proximity to the University of Aberdeen, Old Aberdeen exudes a unique charm that draws residents and visitors alike. The neighborhood is steeped in history, with stunning architecture, quaint cafes, and a bustling atmosphere that creates a sense of timelessness and community spirit. From the iconic King’s College to the picturesque Seaton Park, Old Aberdeen offers a blend of tradition and modernity, making it a truly captivating destination for exploration and discovery.
The best area depends on your priorities. Old Aberdeen is one of the best choices for University of Aberdeen students, while Garthdee is ideal for Robert Gordon University students. Rosemount and Aberdeen City Centre suit students and young professionals who want convenient amenities, while Cults and the West End are better suited to residents looking for quieter and more residential surroundings.
Old Aberdeen, Garthdee, Rosemount and Aberdeen City Centre are among the best areas to live in Aberdeen for students. Old Aberdeen offers the easiest access to the University of Aberdeen, while Garthdee is the most convenient neighbourhood for RGU. Rosemount and the city centre are good alternatives for students who prioritise cafés, shops, nightlife and transport.
Old Aberdeen is the best area for University of Aberdeen students. It is generally the most convenient neighbourhood because King’s College and many university facilities are located there. Rosemount is another good choice for students looking for a balance between campus and city-centre life, while Aberdeen City Centre offers more nightlife and shopping but usually requires a bus journey to campus.
Garthdee is the most convenient area for RGU students because the university’s main campus is located there. Students who prefer to live closer to central Aberdeen can also consider Ferryhill or Aberdeen City Centre and commute to Garthdee by bus.
Cults, Hazlehead, parts of the West End and several northern residential areas are the safest areas to live in Aberdeen for safety and overall neighbourhood quality. Safety varies by postcode. Before moving to Aberdeen, you should still check recent local crime information for the exact postcode before signing a tenancy.
