Living in Balerno
Tucked away on the western edge of Edinburgh, Balerno is a charming suburb that offers the best of both worlds - peaceful village life with easy access to the capital. Surrounded by rolling hills, scenic woodland, and the tranquil Water of Leith, it’s an ideal spot for families, nature lovers, and anyone who enjoys a close-knit community vibe. With great schools, fantastic outdoor spaces, and a relaxed pace of life, Balerno is a brilliant place to call home.
Is Balerno a good place to live?
Balerno is a delightful mix of old and new, where historic stone cottages sit alongside modern family homes. It has a strong community spirit, fantastic local amenities, and a semi-rural charm that makes it feel like a countryside retreat, without sacrificing the convenience of city living.
Excellent schools, a range of outdoor activities, and great transport links into Edinburgh and beyond make Balerno a sought-after spot for families and professionals alike. Whether you're after a morning coffee in a cosy café, a weekend hike in the Pentland Hills, or an easy commute into the capital, Balerno has you covered.
What is the transport in Balerno like?
Despite its rural feel, Balerno is well-connected when it comes to transport, making it an excellent choice for commuters and city explorers alike.
Balerno by train
While Balerno itself doesn’t have a train station, nearby Curriehill Station provides a handy alternative for rail travel. From there, you can reach Edinburgh Waverley in just 20 minutes, making it a great option for commuters.
Balerno by bus
Lothian Buses operate regular services from Balerno to Edinburgh city centre, with the 44 route being the main link. These frequent services make getting into town a breeze, whether you’re heading in for work, shopping, or even a night out, as the 44 bus operates a night service. The number 32 bus provides links to the Gyle Shopping Centre and Edinburgh Gateway train station on its way to Cramond. The number 32 also gets you to a tram stop for onward travel to Edinburgh Airport.
Balerno by car
For drivers, Balerno is conveniently close to the A70, which leads straight into Edinburgh. The City Bypass (A720) is just a short drive away, giving easy access to the M8, M9, and beyond.
What are the schools in Balerno like?
Balerno is home to some fantastic schools, making it a top choice for families.
For primary education, families have access Dean Park Primary School, a well-regarded learning establishment that offers a friendly, supportive learning environment.
At the secondary level, Balerno High School serves the area and has a strong reputation for academic achievement and extracurricular opportunities. The school is also part of the renowned Wider Achievement Programme, which helps students develop skills beyond the classroom.
For those seeking private education, nearby schools in Edinburgh - such as George Watson’s College and Merchiston Castle School - are easily accessible.
What are the best things to do in Balerno
For a small suburb, Balerno is packed with things to see and do, particularly for those who love the outdoors.
One of the biggest draws is the Pentland Hills Regional Park, which offers miles of scenic trails, perfect for hiking, cycling, and even horse riding. Whether you fancy a gentle stroll or a more challenging climb, the views are always worth it.
The Water of Leith Walkway is another local favourite, providing a peaceful route that winds through woodlands and past historic landmarks, eventually leading into Edinburgh city centre.
Balerno also has a vibrant community scene, with the Balerno Farmers’ Market held monthly, offering local produce, artisan goods, and a great excuse to chat with neighbours. The Balerno Music Festival, held each autumn, is a highlight of the local calendar, showcasing live performances from talented musicians across a range of genres.
For family-friendly activities, Malleny Garden is a beautiful National Trust site with stunning walled gardens, while nearby Harlaw Reservoir is a popular spot for fishing, birdwatching, and picnicking.
Types of property in Balerno
Whether you're looking for a cosy cottage, a modern family home, or a luxury new build, Balerno has a variety of property options to suit different tastes and budgets.
Traditional stone-built homes and period properties add to the area’s charm, while newer housing developments offer contemporary living spaces with great energy efficiency. Spacious detached and semi-detached houses are common, making Balerno a great choice for families looking for more space without straying too far from Edinburgh.
Planning on moving to Balerno?
With a perfect blend of history, community spirit, and modern convenience, Balerno is a fantastic place to call home. Whether you're drawn in by the scenic landscapes, the strong sense of community, or the easy commute to the city, there's something for everyone in this delightful Edinburgh suburb.
Find a solicitor estate agent in Balerno
You can search our directory of local ESPC solicitor agents. Simply type in Balerno and we’ll give you the contact details and all the information you need on the agent.
FAQs about living in Balerno
Balerno offers excellent educational opportunities, making it a great choice for families. For primary education, the area provides access to well-regarded schools that foster a supportive and engaging learning environment.
At the secondary level, students benefit from a school with a strong reputation for academic success and a wide range of extracurricular activities. Additionally, various programs are available to help students develop skills beyond the classroom.
For those considering private education, a selection of respected schools in Edinburgh is within easy reach.
For more details on the best schools in Balerno, click here.
As the national body for supporting quality and improvement of learning and teaching, Education Scotland is a great place to look for information on school performance. You can use the website to search for an inspection report in a specific school.
We list the school catchment for every property listing in Balerno on espc.com. To search properties by school catchment area, click here.
For details on school catchment areas in Balerno, please refer to the City of Edinburgh Council website. You can use their interactive catchment map to find which schools are in your catchment area.
The average price of homes in Balerno is £360,117. This figure is based on properties marketed and sold through ESPC, in the 3-month period ending on 31/01/2025.
There are no new housing developments or upcoming infrastructure projects currently underway in Balerno.
For details on council tax bands and charges in Balerno, please refer to the City of Edinburgh Council website.
Balerno offers several family-friendly activities and attractions. The Water of Leith Walkway begins here, providing a scenic 12-mile path suitable for walking and cycling. Malleny House and Garden, managed by the National Trust for Scotland, features a 3-acre walled garden with notable yew trees and one of Scotland's largest rose collections. Additionally, the Red Moss Wildlife Reserve, a raised bog and Site of Special Scientific Interest, offers unique natural habitats for exploration.
Cultural and recreational facilities in Balerno include the Balerno Village Screen, a community cinema project offering free monthly film screenings. The village also hosts an annual music festival with events at various local venues. Sports enthusiasts can engage with Currie RFC, the local rugby team based in Balerno.
Families can participate in community groups and events such as the monthly farmers' market on Main Street, organized by the Balerno Village Trust. The Balerno Children's Gala, held every May, features a float parade and various activities at Malleny Park. Balerno Parish Church supports community groups and events, fostering local engagement. Offering a varied programme of adventurous activities to children from 6 to 14, the 51st Balerno Scout Group comprises Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Wildlife Explorer groups. On the outskirts of Balerno, Ravelrig Riding for the Disabled (Ravelrig RDA) provides riding and equine related activities.
Balerno at a glance*
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