Living in Fife

After two years of increasing demand, there seems to be no end to the desire for starting afresh in Fife with its typically lower property prices, culture and fantastic outdoor activities. But where are the best areas to live in Fife? 

Dunfermline  

Dunfermline, Scotland’s newest city, is packed with heritage and history, and it’s increasingly popular with families and first-time buyers. Just 15 miles from the Capital, it’s easy to see why Dunfermline has become a property hotspot. There’s easy access to the M90 for the Queensferry Crossing and driving into Edinburgh takes just 35 minutes. Public transport is good too, with a bus station and two railway stations that have regular links across the country. 

The city has plenty of schools to choose from, making it a great place to bring up a family. There are 14 primary schools, and the choice of four high schools, including the historic Dunfermline High School, linking back to 1468. Fife College is also located in Dunfermline, with ties to 16 partner universities for degree studies. 

Property prices in Dunfermline are typically lower than Edinburgh (currently £218,934 compared to £316,152 in the City of Edinburgh). According to the latest ESPC data, the most popular type of property in Dunfermline is three-bedroom houses followed by two-bedroom flats. 

Lovers of the great outdoors living in Dunfermline will find stunning walks and climbs a short distance away, including Loch Leven and the Fife Pilgrim Way trail. Motor enthusiasts can enjoy a trip to Knockhill Racing Circuit and Waterski and Wakeboard Scotland offers exciting water sports experiences. 

Dunfermline Abbey, dating from the 11th century, is particularly remarkable (it’s also the burial place of Robert the Bruce). The elegant Carnegie Library and Pittencrieff Park add to the grandeur, while St Margaret’s Cave and the Tuilyies Standing Stones (which stand at the roadside a few miles from Dunfermline) are standout attractions. 

Kirkcaldy  

The largest town in Fife, Kirkcaldy is popular with commuters thanks to its great links to Edinburgh and Dundee – just 50 minutes by road to either destination. Offering a wealth of great amenities including museums, theatres, art galleries, leisure centres, parks and even an ice rink, Kirkcaldy is a great place for families in particular with an abundance of schools to choose from, including independent and assisted-learning options, plus Fife College is also in the town.  

The town is perhaps best known as the birthplace of Adam Smith - the father of modern economics – and also boasts Europe's longest street fair, the Links Market, which is more than 700 years old. 

In terms of family activities, Kirkcaldy has Ravenscraig Park and outdoor adventure playground Cluny Activities. 

The average house price in Kirkcaldy is typically below the Scotland-wide average (currently £168,952) making houses and flats for sale in Kirkcaldy an attractive option for many, especially those who are happy to make a short commute.  

Dalgety Bay 

With a fantastic location just south of Dunfermline and within easy reach of Edinburgh, Dalgety Bay is a popular option for those looking to live near the seaside in West Fife, offering a more affordable way to enjoy Fife’s stunning coastline. The Fife Coastal Path also runs through Dalgety Bay, making it perfect for those who enjoy long walks on the beach.  

There are two primary schools in Dalgety Bay: Dalgety Bay Primary School and Donibristle Primary School. It also sits within the catchment area for Inverkeithing High School. 

Much of the property style in Dalgety Bay is new build and the town is a regular winner of the Best Kept Small Town title. Its rise in population mirrors its rise in popularity as a coastal commuter town for Edinburgh given its favourable property prices in comparison to those in the capital (£227,172 compared to £316,152 in the City of Edinburgh). 

Cupar  

Cupar is one of the oldest market towns in Fife, but it’s increasingly in demand with buyers searching for a more relaxed way of life. Much of Cupar’s popularity is thanks to its enviable location, offering great links to Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh by road and rail, easy access to the countryside and just a 20-minute drive to the coast. The average selling price in the town is £193,929. 

For outdoor enthusiasts there is The Scottish Deer Centre and two farms: Cairnie Fruit Farm & Mega Maze and Muddy Boots farm which has a soft play barn, grass sledging, zorbing, pig racing, a quad train, duck racing and a huge sand pit. 

St Andrews  

St Andrews is one of Scotland’s most famous seaside locations, perched on the picturesque East Neuk of Fife. It is home to the iconic West Sands Beach, as well as a number of world-renowned golf courses, hotels and the University. St Andrews offers a fantastic selection of properties, along with excellent schooling and a thriving town centre. 

The famous Old Course dates back some 600 years and the British Golf Museum attracts visitors from all over the world. There's also Blackfriars Chapel, which was built in the 1920s and St Andrews Cathedral. 

For families, Craigtoun Country Park - located two miles away from St Andrews - has an adventure playground, trampolines, Fairy Glen, trim trail and a 30ft zip wire. 

St Andrews offers a range of properties to suit all tastes, from Georgian flats to stunning country houses. Properties for sale in St Andrews are typically in high demand as the town offers a rare blend of relaxed living, stunning scenery and excellent amenities. As a result, house prices in St Andrews are understandably above the Scottish average (the current average house price, according to ESPC data, is £392,150) and ESPC's local solicitor estate agents will be ideally placed to give you information on all the latest selling prices in the area to help guide you on what to bid when you find the home for you. 

Anstruther 

Another fabulous option for buyers searching for a coastal property is the beautiful Anstruther. Positioned in the sought-after East Neuk, Anstruther is the largest in a string of charming fishing villages in the area and is popular with holidaymakers as well as house-hunters.  

Perfectly picturesque, Anstruther is a great choice for downsizers and family buyers looking for a more relaxed pace of life. The average property price here is £286,936. 

Crail  

For those dreaming of a life beside the water, Crail is a fantastic choice. Perfectly positioned on the East Neuk of Fife, just ten miles from St Andrews, Crail is a charming harbour town that has much to offer.  

Crail has a particular wealth of beautiful buildings, including many restored and cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, which adds to its picturesque feel. It also has two good local golf courses - Balcomie Links which is one of the oldest golf courses in the world - and Craighead Links. 

Crail is one of the smaller locations on our list, but that only adds to the demand to live in this fashionable postcode where the average property price is £286,936. 

Glenrothes  

The ‘administrative capital’ of Fife, Glenrothes has long been a popular choice for buyers of all ages and stages, thanks to its affordability, excellent amenities and strong transport links across Fife and the Central Belt. There are lots to things do in this thriving town, with a busy shopping centre, sports and leisure options, and a selection of nationally recognised parks to enjoy. 

Glenrothes also offers a variety of property options, making it ideal for many buyers – from town-centre apartments to grand detached homes on the outskirts. The average property price in the area is £286,936. 

Find your home in Fife 

With many years of experience in the property market, ESPC's friendly advisors will be able to offer informative suggestions regarding property in Fife. Phone us on 0131 624 8000, send an email to support@espc.com, or pop into our Property Information Centre on George Street in Edinburgh. 

Figures are based on properties marketed and sold through ESPC. Figures relate to the three-month period ending on 30/09/2022. 

ESPC magazine

This article appeared in the December 2022 issue of the ESPC magazine. Find out more about the ESPC magazine and read the latest issue online.