The best locations in Edinburgh to raise a family

At ESPC, we’ve revealed our top six locations in Edinburgh to raise a family. Taking into consideration everything from house prices and school rankings to green spaces, local amenities and commuting times, these neighbourhoods offer Edinburgh families the perfect balance of thriving local communities with the city centre never far away.

If you’re searching for the best places to live in Edinburgh for families, these areas stand out for their excellent schools, outdoor space and strong transport links.

Let’s take a look at our top neighbourhoods to raise a family, and how much it costs to buy a three-bedroom family home in each...

Corstorphine

Corstorphine, west of Edinburgh city centre, is a hugely popular choice for families – and with excellent reason. There’s a vibrant local community packed with shops, cafes and restaurants, and the Edinburgh Leisure gym at nearby Drumbrae boasts a pool, alongside regular fitness classes and kids’ sports camps for the school holidays.

There are frequent bus links into the city centre, making commuting a breeze – it takes around 20 minutes to reach Princes Street. It’s close to the airport for family holidays, and there are lovely parks and green spaces, including Corstorphine Hill Nature Reserve, with its stunning views, and of course Edinburgh Zoo, which makes an easy choice for a fun family day out.

Growing families need good schools, and Corstorphine is packed with excellent options for children at all ages: from the Corstorphine Hill Forest Kindergarten for outdoor-loving little ones, to brilliant local primary schools including Corstorphine Primary and St Andrew’s Fox Covert RC. At secondary level, Craigmount High is the second-best in Edinburgh according to the most recent rankings.

According to our latest ESPC house price data*, the average selling price of a three-bedroom house in Corstorphine is £395,974.

For buyers searching for homes for sale in Corstorphine, this area continues to be one of the capital’s most desirable family-friendly neighbourhoods.

* based on data from espc.com between February - April 2026

Bruntsfield and Morningside

Bruntsfield and Morningside offer a unique blend of urban living and family-friendly charm, making them highly sought-after locations for buyers.

They are a stone’s throw from Edinburgh’s Old Town, making commuting super simple whether you choose to take the bus or simply stroll into the city centre. Both areas have a lovely village feel, packed with cafes, shops and restaurants, while Morningside boasts a Waitrose and an independent cinema.

There are independent fitness studios close at hand, and the stunning Warrender Swim Centre is a refurbished Victorian swimming baths, complete with gym and sauna, offering family sessions and classes too. For green spaces that offer a beautiful backdrop to family picnics or just letting off some steam, there’s The Meadows and Blackford Hill nearby too.

Bruntsfield and Morningside are in the catchment for excellent schools at every level, including Edinburgh’s top-rated secondary, Boroughmuir High School, making them highly coveted by family buyers.

According to our latest ESPC house price data*, the average selling price of a three-bedroom flat in Bruntsfield is £519,026, while in Morningside it’s £546,133.

These neighbourhoods are especially popular with buyers looking for family flats in Edinburgh, or homes near top Edinburgh schools.

* based on data from espc.com between May 2025 - April 2026

Balerno

Balerno is ideal for families who want a more tranquil, leafy lifestyle.

With a peaceful feel, this area is perfect for families who enjoy being outdoors, especially with its proximity to the Pentland Hills Regional Park and the winding Water of Leith walkway, making it perfect for bike rides, hikes and picnics.

Balerno is well-connected to the city centre, with rail links close by at Curriehill Station and the frequent 44 bus service linking into Edinburgh and out to Wallyford. There’s plenty going on for all ages to enjoy too, with monthly farmers’ markets, an annual music festival, and a local National Trust site with gardens to explore.

When it comes to schooling, the Forest Kindergarten at nearby Bonaly offers even more opportunities for little ones to enjoy being outside, and Dean Park Primary School is a popular choice which feeds into the highly rated Balerno Community High.

According to our latest ESPC house price data*, the average selling price of a three-bedroom house in Balerno is £346,482.

For anyone searching for suburban family homes in Edinburgh or quiet areas to live near Edinburgh, Balerno is well worth considering.

* based on data from espc.com between May 2025 - April 2026

Cramond

Cramond is an idyllic place to raise a family, offering a fantastic blend of peaceful coastal village life combined with proximity to the city centre.

It’s great for an outdoorsy lifestyle, with Cramond beach offering plenty of places to explore and the chance to wander along the promenade with an ice cream at any time of year. Cammo Estate is also nearby for active families to enjoy.

There are plenty of places to socialise together, from friendly local cafes to well-trodden walkways where you’re sure to meet the close-knit community enjoying a stroll. Edinburgh Leisure at Drumbrae is also close at hand for residents, offering activities and fitness classes for the whole family.

Whether you choose public or private schools, there are excellent options at all levels – including another Forest Kindergarten at Cammo and Lauriston Castle, and Cramond Primary, which is the associated primary for the renowned Royal High School.

According to our latest ESPC house price data*, the average selling price of a three-bedroom house in Cramond is £475,500.

If you’re looking for coastal homes in Edinburgh or family houses near Edinburgh city centre, Cramond offers an ideal lifestyle balance.

* based on data from espc.com between May 2025 - April 2026

South Queensferry

South Queensferry, on the shores of the Firth of Forth, is a popular place to raise a family for many reasons.

Offering a tranquil setting with a warm community feel, this small town has plenty going on, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

There are museums to explore, boat cruises galore, and an array of shops, cafes and restaurants on the buzzing High Street that provide plenty of places to celebrate special occasions or simply enjoy a casual family lunch. Active families will love the watersports available, while nearby Craigie’s Farm offers a deli, shop and a fantastic outdoor play centre, plus a ‘pick your own fruit’ farm during the summer months.

For commuters, there are excellent transport links into Edinburgh and across to Fife, making commuting fast and fuss-free and helping families maximise time together. There’s also a wide selection of great schools available, from forest nurseries to four primary schools depending on where you live in the area. The well-regarded Queensferry High serves the area, while the town’s excellent transport links provide additional schooling options nearby too.

It’s also the most affordable place on our list, making it a strong option for buyers searching for affordable family homes near Edinburgh.

According to our latest ESPC house price data*, the average selling price of a three-bedroom house in South Queensferry is £310,746.

* based on data from espc.com between May 2025 - April 2026

Portobello and Joppa

Portobello and Joppa are fantastic places to raise a family, and as such, remain hugely popular choices among buyers.

Just a few miles east of the city centre, these coastal neighbourhoods boast a stunning sandy beach stretching for around two miles, alongside a Victorian promenade packed with cafes selling ice cream and fish and chips for that quintessential seaside atmosphere.

Portobello has a vibrant buzz, especially during the summer months, while Joppa provides a quieter alternative while still being within walking distance of everything the area has to offer. These neighbourhoods are ideal for those seeking an outdoor lifestyle in Edinburgh, with activities including sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding, plus lovely green spaces such as Figgate Park.

The Portobello Swim Centre is a stunning Victorian baths offering a great pool, Edinburgh’s only Turkish Baths, dance studio, gym and steam room, alongside a wide range of classes and activities for all ages. Edinburgh city centre is only around 20 minutes away thanks to excellent bus links, while Brunstane station makes travelling by train equally convenient.

Families can also access excellent education options in the area, from highly rated nurseries to Towerbank Primary and St John’s RC Primary. Secondary schools include Portobello High and nearby Holy Rood RC High School in Duddingston.

According to our latest ESPC house price data*, the average selling price of a three-bedroom house in Portobello is £399,875, while in Joppa it’s £483,000.

For buyers looking for seaside homes in Edinburgh or family properties, these neighbourhoods continue to be highly desirable.

* based on data from espc.com between February - April 2026