Living in East Craigs
East Craigs may not be the first area that comes to mind when considering Edinburgh’s most celebrated neighbourhoods, but it has plenty to recommend it. The area is characterised by leafy streets, welcoming communities, and a location that strikes a balance between convenience and tranquillity. It sits close enough to the city centre to make commuting or socialising straightforward, yet far enough away to offer a quieter, more relaxed pace of life.
With tree-lined roads, well-maintained parks, and a strong family-friendly atmosphere, East Craigs combines the benefits of suburban living with easy access to all that Edinburgh has to offer. For those seeking a neighbourhood that provides calm surroundings without sacrificing city connections, it offers the best of both worlds.
Is East Craigs a good place to live?
Yes, and for lots of different reasons. East Craigs has a strong community feel, with plenty of green space and well-regarded schools, making it especially popular with families. The area also appeals to young professionals who want an easy commute without the higher rents of the city centre, and to those who prefer a quieter pace of life while still being close to Edinburgh’s amenities.
It’s the kind of neighbourhood where you can enjoy calm residential streets, local parks, and good shops, while knowing the city centre is only a short bus ride away. For many, it offers the best of both worlds: suburban comfort with city convenience.
What is the transport in East Craigs like?
Spoiler: you’re well connected.
East Craigs by bus
Lothian Buses are your best friend here, zipping you into the city centre in no time. Starting in the heart of East Craigs, the 31 service is the main bus route serving the area, and gets you to the heart of the capital as well as far as Midlothian. A sort walk to Drum Brae South affords you plenty more bus routes including the number 17 which goes to Edinburgh Airport, the number 26 which goes to East Lothian via the city centre and the number 21 which connects Leith to the Gyle Shopping centre.
East Craigs by train
No station in the neighbourhood itself, but Haymarket and Edinburgh Gateway aren’t far. That means Glasgow, Fife, and even the airport are within easy striking distance.
East Craigs by car
Close to the City Bypass and the M8, East Craigs is perfect if you’re a commuter with places to be. Parking is generally better than in inner Edinburgh.
What are the schools in East Craigs like?
Families in East Craigs are well served by a range of schools. East Craigs Primary is the main local option and has a strong reputation for its welcoming atmosphere and supportive staff. Nearby, you’ll also find Clermiston Primary and Cargilfield School (an independent prep school), giving parents a few choices depending on preferences.
For secondary education, the catchment is mainly Craigmount High School, one of the larger high schools in Edinburgh, known for its broad curriculum and extracurricular activities. A short distance away, you’ll also find St Augustine’s RC High School and Forrester High School, both easily accessible from East Craigs. Together, they provide a good mix of state and denominational options.
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What are the best things to do in East Craigs
While East Craigs itself is more residential than a tourist hotspot, there’s plenty to keep you busy both in and around the area. Green space is one of the neighbourhood’s biggest assets. Corstorphine Hill is practically on your doorstep, offering woodland trails, wildlife, and sweeping views across the city… perfect for a weekend walk or a breath of fresh air after work.
Just as close is Cammo Estate, with its mix of parkland, meadows, and historic ruins, a favourite spot for dog walkers, joggers, and anyone who enjoys a peaceful escape without leaving the city boundary.
Day-to-day, you’ll find everything you need locally, from handy supermarkets to takeaway favourites. For bigger shopping trips or a meal out, The Gyle Shopping Centre is only minutes away with a good mix of high-street names and casual dining options. If you’d rather support independent cafés and restaurants, nearby Corstorphine is packed with smaller, characterful places to eat and drink.
For family days out, Edinburgh Zoo is just down the road and remains one of the city’s most popular attractions. Sports and leisure are also well catered for, with gyms, golf courses, and sports clubs close at hand. And of course, the beauty of East Craigs is that you can enjoy all the peace and greenery of a suburban neighbourhood, while still being a short bus ride from Edinburgh’s city centre, with its festivals, theatres, museums, and nightlife.
Types of property in East Craigs
East Craigs is largely post-war housing, so expect lots of semis, detached homes, and bungalows with gardens...very appealing for families. There are also plenty of flats and modern developments popping up, so it’s not all 1970s pebble-dash. The mix makes it possible to find something whether you’re buying your first place or upsizing with kids in tow.
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Planning on moving to East Craigs?
East Craigs is one of those places that doesn’t shout about itself, but quietly gets on with being a great place to live. It’s practical, friendly, and well-connected - a proper neighbourhood where people look out for each other.
If you’re looking for a spot that balances suburban calm with Edinburgh convenience, East Craigs is well worth a look. Just don’t be surprised if your “starter home” here turns into your “forever home.”
Find a solicitor estate agent in East Craigs
You can search our directory of local ESPC solicitor agents. Simply type in East Craigs and we’ll give you the contact details and all the information you need on the agent.
FAQs about living in East Craigs
Families in East Craigs are well served by a range of schools. The local primary option has a strong reputation for its welcoming atmosphere and supportive staff. In the surrounding area, there are also other primary choices, including an independent preparatory school, giving parents flexibility depending on their preferences. For secondary education, the catchment mainly falls within a large local high school that is well regarded for its broad curriculum and wide range of extracurricular activities. A short distance away, there are also additional state and denominational options, all easily accessible from East Craigs. For more details on the best schools in East Craigs, 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 East Craigs on espc.com. To search properties by school catchment area, click here.
For details on school catchment areas in East Craigs, 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 East Craigs is £236,575. This figure is based on properties marketed and sold through ESPC, in the 3-month period ending on 31/07/2025.
There are no new housing developments or upcoming infrastructure projects currently underway in East Craigs.
For details on council tax bands and charges in East Craigs, please refer to the City of Edinburgh Council website.
East Craigs offers a delightful mix of quiet residential charm and local green spaces. The Burnpark -privately managed by the Burnbrae/Burnside community - is a grassy, tree-lined area ideal for informal play and sledging during snowy winters. While the suburb itself doesn’t host major visitor attractions, its proximity to Corstorphine Hill provides accessible outdoor walking opportunities. Nearby, South Gyle railway station connects families to the wider city, making it easy to reach popular Edinburgh family destinations such as Edinburgh Zoo and the Royal Botanic Garden.
Cultural and recreational offerings in East Craigs are modest but meaningful. East Craigs Church Centre hosts classes—like the Manor School of Ballet’s beginner sessions in ballet, jazz, tap, highland dance, acro, and musical theatre for ages 3+. The area also includes Craigmount High School, a nearby secondary school, contributing to community engagement and youth activities. For a broader cultural and recreational experience, families often venture into central Edinburgh for museums, parks, and entertainment.
East Craigs benefits from an active sense of community. The local Facebook group, East Craigs Community, serves as a hub for residents to share updates and organize gatherings. Craigsbank Parish Church has hosted a “Family Fun and Games in the Park” event at Meadowfield Park - offering crafts, bubble-making, refreshments, and tea or coffee, every Wednesday over the summer school holidays. These gatherings foster family connections and local engagement. While there are no large-scale festivals specific to East Craigs, smaller community-led events and informal meet-ups are popular and well supported by residents.
East Craigs at a glance*
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