Living in Corstorphine
A charming and well-established suburb of Edinburgh, Corstorphine is a desirable place to live in the capital due to its lovely blend of residential comfort, green spaces, and historical character. A family friendly suburb, its appeal stems from its offering of a quiet, village-like atmosphere while being close to the conveniences of Edinburgh city centre, which lies just 4 miles away.
Is Corstorphine a good place to live?
Corstorphine, with its rich historical heritage and excellent commuter links to major cities, is both a charming and convenient place to call home. In the leafy suburbs of Edinburgh, Corstorphine has plenty of amenities and a diverse array of property options including traditional stone-built homes to more modern developments.
There are plenty of green spaces here, a busy thoroughfare with an abundance of shops, cafes and restaurants, and a good selection of schools. More affordable than nearby neighbourhoods closer to the city centre of Edinburgh, Corstorphine is a nice place to live, for all kinds of people and their lifestyles. It’s links to the city centre make it ideal for young professionals and families, whilst its peaceful village-like ambiance and sense of community will appeal to retirees.
What is the transport in Corstorphine like?
Corstorphine is well-connected to the city centre and provides excellent options for onward travel. If you're seeking an easy way to travel to or from Corstorphine, taking the bus is your best option, but you can also make use of the trains while living here, and quick and easy access to Edinburgh Airport.
Corstorphine by bus
Lothian Buses provide frequent services throughout the day and into the night, including routes 12, 26, 31, and the Airlink 100, offering easy access to city centre spots such as Waverley, Haymarket, and St Andrew's Square.
The number 900 bus service operated by CityLink Scotland runs from Edinburgh bus station to Glasgow, making a few stops at Corstorphine, making it easy to commute between Scotland’s two major cities.
Corstorphine by rail
Corstorphine is accessible via South Gyle train station, which offers regular direct services to Edinburgh Waverley, with journey times as fast as 10 minutes. These trains also frequently continue towards Fife and eventually Dundee. At the nearby Edinburgh Gateway station, you can access the tram, giving you another option for travel into the city centre and Ocean Terminal, as well as Edinburgh Airport.
Corstorphine by car
The main road through Corstorphine connects to the Gogar Roundabout at the suburb's western edge. From there, drivers can access the city bypass, which leads to the motorway network for routes towards Fife, Glasgow, and Stirling.
What are the schools in Corstorphine like?
In and around Corstorphine, you will find a good selection of well-regarded primary and secondary schools, along with plenty of early learning establishments.
There are several primary schools in the area, including Corstorphine Primary School, a long-established school with values that demonstrate kindness, inclusivity, trust and honesty. Other schools include Gylemuir Primary School and East Craigs Primary School, as well as Fox Covert Primary School and St Andrew’s Fox Covert RC Primary School which share expansive school grounds situated close to Corstorphine Hill Nature Reserve.
In terms of secondary education, whilst not located directly in the boundaries of Corstorphine, there are two high schools located very close by, namely Craigmount High School and St Augustine's R.C. High School.
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What are the best things to do in Corstorphine
As one of Scotland’s most famous attractions, Edinburgh Zoo is a must-visit when living in Corstorphine. Spread across 82 acres, the zoo is home to over 1,000 animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes and the adorable colony of penguins. The zoo has a strong focus on conservation and education, making it a fantastic day out for families and wildlife enthusiasts.
As one of Edinburgh’s seven hills, Corstorphine Hill Nature Reserve is a local favourite for leisurely walks with its wooded paths and scenic trails. At the top, you’re rewarded with spectacular views over the city, the Firth of Forth, and on a clear day, even as far as the Fife coastline.
Corstorphine Old Parish Church is a stunning example of Scotland’s ecclesiastical heritage, with parts of the structure dating back to the 12th century. Located inside the church, the Corstorphine Heritage Centre provides insights into the rich history of the area, dating back to medieval times. Exhibits often focus on notable residents of Corstorphine, including literary figures and historical leaders.
In terms of leisure facilities, you can visit the nearby Drumbrae Leisure Centre, which features a swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, and fitness studios offering classes such as yoga, spin, and Pilates. You can also enjoy a gym, swimming pool, tennis courts, spa facilities and exercise classes at David Lloyd Leisure.
Given the convenient location of Corstorphine, you can always pop into the city centre on one of the frequent bus services to enjoy world class attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, St Giles Cathedral, The Real Mary King’s Close and so much more.
Types of property in Corstorphine
With a variety of different property options, Corstorphine continues to attract all kinds of home buyers. Along with Victorian villas and traditional detached and semi-detached houses, you will find modern flats, townhouses and bungalows. Whether you prefer the charm of a beautiful period property or the practicality of a new family home, you can find it in Corstorphine.
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Planning on moving to Corstorphine?
Living in Corstorphine feels like a balance between village charm and urban convenience. It's ideal for those who want a slower pace of life without sacrificing access to Edinburgh's cultural and professional opportunities. The community, greenery, and well-preserved history all contribute to making Corstorphine a desirable and nice place to live. If you are all set to make the move to Corstorphine, take the next step and browse all houses and flats for sale today.
Find a solicitor estate agent in Corstorphine
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FAQs about living in Corstorphine
Corstorphine and its surrounding areas offer a variety of highly regarded primary and secondary schools, as well as numerous early learning centres. Primary schools in the area include Corstorphine Primary School, Gylemuir Primary School, East Craigs Primary School, Fox Covert Primary School, and St Andrew’s Fox Covert RC Primary School. Secondary schooling options include Craigmount High School and St Augustine's R.C. High School. For more details on the best schools in Corstorphine, 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 Corstorphine on espc.com. To search properties by school catchment area, click here.
For details on school catchment areas in Corstorphine, 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 Corstorphine is £324,677. This figure is based on properties marketed and sold through ESPC, in the 3-month period ending on 30/11/2024.
At Rowanbank Gardens, construction is underway for 126 low-carbon homes. Located on the former site of a care home, the development emphasizes sustainability with features like green roofs and communal gardens, and aims to set new standards in eco-friendly residential living.
A stylish development of 24 two and three-bedroom apartments is being constructed at Westpoint Homes Apartments on Meadow Place Road, and offers close proximity to various eateries and coffee shops.
For details on council tax bands and charges in Corstorphine, please refer to the City of Edinburgh Council website.
Corstorphine offers several family-friendly activities and attractions. A highlight is Edinburgh Zoo, home to over 1,000 rare and endangered animals, providing educational events, hands-on animal encounters, and play areas for children. For outdoor enthusiasts, Corstorphine Hill provides walking trails and panoramic views of Edinburgh. St. Margaret's Park features playgrounds and green spaces suitable for picnics and play.
Cultural and recreational facilities in Corstorphine include the Corstorphine Heritage Centre, located in the historic Dower House within St. Margaret's Park, offering insights into local history. The Corstorphine Community Centre organizes various activities and events aimed at all age groups. Additionally, the local public library provides resources and programs for families.
Families can engage with community groups and events through the Corstorphine Community Centre, which hosts activities designed for family participation. While specific festivals in Corstorphine may be limited, Edinburgh's broader community events, such as the Edinburgh Winter Festival, offer family-friendly experiences. Local churches and organizations also frequently organize events suitable for families.
Corstorphine at a glance*
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