The best places to live in West Lothian for commuting to Glasgow and Edinburgh

West Lothian sits in an enviable spot between Scotland’s two largest cities, offering a mix of affordable family suburbs, well-connected villages and attractive commuter towns. Whether you need a fast rail link into Edinburgh or a straightforward drive to Glasgow, West Lothian’s towns deliver fantastic choice and good value. Let’s look at some of the best places to live in the region for commuters...

Discover great places to live in West Lothian for commuting to Glasgow and Edinburgh

Linlithgow - historic charm with excellent rail links

Linlithgow combines a picturesque town centre, good schools and a riverside setting with one of the best commuter rail connections in the region. Trains from Linlithgow serve both Edinburgh and Glasgow via the main line, making it a favourite for those who want a village atmosphere without sacrificing a city commute. Linlithgow is one of the most sought-after places to stay in West Lothian however, and this high level of desirability is reflected in the average house price in the town, which stands at £447,500 for the period May - July 2025.

Winchburgh - modern village living with new-build momentum

Winchburgh has rapidly expanded in recent years with significant new-build development, making it increasingly popular with commuters. It’s well placed on road routes and has growing public transport links, while new housing schemes have attracted families seeking larger, modern homes at better value than inner-city alternatives. Looking at data between May and July 2025, the average house price in Winchburgh is £309,999.

Livingston - value and variety close to the motorway network

As West Lothian’s largest town, Livingston offers plentiful amenities including shopping, leisure and schooling facilities, along with direct access to the M8 for Glasgow and easy routes to Edinburgh via the A71 and A720. The town’s housing market provides a broad choice of flats, terraces and family homes, and an average selling price of £259,910 for the period May - July 2025.

Bathgate - peaceful town with a direct line to the city

Bathgate is a relaxed town that offers a quieter pace of life but with the practical benefit of regular rail services to Edinburgh and links westwards towards Glasgow. It’s a good option for buyers looking for solid value, with the property market offering a mix of traditional houses and newer developments. With an average house price of just £155,000 for the period May - July 2025, Bathgate represents a sensible compromise between affordability and a manageable commute.

Broxburn - village feel and fast access to both cities

Broxburn sits close to both the M8 and a number of rail stations in the area, meaning commutes to Glasgow and Edinburgh are realistic for drivers and public transport users alike. It has an appealing village high street, schools and growing housing options that appeal to first-time buyers and families. The pace of the property market is quick, with homes in the town going under offer in a median time of just 14 days. With an average house price of £229,315, Broxburn offers great value for a variety of home buyers.

Why West Lothian works for commuters

Across West Lothian you’ll find competitive pricing compared with central Edinburgh and some Glasgow suburbs, good schooling choices and a genuine sense of community in its towns and villages. That makes the region an ideal base for city workers who want more space, better value and straightforward journeys into both Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Finding the right fit

If proximity to a specific station or a short motorway drive is your priority, Linlithgow and Livingston are top contenders. If you want new-build community feel and excellent value, look at Winchburgh and parts of Bathgate. Broxburn offers a genuine village atmosphere with practical transport links. For more information on buying a home in West Lothian, refer to our monthly house price report and speak to local ESPC solicitor estate agents for the most up-to-date advice on commutes, schools and neighbourhoods.

Whether you prioritise a short rail journey, quick motorway access or the best value for family housing, West Lothian offers a compelling mix. With ESPC property market data and local expertise you can pinpoint the town that balances lifestyle and commute time to suit your life, while giving you the confidence to buy a home in a well-connected area of Scotland.