Living in Midlothian

Life in Midlothian offers a blend of suburban and rural experiences, making it a desirable location for those seeking a quieter lifestyle while remaining close to the capital. Situated to the south of Edinburgh and rubbing shoulders with the sleepy towns of the Scottish Borders, Midlothian has stunning green landscapes, towns and villages steeped in history and a diverse array of property options.

Is Midlothian a good place to live?

Like it's namesakes of East Lothian and West Lothian, Midlothian benefits from a convenient location within reach of the bustling city of Edinburgh, while offering easy escapes to the countryside.

The region is particularly popular with families, who relocate to or within Midlothian for its plentiful schooling options, amenities, tight-knit sense of community and variety of property types. Midlothian is home to an abundance of green spaces and lovely national parks, including the stunning Pentland Hills, so suits house hunters looking for a peaceful place to call home.

From larger towns including Dalkeith, Bonnyrigg, Penicuik and Loanhead, which offer great transport links to Edinburgh, to the charming towns of the region such as Roslin, Auchendinny and North Middleton, Midlothian is a wonderful place to life.

Whether you plan to retire or raise a family, find a bigger place or downsize, Midlothian has property options to suit all ages, budgets and lifestyles.

What is the transport in Midlothian like?

Midlothian is well served in terms of transport options, making it easy to commute to the capital as well as enjoying days out in the region.

Midlothian by bus

With reliable and frequent bus services running from Midlothian to the capital, the region is a great place to live for those who work in Edinburgh. Lothian Buses have several services connecting Midlothian to the city centre of Edinburgh.

If you plan to reach other towns and villages within the area, you can rely on a selection of Community Bus routes to help you get from A to B. Another option is to jump onboard some of the Border Buses that pass through the region while connecting the Scottish Borders with Edinburgh.

Midlothian by rail

Connecting Midlothian with rural reaches of the Scottish Borders and the urban sprawl of Edinburgh, the Borders Railway is the ideal way to travel by train in the region. With stops at Shawfair, Eskbank, Newtongrange and Gorebridge, the route is convenient for commuters working in the capital.

Midlothian by car

Several A roads run through Midlothian, and join the Edinburgh city bypass at different points, making it easy to access the capital as well as the neighbouring regions of East Lothian and West Lothian. Smaller roads criss-cross the region, so accessing the smaller towns and villages by car is also fairly easy.

What are the schools in Midlothian like?

With over 30 primary schools and 7 secondary schools, Midlothian has plenty of choice when it comes to education.

Many of the larger towns in the region have 2 or 3 schools, such as Dalkeith where you will find King's Park Primary School and St Davids Primary School, or Bonnyrigg which is home to Hawthornden Primary School, Burnbrae Primary School and Bonnyrigg Primary School.

In terms of secondary education, Midlothian has a good choice of high schools such as Beeslack Community High School, Dalkeith High School, Lasswade High School, Newbattle High School, Penicuik High School and St David's RC High School, as well as Saltersgate School which offers special education and support services.

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What are the best things to do in Midlothian

Midlothian’s mix of historical sites, outdoor activities, and family-friendly parks makes it an ideal place for both residents and visitors looking for a variety of things to do.

If you love immersing yourself in the beauty and bliss of nature, Midlothian has an abundance of stunning outdoor attractions. The Pentland Hills Regional Park is an area of rolling hills with breathtaking views and diverse wildlife where visitors can enjoy walking, hiking and many more activities. Other noteworthy places to enjoy an al fresco day out include Vogrie Country Park, Glencorse Reservoir and Gore Glen Woodland Park.

A great place for a day out with the kids, Dalkeith Country Park is one of the most popular attractions in Midlothian. Along with a large estate featuring woodland walks, the historic Dalkeith House and shopping and dining options at Restoration Yard, Dalkeith Country Park boasts the thrilling Fort Douglas Adventure Park and Go Ape.

For history buffs, the stunning 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel is famous for its intricate stone carvings and connections to the Knights Templar and the legend of the Holy Grail. Featured in The Da Vinci Code, it’s one of Scotland’s most intriguing historical sites and offers a deep dive into medieval architecture and lore. Located at the Lady Victoria Colliery, the National Mining Museum Scotland offers a fascinating insight into Scotland’s coal mining heritage.

Types of property in Midlothian

The region boasts a diverse range of property types, ensuring that whatever your ideal home may be, you'll find it in Midlothian. Explore both traditional and contemporary homes, from charming cottages and newly built developments to properties with period features, rural retreats, and an impressive selection of luxury properties.

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Planning on moving to Midlothian?

If you have decided to move to Midlothian, what’s the next step? We recommend finding a solicitor estate agent to help you find your perfect property!

Find a solicitor estate agent in Midlothian

You can search our directory of local ESPC solicitor agents. Simply type in Midlothian, or your local town or village, such as Newtongrange or Dalkeith and we’ll give you the contact details and all the information you need on the agent.