What is it like to live in South Edinburgh?
Key Takeaways
- Affordable Spacious Living: South Edinburgh offers good value for money, particularly for families looking for larger homes with gardens or office space.
- Diverse Property Options: The area features a mix of property types, from charming traditional cottages and tenement flats to modern new-build houses.
- Excellent Transport Connectivity: With strong road links, extensive bus routes, and proximity to the City Bypass, getting around is easy.
- Plenty of Green Spaces: The area is home to beautiful parks, nature reserves, and access to the Pentland Hills for outdoor activities.
- Convenient Shopping and Amenities: Residents have access to local shopping centres and retail parks, making day-to-day life convenient.
South Edinburgh is a sought-after area that blends the best of city and suburban living. Offering a variety of housing options, excellent amenities, and an abundance of green spaces, it’s an ideal location for families, professionals, and retirees alike. With great transport links, easy access to the city centre, and plenty of shopping, dining, and leisure opportunities, this area provides a well-balanced lifestyle. Whether you're looking for a spacious home, a strong sense of community, or beautiful surroundings, South Edinburgh has something to offer.
Value for money
For families or individuals looking for more space, South Edinburgh is a great option. The area offers a mix of traditional tenement flats, characterful cottages, and modern new-build homes, many of which come with gardens and garages. As of August 2025, the average selling price for a property in this part of the city is £376,425, making it a competitive choice for those looking to balance affordability with a great quality of life.
Good transport links
Whether you prefer the lively neighbourhoods of Morningside and Bruntsfield or the quieter suburbs of Liberton and Gilmerton, South Edinburgh benefits from excellent transport connections. A network of main roads and bus routes makes commuting easy, while the City of Edinburgh Bypass provides quick access to other parts of Scotland. For those who enjoy weekend getaways, routes to East Lothian, Midlothian, and beyond are easily accessible.
Plenty of green space
Outdoor lovers will appreciate the wealth of green spaces South Edinburgh has to offer. From the well-known Meadows park to the scenic Blackford Hill and Hermitage of Braid, there’s no shortage of places for walking, running, or simply enjoying the fresh air. For more adventurous outings, the Pentland Hills and Dalkeith Country Park are just a short drive away, providing endless opportunities for hiking, cycling, and exploring nature.
Convenient shopping and amenities
Living in South Edinburgh means you don’t have to travel far for everyday essentials. Straiton Retail Park offers a wide range of shops, supermarkets, and home improvement stores, while the local high streets in Morningside and Bruntsfield provide independent boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Whether you’re running errands or looking for a relaxed weekend shopping experience, the area has plenty to offer.
With its mix of housing options, excellent transport links, plenty of green spaces, and strong local amenities, South Edinburgh is a fantastic place to call home. Whether you’re looking for an active lifestyle, a family-friendly community, or just a quieter place to settle, this area has something to suit a range of needs.