Living in Dunfermline

Located on the coastal fringe of Fife, a few miles from the northern shores of the Firth of Forth, Dunfermline offers an attractive proposition for all kinds of house buyers. Small in size but big on character, the city has a captivating past, plenty of great places to eat, a good selection of shops and numerous green spaces. It's also a great place to live if you like to visit the coast or head into the bucolic bliss of the countryside.

Is Dunfermline a good place to live?

With a rich historical heritage and fantastic commuter links to key cities, Dunfermline is charming and convenient place to set up home. Scotland's newest city is a marvellous mix of yesteryear and modern developments, where you will find an excellent choice of property types apt for all lifestyles.

Boasting an enviably beautiful public park, the former capital of Scotland has a strong sense of community, numerous facilities and amenities, plenty of schools and some excellent attractions.

With a great choice of affordable properties, well-paid jobs, fantastic links to Edinburgh, Perth, Stirling and the rest of Fife, Dunfermline is a wonderful place to live.

What is the transport in Dunfermline like?

Public transport in Dunfermline is varied and reliable, making it an excellent choice for commuters who work in the capital. The city is well served by both rail and bus, and has good road links heading north, south, east and west.

Dunfermline by bus

The local bus service in Dunfermline takes passengers to all parts of the city, as well as neighbouring towns and villages, through a number of routes on a frequent timetable. To get to Edinburgh, Stagecoach East Scotland runs the X55 service, while the X27 links Dunfermline to Glasgow and St. Andrews.

A convenient way to access Edinburgh airport is by utilising Dunfermline’s Park & Ride service, which is located in Halbeath. The Jet747 takes passengers straight to the airport in around 40mins. Many other Stagecoach buses stop at Halbeath Park & Ride, along with other services including Scottish Citylink and Park’s of Hamilton, meaning Dunfermline is well connected to the rest of Scotland.

Dunfermline by rail

With two train stations, Dunfermline City and Dunfermline Queen Margaret, running frequent services to the capital, commuters can reach Edinburgh is around 30 mins from Dunfermline. The train station in neighbouring Rosyth is also easily accessed from southern suburbs of Dunfermline, making train travel from the city quick and convenient. Trains running in the opposite direction are ideal for reaching other parts of Fife as well as Perth.

Dunfermline by car

If you're heading out in your car, the M90 winds down the eastern boundary of Dunfermline before meeting the M9 near Kirkliston in West Lothian. When travelling north along the M9, you'll eventually end up in Perth. There's also the A92, which starts just east of Dunfermline and takes residents to Dundee in roughly an hour.

What are the schools in Dunfermline like?

Dunfermline has a good range of primary and secondary schools, as well as a higher education campus and plenty of early learning options.

In terms of primary schools, the city has 14 schools dotted throughout the city. These include Bellyeoman Primary School, Canmore Primary School, Carnegie Primary School, Commercial Primary School, Duloch Primary School, Lynburn Primary School, Masterton Primary School, McLean Primary School, Milesmark Primary School, Pitreavie Primary School, Pittencrieff Primary School, St. Leonard's Primary School, Touch Primary School, Townhill Primary School and St. Margaret's Primary School, which is a roman catholic school.

Dunfermline High School, Queen Anne High School, Woodmill High School and St. Columba’s RC High School are your options for secondary education, while Fife College has a campus located in Dunfermline.

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What are the best things to do in Dunfermline

As a city with deep historical roots, Dunfermline is rich in heritage, boasting landmarks like Dunfermline Abbey, the final resting place of several Scottish kings, including Robert the Bruce. The city's history is evident in its architecture, from the medieval abbey to the more recent Carnegie Hall, named after Andrew Carnegie, the philanthropist born in Dunfermline.

Despite its historical significance, Dunfermline is a vibrant, modern city. It offers a variety of amenities, including a popular shopping centre, parks, and a range of restaurants and cafes. Pittencrieff Park, affectionately known by locals as “The Glen,” is a highlight, providing vast green spaces, playgrounds, and walking trails. It’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities.

Dunfermline has plenty of leisure facilities and gyms, along with sports clubs and community groups. Attracting some of the UK's leading comedians and much-loved musicians, the Alhambra theatre offers a great night out, especially when combined with a meal in any of the city's lovely restaurants.

In the local area around Dunfermline, top attractions include Deep Sea World in North Queensferry, Silversands Beach in Aberdour, Lochore Meadows and Knockhill Racing Circuit.

Types of property in Dunfermline

Dunfermline has a fantastic variety of property options, making it easy to find your dream home, no matter what you're looking for. Whether you prefer the charm of a quaint cottage, the appeal of a modern development, or the elegance of a period property, there’s something for everyone. Discover ideal detached and semi-detached family homes, cosy flats in the heart of the city, lovely townhouses, high-end homes and much more on ESPC.

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Planning on moving to Dunfermline?

Having exploded in popularity due to convenient commuter links and typically lower property prices, the city continues to attract all kinds of home buyers, from couples and young families to down-sizers and retirees. If you are all set to make the move to Dunfermline, take the next step and browse all houses and flats for sale today.

Find a solicitor estate agent in Dunfermline

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