Living in Clermiston
Clermiston is a quiet, green suburb in the northwest of Edinburgh. It’s the kind of place where streets are lined with semi-detached houses, parks are never far away, and life moves at a relaxed pace without being cut off from the city. Families, first-time buyers, and anyone after a calm neighbourhood with easy access to Edinburgh city centre tend to gravitate here. It’s not flashy, but it’s practical, pleasant, and surprisingly welcoming.
Is Clermiston a good place to live?
Clermiston manages to be both peaceful and practical, which is rarer than you might think in Edinburgh. You get access to good schools, local shops, and plenty of green spaces for weekend strolls or a game of football in the park.
Property here tends to be more affordable than the city centre or the chic West End, meaning more square footage for your money - perhaps even a garden big enough for barbecues, a trampoline, or a very enthusiastic vegetable patch. Daily life is low-fuss: a nearby convenience store, local takeaways, and the odd café make everything feel easy. Plus, being perched on a hill means some streets boast views over the city or the Firth of Forth - a daily dose of scenery for free.
What is the transport in Clermiston like?
Clermiston is a commuter-friendly enclave, so getting around is pretty straightforward.
Clermiston by bus
Local Lothian Buses crisscross the area, linking Clermiston to the city centre, the airport, and other suburbs. Services are regular, and include the number 26 service which takes you into the city centre. If you stay on this service, you can reach a several towns in East Lothian without the need to swap buses. Other routes running through the area include the number 17 which connects Ocean Terminal with Edinburgh Airport, and the number 21 service which takes passengers to the Gyle Shopping Centre.
Clermiston by train
There’s no train station in the suburb itself, but nearby stations like Haymarket or Edinburgh Waverley are easily reachable by bus or a short drive. From there, the Scottish rail network opens up the rest of the country.
Clermiston by car
Driving in and out of Clermiston is usually painless. The main routes connect you to the city centre in around 15 - 20 minutes without the chaos of rush-hour central streets. Weekend trips north to Fife or west to the Pentlands are a breeze - and you might even spot a deer if you venture onto the outskirts!
What are the schools in Clermiston like?
Families have a few solid options. Clermiston Primary is local and well-regarded, with small enough class sizes to actually get to know the teachers. For secondary school, Boroughmuir High and the nearby Craigmount High provide a range of extracurricular activities alongside academics. Parents praise the sense of community and the way schools integrate with local life - sports days, fairs, and school projects often end up spilling into the neighbourhood.
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What are the best things to do in Clermiston
Clermiston is more about easy-going, everyday pleasures than big attractions. The area has plenty of green spaces, including Clermiston Park and nearby trails that are perfect for walking, cycling, or letting dogs off the leash. Craigmount Hill offers a welcome view of the city for those who fancy a short climb with a reward at the top.
Recreation facilities include a local leisure centre together with a popular tennis club and two prestigious golf clubs at nearby Barnton. A little further north at Cramond there are pleasant walks along the Forth shore and River Almond.
The community itself hosts events from time to time, giving residents a chance to meet their neighbours and enjoy a bit of local fun. And when you want a taste of the city, Edinburgh’s centre is just a short bus or drive away, offering theatres, cafés, restaurants, and museums... meaning you can enjoy the best of both worlds without feeling like you’re missing out.
Types of property in Clermiston
Housing in Clermiston is practical and family-friendly. Expect lots of semi-detached and detached homes, often with gardens and driveways. There are a few modern apartment developments for first-time buyers or downsizers, and older terraces with character tucked away on quieter streets. Green views and slightly elevated plots give some houses a sense of openness that’s rare in the city.
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Planning on moving to Clermiston?
Clermiston is low-key, leafy, and surprisingly charming once you get to know it. It’s perfect for those who want a balance: close enough to Edinburgh for work, nightlife, and culture, but far enough to enjoy peace, greenery, and community. Whether you’re after a family home with space to grow, a first property, or a semi-detached gem with a view, Clermiston is worth a look. A chat with a local estate agent will help you pinpoint the right street, and maybe the perfect garden to finally plant that row of sunflowers you’ve been dreaming about.
Find a solicitor estate agent in Clermiston
You can search our directory of local ESPC solicitor agents. Simply type in Clermiston and we’ll give you the contact details and all the information you need on the agent.
FAQs about living in Clermiston
Families have a few solid options. Clermiston Primary is local and well-regarded, with small enough class sizes to actually get to know the teachers. For secondary school, Boroughmuir High and the nearby Craigmount High provide a range of extracurricular activities alongside academics. Parents praise the sense of community and the way schools integrate with local life - sports days, fairs, and school projects often end up spilling into the neighbourhood. For more details on the best schools in Clermiston, 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 Clermiston on espc.com. To search properties by school catchment area, click here.
For details on school catchment areas in Clermiston, 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 Clermiston is £232,043. This figure is based on properties marketed and sold through ESPC, in the 3-month period ending on 31/08/2025.
There are no new housing developments or upcoming infrastructure projects currently underway in Clermiston.
For details on council tax bands and charges in Clermiston, please refer to the City of Edinburgh Council website.
Clermiston Park is a local gem, offering a playground suitable for toddlers and juniors, as well as a fenced court for ball games like football and basketball. The park's elevated position provides panoramic views of the Forth estuary, Fife coast, and the Pentland Hills. It's an ideal spot for family outings, picnics, and casual sports. Nearby, the Drumbrae Leisure Centre offers additional recreational options, including swimming and sports facilities. For indoor fun, Murrayfield Ice Rink is just a short distance away, providing opportunities for ice skating and roller skating. These venues collectively offer a variety of activities to keep families entertained year-round.
Clermiston boasts several community hubs that cater to families. The Rannoch Community Centre is a focal point, hosting a range of activities such as badminton sessions, parenting groups, and children's clubs. Additionally, the centre offers fitness classes and support services, fostering a sense of community among residents. The Drumbrae Leisure Centre, located nearby, provides further recreational options, including swimming pools and sports courts. These facilities play a crucial role in promoting active lifestyles and community engagement in the Clermiston area.
The Clermiston and Drumbrae Children's Gala is a longstanding tradition, having been established in 1958. This annual event brings together families from Clermiston, Drumbrae, East Craigs, and Fox Covert areas for a weekend of fun and community spirit. Activities typically include games, entertainment, and community stalls, making it a highlight of the local social calendar. The gala serves as a testament to the area's strong community bonds and commitment to providing enjoyable experiences for children and families.
Clermiston at a glance*
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