Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, United Kingdom. It is located on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth in the central lowlands of Scotland. With a privileged location compared to most European cities, Edinburgh is the centre of the southern lowlands, full of unique Scottish charm and now the seventh largest city in the UK. Critical cultural institutions like the National Museum of Scotland, the National Library of Scotland and the National Galleries of Scotland are all in Edinburgh.
Over the past decade, Edinburgh has been one of the UK’s fastest-growing and most productive cities, where the unemployment rate is consistently below 4.5%. In addition, it is ranked 2nd behind London in the UK mainland for investment activity, financial services competitiveness and business conferences. Edinburgh’s population in 2024 is estimated to be 558,676, an increase of 6% from 2020. With Edinburgh attracting millions of visitors every year, let’s take a look at why people move to Edinburgh and the best areas to stay in Edinburgh for different groups of people.
Why People Move to Edinburgh
Excellent education
Edinburgh, a city rich in cultural heritage, has produced literary giants like Robert Louis Stevenson and Arthur Conan Doyle. Their works have enriched global literature. The University of Edinburgh attracts students worldwide, offering first-class education and fostering idea exchange, making it a hub for scholars and thinkers.
Rich history and culture
Edinburgh is renowned for its rich heritage, cultural traditions, and spectacular scenery. The city blends ancient architecture with modern business districts, offering a unique experience. As Scotland’s cultural centre, Edinburgh hosts many important events, including the famous Edinburgh International Festival, showcasing music, theatre, dance, and comedy. With its literary history, the city attracts writers, poets, and literature lovers. Visitors can explore numerous literary memorials, events, and festivals, making Edinburgh a cultural treasure.
Artistic atmosphere
Edinburgh’s vibrant art scene includes the National Museum, National Galleries of Scotland, and the Museum of Modern Art, showcasing both Scottish and international art. The annual Edinburgh Festival transforms the city into an arts carnival with street performers, theatre, and concerts, creating a literary atmosphere that feels like a wonderland of creativity and inspiration.
Convenient transport
- It’s a 4-hour train ride to London King’s Cross and a 1-hour flight.
- It takes about 3 hours by train to Manchester.
- It takes roughly 5 hours by train to Birmingham.
Best Areas to Stay in Edinburgh: For Young Professionals
Leith
Average cost of properties for sale in Leith: £329,974.
Leith is a harbour area on the shores of the Firth of Forth in the north of Edinburgh. The River Leith runs through Edinburgh’s city centre, passes through the Firth of Forth, and flows into the sea, leading to Leith being known as the ‘place where the river meets the sea’. The TimeOut Travel Guide has named it one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods.
As Scotland’s once important trading port, Leith Harbour was a bustling place where ships from all over the world came to anchor with their goods. Today, Leith is a young, culturally diverse, unique neighbourhood that has evolved. On a clear day, walk along the River Leith to the beach and look out over the Firth of Forth, and you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of the day.
Leith Market is also a great place to experience local life most relaxedly. Taste the freshly baked bread on a sunny morning, pack your favourite food and coffee and head down to the banks of the River Leith for a weekend of relaxation. The Leith Market opens every Saturday at 10 am along the beautiful Leith River, and by midday, it’s a whole new scene. A wide range of fresh food and crafts can be bought here at low prices and with great character.
New Town
The average price for a property in New Town is £451,354 over the last year.
Edinburgh’s New Town is located in the city’s centre, with neatly aligned roads running from west to east along the direction of the mountains. It is Edinburgh’s most fashionable and bustling area with its shops and traffic.
Each road in the New Town has a special significance, with the main street, George Street, named after King George III, Queen Street to the north and Princes Street to the south representing his wife and two older sons. In contrast, the squares on either side and Thistle Street and Rose Street in the centre represent Scotland and England, respectively. It retains many of the classic neo-classical and Georgian buildings and, together with the Old Town, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
There are many attractions in New Town, the most famous being the Scott Monument, a Victorian Gothic-style memorial tower to the Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott, the tallest memorial tower to a writer in the world.
Stockbridge
The average sold price for a property in Stockbridge, Edinburgh, in the last 12 months is £329,913.
Stockbridge is one of Edinburgh’s most vibrant and artistic neighbourhoods, just a ten-minute walk from the Princes Street. Until the middle of the 18th century, Stockbridge was an area separate from Edinburgh. However, with the building and expansion of the New Town, Stockbridge gradually became part of the rapidly growing Edinburgh city centre.
Circus Lane, “Edinburgh’s most beautiful alley”, is in the Stockbridge neighbourhood. It’s quiet and relaxed, with the bell tower of St Stephen’s Church a beautiful sight as you stroll down the circular lane. The alleyways are lined with converted stables, paved with stone, and each house has plants that their owners have lovingly tended.
Stockbridge is also a must-visit for seasoned bargain hunters, with many gift shops, art studios, florists and more than a dozen charity shops, most of which are located on Raeburn Place. Stockbridge’s distinctive artsy, laid-back and sophisticated atmosphere attracts many people to live and visit the area. It provides a ‘getaway’ from the hustle and bustle.
Best Areas to Live in Edinburgh: For College Students
Newington
Rent Prices:
Shared Flats: £400 – £650 per month for a room in a shared flat.
One-Bedroom Apartments: £700 – £1,000 per month, depending on the property’s location and condition.
Newington is home to a significant student population due to its close proximity to the University of Edinburgh. This makes it a lively and dynamic area, particularly during the academic year.
The area boasts several historical and cultural sites, including the Surgeons’ Hall Museums, the Queen’s Hall, the Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat, providing excellent opportunities for outdoor activities.
The neighborhood is well-served by public transport, with several bus routes connecting it to the city centre and other parts of Edinburgh. This makes commuting easy for both students and professionals.
Housing in Newington varies from traditional tenement flats to modern apartments, providing a range of options to suit different needs and budgets. Rent prices are generally affordable, especially for students
Dalry/West End
Rent Prices:
Shared Flats: £350 – £600 per month for a room in a shared flat.
One-Bedroom Apartments: £650 – £900 per month, depending on the property’s location and condition.
Dalry is a vibrant and residential neighborhood located to the west of Edinburgh’s city centre. The neighborhood is close to Haymarket, a major transport hub with train, tram, and bus services. This provides excellent connectivity to the rest of Edinburgh and beyond, including direct links to Edinburgh Airport.
The neighborhood offers a wide range of amenities, including local shops, supermarkets, cafes, and eateries. The area caters to various tastes and needs, providing a mix of independent stores and well-known chains. Edinburgh’s West End is also best known as a cultural hub, home to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Arthur’s Hall and the Edinburgh Farmers’ Market.
Dalry is known for its relatively affordable housing options compared to other parts of Edinburgh. This makes it an attractive choice for students and young professionals looking for budget-friendly accommodation.
Fountainbridge
Rent Prices:
Shared Flats: £400 – £650 per month for a room in a shared flat.
One-Bedroom Apartments: £700 – £1,000 per month, depending on the property’s location and condition.
Fountainbridge is a an urban neighborhood located southwest of Edinburgh’s city centre. It has transformed from an industrial area into a dynamic urban district through significant redevelopment. This area now features modern residential complexes, office spaces, and leisure facilities.
Fountainbridge boasts various shops, supermarkets, cafes, and restaurants. The area’s culinary scene includes diverse options, from casual eateries to fine dining. The neighborhood is close to several educational institutions, including Napier University ,the University of Edinburgh, the Edinburgh College of Art and the Open University. making it a convenient location for students.
Rent prices are generally competitive, offering good value for the location.
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Best Areas to Live in Edinburgh: For Global Tourists
Old Town
The average price for a property in Old Town is £322,013 over the last year.
Edinburgh Old Town is the historic heart of Scotland’s capital, characterized by its medieval street layout and numerous historic buildings. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of visitors each year.
Edinburgh’s Old Town retains many buildings from the European Middle Ages and the Scottish Reformation, including St Giles’ Cathedral, the Church of Scotland Cathedral, the Surgery Building, the Royal Museum of Scotland, the University of Edinburgh, and the Scottish Parliament Building. Wander through the streets of the Old Town and explore the distinctive buildings, pubs, restaurants, and shops lining the streets while listening to the music of the Scottish bagpipes playing in your ears.
The accommodation prices in this area are much higher other areas, at least 200￡per night, because most lodgings are located near famous attractions. However, this experience is absolutely worthwhile! Staying here for a few days will be one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life!
Grassmarket
The average sold price for a property in Grassmarket in the last 12 months is £429,167.
Do you know where the most colourful neighbourhood in Edinburgh is? As you walk along the Grassmarket to Victoria Street, look at the stone-paved road curving upwards in a perfect arc and the colourful shops selling all sorts of goods on both sides, you’ll see Diagon Alley in real life.
Starting at the Elephant Café, turn right and you’ll see the famous statue of Bobby. Head down the curved Candlemaker Row to the Grassmarket from Bobby’s junction. On the way to the Grassmarket, you’ll also pass the famous grey Friar’s Cemetery, where J.K. Rowling was inspired by the names of many of the characters in her books, including Professor McGonagall and Voldemort, amongst others, on the gravestones.
Colourful Victoria Street is also one of Edinburgh’s favourite streets for photographers – it’s a sight to behold, whatever the weather. The winding streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town are often reminiscent of scenes from Harry Potter. Many consider Victoria Street to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley, and it’s become one of the must-visit stops in Edinburgh for Harry Potter fans worldwide. Over 90% of the shops in Grassmarket are independent. From vintage and antique to Edinburgh’s designer labels, there’s something for everyone.
You can rent a B&Bs here for some days, enjoying the local features and take pictures in this picturesque neiborhood!
Portobello
The average sold price for a property in Portobello in the last 12 months is £369,000.
Portobello is a charming coastal suburb located to the east of Edinburgh’s city centre. Known for its sandy beach and seaside atmosphere, Portobello offers a unique blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. It is a popular destination for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy the beach, outdoor activities, and a relaxed lifestyle.
Portobello offers a variety of shops, pubs, and restaurants, catering to different tastes and needs. There are also several parks and green spaces for outdoor activities. Schools and medical facilities are available, making it a family-friendly area. It is a best place for retirees to spend their rest of life.
There are many affordable hotels and B&Bs near Portobello. The price are approximately £90-150 per night according to different demands.
FAQ
Which area of Edinburgh has the cheapest houses?
According to the survey results, Stockbridge is the cheapest neighbourhood in Edinburgh. The average sold price for a property in Stockbridge, Edinburgh, in the last 12 months is £329,913.
What are the shopping districts in Edinburgh?
1. Princes Street
2. George Street
3. Multrees Walk
4. The West End
5. The Grassmarket and Victoria Street
6. Stockbridge
7. Bruntsfield and Morningside
8. The Royal Mile
Which month has the best art scene in Edinburgh?
August is undoubtedly Edinburgh’s most artistic month. The Edinburgh International Festival of the Arts, the oldest and most extensive arts festival in history, returns from 2 to 25 August. Every August, top artists and rising art stars worldwide converge here to showcase their inspiration and creativity.
