Living in Newhaven
If seaside villages had a “most likely to charm you unexpectedly” award, Newhaven would be polishing its trophy right now. Tucked along the northern coastline of Edinburgh, this former fishing village blends maritime heritage with modern property options, seafood restaurants with lovely views, and enough coastal breeze to style your hair for you (whether you want it to or not).
Once famous for its herring boats and picture-perfect harbour, Newhaven is now a neighbourhood where you can brunch by the waterfront, hop on a tram to the city centre, and still be home in time to watch the sunset paint the Forth a stunning shade of gold.
Is Newhaven a good place to live?
Very much yes... especially if you enjoy living somewhere that feels like a coastal escape but comes with Edinburgh-level convenience.
Newhaven has a friendly, relaxed vibe, partly thanks to its seafaring past and partly because everyone is slightly giddy from the views. The area has grown a lot in recent years, with modern flats popping up alongside charming cottages and old harbour buildings. Families, professionals and retirees all happily coexist here.
It’s quieter than the city centre but still connected, and you’ll often get more space (and more scenery) for your money.
What is the transport in Newhaven like?
Transport in Newhaven hits the sweet spot between “easy breezy coastal living” and “wow, I can actually get places”.
Newhaven by bus
Lothian Buses pass through the area regularly, linking Newhaven with the city centre, Leith, Granton, and pretty much anywhere else you might need to be. The 7,11 and 16 services are ideal for quick trips to the heart of Edinburgh, while the number 17 takes passengers from Newhaven directly to Edinburgh Airport.
Newhaven by tram
The Edinburgh Tram now runs right to Newhaven, and honestly, locals are still celebrating. It zips you into Leith, St Andrew Square, Haymarket, and the airport - all without having to find parking or negotiate Edinburgh’s cobbles like an obstacle course.
Newhaven by car
You can drive here - and getting onto Ferry Road is straightforward - but parking can be a little competitive depending on your street. On the upside, day-to-day errands are so walkable (and tram-able) that many residents barely touch their cars during the week.
What are the schools in Newhaven like?
Families in Newhaven have a solid selection of nearby schools. Victoria Primary School - now in a modern new building - is one of the area’s best-known primaries and has strong community roots. For secondary education, pupils typically go on to Trinity Academy, just a short distance away and well-regarded among local parents. And with the wider Leith and Edinburgh network nearby, families have plenty of options without straying far from the shoreline.
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What are the best things to do in Newhaven
If you like your leisure time with a salty breeze and a side of history, Newhaven delivers.
Start at the harbour... a picture-perfect spot for photographs or pondering life’s mysteries. Wander the waterfront to find independent restaurants, including the popular eateries of Pier House and Porto & Fi Deli Bistro, along with inviting cafes and places to enjoy a pint.
You can stroll the Newhaven Promenade, cycle the path to Granton or Leith, or go seal-spotting along the Forth. In summer, the place comes alive with outdoor dining, coastal walks, and that particular Edinburgh optimism that appears when the sun stays out for more than ten minutes.
If you fancy exploring further, the whole of Leith opens up just along the shore: the Shore area, the Royal Yacht Britannia, indie shops, bars, bakeries, and one of the most exciting food scenes in Scotland.
And if indoor activities are more your thing? You’re minutes from gyms, galleries, cinemas, and more… because this is Edinburgh, after all.
Types of property in Newhaven
Newhaven offers a varied mix of homes, from character-packed harbourside cottages and traditional Edinburgh tenements to sleek modern flats with sunset-ready balconies and contemporary family-friendly developments. Whether you’re after coastal charm, low-maintenance waterfront living, or a modern space with room for hobbies (yes, paddleboards included), the area has a property style to suit just about everyone.
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Planning on moving to Newhaven?
Newhaven is the kind of place people visit for a walk and end up saying, “Imagine living here…” - and many do.
With its mix of coastal calm, city convenience, friendly locals, and a growing neighbourhood buzz, it’s no surprise it’s become one of Edinburgh’s most desirable waterside spots.
If you’re considering a move, it’s a great idea to chat with a local solicitor estate agent who knows the area, the market, and where the best sunrise views are hiding. Whether you’re looking for a historic cottage, a modern apartment, or a family home with the sea practically on your doorstep, Newhaven might just be the place you’ve been searching for.
Find a solicitor estate agent in Newhaven
You can search our directory of local ESPC solicitor agents. Simply type in Newhaven and we’ll give you the contact details and all the information you need on the agent.
FAQs about living in Newhaven
Families in Newhaven have a solid selection of nearby schools, including modern primary options with strong community ties and conveniently located secondary choices that are well-regarded by local parents. With additional education opportunities available across the wider Leith and Edinburgh area, families have plenty of flexibility without needing to venture far from the shoreline. For more details on the best schools in Newhaven, 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 Newhaven on espc.com. To search properties by school catchment area, click here.
For details on school catchment areas in Newhaven, 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 Newhaven is £241,034. This figure is based on properties marketed and sold through ESPC, in the 3-month period ending on 30/11/2025.
There are no new housing developments or upcoming infrastructure projects currently underway in Newhaven.
For details on council tax bands and charges in Newhaven, please refer to the City of Edinburgh Council website.
Newhaven offers coastal walks, harbour views, and easy access to the nearby Western Harbour Park and Victoria Park. Families can enjoy cycling routes, playgrounds, and visits to the Royal Yacht Britannia in neighbouring Leith. Local cafés and waterfront paths provide relaxed, child-friendly days out with plenty of space to explore.
Nearby Leith provides galleries, entertainment venues, and creative spaces, while Newhaven itself benefits from waterfront restaurants, gyms, and easy tram links to Edinburgh’s wider cultural attractions. The area’s shoreline paths, harbour viewpoints, and accessible cycling routes give residents plenty of recreational options without leaving the neighbourhood.
Newhaven has an active community spirit, with groups focused on local heritage, harbour preservation, and neighbourhood improvements. Families can get involved in seasonal events, local markets, and activities organised by nearby community centres in Leith. The area often hosts coastal clean-ups, festive celebrations, and child-friendly gatherings that strengthen community ties.
Newhaven at a glance*
To find out more about the local market, contact your local ESPC agent today. Find an agent
