Living in St Andrews
Nestled on the scenic coast of East Fife, St Andrews is famous for much more than just golf (although, yes, there’s plenty of that too). This charming seaside town is steeped in history, brimming with character, and packed with places to eat, shop, and soak up the good life. From ancient ruins to sandy beaches, and from cosy cafés to boutique shops, St Andrews is a seaside haven with oodles of charm.
Is St Andrews a good place to live?
St Andrews has plenty to offer everyone… it isn’t just for students or golfers. With cobbled streets, picturesque buildings and a vibrant community feel, this coastal gem offers a mix of tradition and modern flair. It’s a town that manages to be quaint and cosmopolitan at the same time.
Home to the world-famous University of St Andrews and a host of cultural hotspots, the town has top-notch schools, beautiful parks, and a selection of jaw-dropping coastal views. It also has some truly lovely places to live… whether you’re after a sea-view apartment, a Victorian townhouse or a peaceful home tucked away in the countryside just outside town.
What is the transport in St Andrews like?
While St Andrews doesn’t have its own train station, don’t let that put you off. The town is well-connected by road and bus, with plenty of travel options for locals, students, tourists, and commuters alike.
St Andrews by bus
Stagecoach East Scotland runs regular buses from St Andrews to Dundee, Cupar, Leuchars, and further afield, including direct routes to Edinburgh and Glasgow. The X59 and X60 services offer comfy, reliable travel to and from the capital, while local buses serve nearby towns and villages like Anstruther and Crail, making day trips a breeze. Need to get to Edinburgh Airport? Simply hop onboard the Jet787 bus service that embarks from the town’s bus station.
St Andrews by rail
The nearest train station is in Leuchars (about 10 minutes away by car or bus), offering quick links to Dundee, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and beyond. Trains from Leuchars to Edinburgh take about an hour, making commuting totally doable for those who prefer a seaside base.
St Andrews by car
Driving in and out of St Andrews is straightforward, with the A91 and A917 connecting you to the rest of Fife and beyond. Dundee is only around 30 minutes away by car, and you can be in Edinburgh in around 90 minutes. Plus, the scenery along the way isn’t bad either.
What are the schools in St Andrews like?
St Andrews has an excellent reputation for education - and not just because of the university. There are high-quality primary and secondary schools in the area, including Canongate Primary School and Lawhead Primary School, both well regarded by locals.
Madras College, the town’s secondary school, has a brand new campus and a long-standing reputation for academic excellence. For little ones, there are a number of nurseries and early years centres, while nearby schools in places like Cupar and Newport-on-Tay offer additional choice for families.
And of course, the University of St Andrews itself brings a global flair to the town, with its students adding vibrancy, diversity and a whole lot of brainpower to local life.
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What are the best things to do in St Andrews
Where to begin? From history buffs to beach lovers, St Andrews has something for everyone.
Start with the famous St Andrews Castle and the hauntingly beautiful St Andrews Cathedral ruins - both offer stunning views and a dose of Scottish history. The West Sands beach (yes, the one from Chariots of Fire) is perfect for a blustery walk or sunny picnic, while the East Sands is a favourite with surfers and sea swimmers.
Into golf? You’re in the right place. The Old Course is world-famous and right on your doorstep. But even if golf isn’t your thing, the town centre is full of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. From artisan coffee spots to fine dining, there’s no shortage of flavour.
The Byre Theatre, botanical gardens, local galleries and annual festivals add a cultural punch to the town, and you’ll always find something going on - from farmers markets to street music.
And don’t forget the local area: explore the picturesque East Neuk fishing villages, take scenic walks along the Fife Coastal Path, or venture into Tentsmuir Forest for a woodland wander.
Types of property in St Andrews
Property in St Andrews is in high demand... and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, seasoned investor or looking for a forever home, there’s a wide range of property options.
From period townhouses and Georgian gems to sleek new-builds and sea-view flats, St Andrews has a lot to offer. You’ll find elegant apartments in converted buildings, spacious family homes with gardens, and charming cottages tucked away on quiet lanes.
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Planning on moving to St Andrews?
Although property here tends to come at a premium (location, location, location!), for many, it’s well worth the investment. Want to live in a town where history meets the sea and every day feels a bit like a holiday? Then St Andrews could be your dream destination.
Find a solicitor estate agent in St Andrews
You can search our directory of local ESPC solicitor agents. Simply type in St Andrews and we’ll give you the contact details and all the information you need on the agent.
FAQs about living in St Andrews
St. Andrews is widely respected for the quality of its education - and not just at the university level. The town offers excellent primary and secondary education, with local schools highly regarded by residents for their strong academic standards and supportive environments. The main secondary school in the area boasts a modern campus and a well-established record of academic achievement. For younger children, there are several nurseries and early years centres available, while families can also consider additional schooling options in nearby towns. The presence of a prestigious university adds a dynamic, international atmosphere to the town, enriching the local community with diversity, energy, and intellectual vitality. For more details on the best schools in St Andrews, 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 St Andrews on espc.com. To search properties by school catchment area, click here.
For details on school catchment areas in East Fife, please refer to Fife Council's Catchment Checker tool.
The average price of homes in St Andrews is £360,982. This figure is based on properties marketed and sold through ESPC, in the 3-month period ending on 31/05/2025.
On the outskirts of St. Andrews, Davis Wilson Homes will bring high quality 3- & 4-bedroom houses to the town, with prices ranging from £356,995 to £599,995.
For details on council tax bands and charges in St Andrews, please refer to the Fife Council website.
West Sands beach offers wide open sand perfect for running and kiting, plus beach wheelchairs. Craigtoun Country Park (2 miles south) has playgrounds, trampolines, a miniature railway, boating pond, and crazy golf. St Andrews Aquarium features penguins, seals, sharks, meerkats, and more. Historic ruins like St Andrews Castle and Cathedral are also fun to explore.
St Andrews Museum and the University’s Wardlaw/MUSA museum host exhibitions and family activities. The British Golf Museum offers interactive trails for kids. The 18‑acre Botanic Garden has themed zones, greenhouses, and family workshops. The Byre Theatre stages plays, music, festivals, and workshops. East Sands Leisure Centre and Saints Sport include pools, a climbing wall, courts, and inflatable disco swims.
The annual StAnza poetry festival in March features performances and readings. The Sands International Film Festival in spring showcases cinema and workshops. The town also offers vocal/music events, film screenings, art exhibitions, running community classes, and school holiday sports camps.
St Andrews at a glance*
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