What is it like to live in West Lothian?
Nestled between Edinburgh and Glasgow, the historic county of West Lothian may have been unfairly overlooked in the past, as buyers opted to purchase property in one of the glitzier surrounding cities.
In fact, West Lothian now has Scotland’s youngest and fastest-growing population, as first-time buyers and young families have flocked to the area to enjoy larger homes, more affordable property prices and access to excellent local amenities.
Here’s just a few of the reasons why West Lothian has boomed in popularity, and why it’s worth exploring when searching for your next property.
West Lothian has historic towns with a vibrant feel
West Lothian is home to a number of captivating towns and villages, which make it a popular option for buyers at all stages of life – whether you’re a first-time buyer, a young family or looking to downsize. However, for those buyers considering an alternative to city living, it can be especially appealing, with a plethora of popular places to choose from.
Livingston is the county’s largest settlement, and offers a bustling feel with plenty of shops, bars and restaurants to keep you busy – plus it’s home to the Livingston Designer Outlet, a haven for shoppers, making it a great alternative to living in the city.
Linlithgow is another popular option, with its stunning historic architecture (including the Palace) and market-town atmosphere lending a tranquil feel, but it’s located just 20 minutes from Edinburgh, so the bright lights are never far away.
Commuters particularly enjoy the ease of access Bathgate offers; this former mining town is a hub of activity and not only offers easy links across the Central Belt, but boasts its own excellent local high street and amenities too.
Easy transport options
West Lothian is the epitome of convenience when it comes to travel and transport. Did you know that 60% of Scotland’s population are located within a 60-minute radius of the region?
Not only that, but West Lothian offers fantastic ease of access for commuters, with fast, frequent rail links to Edinburgh and Glasgow, and excellent options for those travelling by road, stretching across the Central Belt.
Plus, West Lothian is just 15 minutes’ drive to Edinburgh Airport, so technically you’re even closer to that sun-soaked beach you’ve been daydreaming of…
It's ideal for families
For families looking for the ideal place to settle down, West Lothian has plenty to keep little ones entertained. There’s lots of family-friendly activities to enjoy, including Five Sisters Zoo and the Scottish Owl Centre for animal lovers, and Almond Valley and Almondell and Calderwood Country Park to let off some steam.
Plus, for educational day trips, you can soak up the region’s history at the likes of Linlithgow Palace, Blackness Castle and Cairnpapple Hill.
West Lothian has top-rated schools
Adding to the family-friendly feel, West Lothian is home to a fantastic selection of top-rated state secondary schools, with six of them in the most recent Sunday Times top 100. These include Linlithgow Academy (23rd place), The James Young High School in Livingston (40th place), West Calder High School (48th), St Margaret’s Academy in Livingston (54th), St Kentigern’s Academy in Blackburn (74th) and Broxburn Academy at 77th place.
There’s also nine universities within easy reach of West Lothian, and two further education colleges in the county, so it’s ideal for families with older children too.
Search for your next home in West Lothian using our 'search by school catchment' tool.
Great value for money
Even though West Lothian’s property prices saw a 37.6% rise during the last three months, the average property price in the region still offers great value for money.
The average property selling price is £235,828, but for first-time buyers, West Lothian flats sell for an average £141,467, while families can find a three-bedroom house for an average price of £192,073.
