The best areas for family homes

Finding the right property for your family to flourish can be a time-consuming and tricky process. There are many factors to consider such as schools, access to green spaces, local amenities and transport. What are the best schools in the area? How long will it take you to get to work, school and to visit friends and family? What will the cost of this commute in fuel or on public transport be?  

Moving further afield can be tempting when you can get a lot more house for your money, but consider if the daily grind of a long commute would eat into quality time with family and friends. From Corstorphine to North Berwick, there are a variety of family-friendly homes across Scotland in a range of styles to suit what you are looking for. 

Corstorphine 

Corstorphine is a desirable residential area approximately four miles west of Edinburgh city centre. Property in Corstorphine ranges from Victorian family villas and traditional bungalows to modern flats. 

There is no lack of things to do in Corstorphine with attractions like Edinburgh Zoo and Murrayfield Stadium right on the doorstep, and many shops, leisure parks, and restaurants along the stretch of St John's Road. 

The area is in close proximity to several highly regarded schools including Craigmount High School and Royal High School. Corstorphine Hill offers an excellent setting for family walks and boasts lovely views over the city. Corstorphine is also well-placed for accessing the airport, ideal for family holidays. 

Cramond  

Once a small fishing village at the mouth of the River Almond on the shores of the Firth of Forth, Cramond has a history dating back to the Bronze Age and Roman times. Situated to the north-west and just 10 minutes from Edinburgh City Centre, there is a wide choice of properties in Cramond from large stone built detached houses to smaller detached and semi-detached bungalows. 

For children, there are a variety of outdoor spaces such as Cammo Park and Cramond beach. Excellent schools in both the state and private sectors are easily accessible at nursery, primary and senior levels. In particular, the Royal High School, built in 1128 is Edinburgh’s oldest and most prestigious. 

Bruntsfield and Morningside 

Just a short bus ride south of the city centre, Bruntsfield and Morningside are highly desirable areas for many people who wish to live in Edinburgh. It’s particularly great for families due to the proximity to Boroughmuir High School, which was is an extremely highly regarded school. The green spaces of The Meadows and Blackford Hill are also close by.

Dalgety Bay 

Dalgety Bay is a well-established coastal town situated on the northern shore of the Firth of Forth with a population of just over 10,000. It boasts the 12th Century St Bridget's Kirk and the surrounding land was once owned by the Earl of Moray who built the renowned Donibristle House.  

Most properties in Dalgety Bay are new builds and the town is a regular winner of the Best Kept Small Town title. The town offers a railway station located off the main road (A92) for trains to Edinburgh, Kirkcaldy, Inverkeithing and Perth. There is also a regular bus network giving easy access to Edinburgh, Ferry Toll Park and Ride, Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy. 

The area’s best-kept secret is the Fife Coastal Path. Starting at the harbour you can walk round the coast to Aberdour and Burntisland with spectacular views over the Forth, passing some ruins on the way. It also has the benefit of a train station at each end if you don’t want to walk back. 

North Berwick 

North Berwick is a scenic seaside town that looks out on to the Forth of Firth, approximately 25 miles east of Edinburgh. The town boasts a range of properties such as one and three-bedroom flat situated in traditional stone and white-wash buildings. 

More spacious properties can be found at Abbotsford Road, which overlooks the famous West Links Golf Course. Marine Parade has stunning views across Milsey Bay and the Bass Rock.  

Miller Homes’ Ferrygate Meadow development consists of three, four and five-bedroom houses, to the east of the town. The area has become popular with commuters due to it being situated just off the A198, which follows the coastline to Musselburgh and Edinburgh. 

Schools include North Berwick High School and Loretto School in Musselburgh. 

Anstruther 

Another fantastic option for buyers searching for a coastal property is the beautiful Anstruther, which is the largest of the coastal villages of the East Neuk. Situated between Crail and Pittenweem, Ansruther is the largest in a string of charming fishing villages in the area and is popular with holidaymakers as well as house-hunters.  

Local amenities include doctors and dental surgeries, as well as a primary and secondary school. The ancient university town and golfing haven of St Andrews is around 10 minutes away, while the larger Fife towns of Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes can be reached in 20-30 minutes. 

Perfectly picturesque, Anstruther is a great choice for downsizers and family buyers looking for a more relaxed pace of life. 

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. There’s an abundance of schools to choose from, including independent and assisted-learning options, plus Fife College is also in the town. 

Kirkcaldy’s house prices are generally more affordable than the Scottish average, which is great for first-time buyers. The 2021 average was £167,496. 

Peebles 

Nestled within an area of outstanding beauty and only 23 miles south of Edinburgh, the Borders town of Peebles sits straddling the majestic River Tweed. Peebles is best accessed by car and is just under an hour from the Capital. The town has something for everyone, from outdoors activities like fishing, walking, golf, cycling and horse riding to fine shopping, award-winning restaurants and outstanding accommodation to suit all budgets. 

Peebles also has the distinction of being ranked as the Top Independent Retailing Town in Scotland, and second in the UK, for its range of independent shops and 'home town' identity in contrast to the ubiquitous 'cloned towns' predominant in other areas. 

Peebles High School is a well-reputed state school amongst others in the area. 

ESPC magazine

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