East Fife

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Living in East Fife

Life in East Fife is a delightful mix of coastal charm, the bucolic bliss of the countryside, and lively towns. Stretching from the picture-perfect villages of the East Neuk to the bustling towns of St Andrews, Kirkcaldy, and Glenrothes, East Fife offers a lifestyle that's as diverse as its scenery. Whether you're strolling along sandy beaches, exploring centuries-old landmarks, or settling into a welcoming neighbourhood, this region has something for everyone.

Is East Fife a good place to live?

East Fife is famed for its stunning coastline, rolling countryside, and vibrant towns, making it a top choice for families, professionals, and retirees alike.

The East Neuk’s charming fishing villages, like Anstruther, Crail, and Pittenweem, offer postcard-worthy scenery and a slower pace of life. Meanwhile, the academic and cultural hub of St Andrews, often referred to as "The Home of Golf," is brimming with historical landmarks, buzzing cafes, and boutique shops. Larger towns like Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes provide urban conveniences while staying connected to nature and history.

Whether you're drawn to the lively town life or a peaceful seaside retreat, East Fife delivers a balance of modern amenities and age-old beauty.

What is the transport in East Fife like?

East Fife is well-connected, offering various ways to navigate the region or commute to major Scottish cities.

East Fife by bus

Stagecoach East Scotland operates frequent services throughout the area, linking towns like Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes, and St Andrews to Edinburgh, Dundee, and beyond. Local buses also connect the picturesque villages of the East Neuk as well as the towns of Cupar, Falkland, Auchtermuchty and Kingskettle, making it easy to enjoy a car-free day exploring the region.

East Fife by rail

East Fife’s rail network is concentrated around its larger towns. Kirkcaldy is a key stop on the Edinburgh-Aberdeen line, with regular services to Dundee, Perth, and Edinburgh. Markinch Station, near Glenrothes, offers additional options for commuters and travellers.

East Fife by car

With major routes like the A92 and A91, East Fife is easily accessible by car. Whether you’re heading to the Highlands, Edinburgh, or further afield, East Fife’s strategic location keeps travel straightforward. Scenic coastal roads also make driving here a pleasure.

What are the schools in East Fife like?

Education is a strong suit for East Fife, with a variety of top-notch schools catering to different needs.

The East Neuk boasts excellent primary schools, such as Anstruther Primary and Crail Primary, both known for their community focus and engaged staff. St Andrews and its surrounding areas offer high-quality options too, including Canongate Primary and Lawhead Primary School.

For secondary education, Madras College in St Andrews stands out, blending modern facilities with a legacy of academic excellence. Kirkcaldy’s high schools, including Kirkcaldy High School and Balwearie High School, are also well-regarded. Glenrothes High Schools, such as Auchmuty High, round out a comprehensive selection for families. Catering to secondary school pupils living in the towns of the Howe of Fife, Bell Baxter High School in Cupar is another good option.

For higher education, the prestigious University of St Andrews attracts students worldwide, adding a cosmopolitan vibe to the region. Fife College has several campuses in the region including Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes and Levenmouth. Located in Cupar, Scotland's Rural College Elmwood is an educational institution offering courses on agriculture and life sciences.

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What are the best things to do in East Fife

East Fife is a vibrant destination that seamlessly blends history, nature, and culture. It offers a wide range of attractions and activities to suit all interests, from exploring charming villages and historic sites to enjoying coastal walks and family-friendly adventures.

In the East Neuk, discover quaint fishing villages like Anstruther, Pittenweem, and Crail that feature cobbled streets, art galleries, serene beaches, and attractions such as the Isle of May, renowned for its puffins and seals. Explore the Fife Coastal Path, a 117-mile trail offering stunning scenery, including cliffs and sandy beaches, perfect for nature enthusiasts and casual walkers alike.

Famous for its historic Old Course golf links, the medieval ruins of St Andrews Cathedral, and West Sands Beach, St Andrews also boasts excellent dining and boutique shopping. For fascinating history, visit Falkland Palace, a 16th-century royal retreat with beautifully maintained gardens and a historic tennis court.

For fun with the family, you can spend a day at brilliant attractions including Craigtoun Country Park, Scotland’s Secret Bunker, the Scottish Deer Centre & Wildlife Park and the Scottish Fisheries Museum, all of which offer engaging activities for kids and adults alike.

East Fife boasts exceptional beaches, including Elie Beach for water sports, Kingsbarns Beach for peaceful walks, and Lower Largo Beach for tranquil escapes.

Types of property in East Fife

East Fife offers a diverse housing market, with properties to suit every taste and budget.

The East Neuk features charming stone-built cottages and seaside homes, perfect for those seeking coastal living. In St Andrews, you’ll find elegant period properties, modern townhouses, and even luxury flats catering to the university’s bustling community.

Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes provide a mix of affordable family homes, new-build developments, and larger detached properties. Rural villages in the Howe of Fife, like Ceres and Ladybank, offer idyllic countryside living with characterful homes and scenic surroundings.

SEARCH HOMES FOR SALE IN EAST FIFE

Planning on moving to East Fife?

If East Fife sounds like your dream destination, the next step is to find a local solicitor estate agent to help you navigate the market. With its unbeatable blend of coastal beauty, cultural heritage, and community spirit, East Fife is ready to welcome you home.

Find a solicitor estate agent in East Fife

You can search our directory of local ESPC solicitor agents. Simply type in East Fife, or your local town or village, such as St. Andrews or Kirkcaldy and we’ll give you the contact details and all the information you need on the agent.

FAQs about living in East Fife

What are the best schools in East Fife, including both public and private options?

East Fife offers a variety of primary and secondary schools, along with higher education campuses including St. Andrews University. You'll find numerous primary schools, 11 secondary schools and Fife College campuses in the region. For more details on the best schools in East Fife, click here.

Where can I find information on school ratings and catchment areas in East Fife?

As the national body for supporting quality and improvement of learning and teaching, Education Scotland is a great place to look for information on school performance. You can use the website to search for an inspection report in a specific school.

We list the school catchment for every property listing in East Fife on espc.com. To search properties by school catchment area, click here.

For details on school catchment areas in East Fife, please refer to Fife Council's Catchment Checker tool.

What is the average price of homes in East Fife?

The average prices of homes in East Fife is £248,756. This figure is based on properties marketed and sold through ESPC, in the 3-month period ending on 31/12/2024.

Are there any new developments or upcoming infrastructure projects in East Fife?

As East Fife continues to grow in popularity as a place to live for great commuter links and easy access to the coast and countryside, the need for new homes is apparent. East Fife has several new housing developments in progress, centred around the major towns of the region including Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes and St. Andrews.

Victoria Wynd by Miller Homes is a new development in the centre of Kirkcaldy, providing 3- & 4-bedroom houses ranging from £219,000 - £334,000. Also in Kirkcaldy, Rosslyn Gait by Persimmon Homes is a new housing scheme bringing 2-, 3- & 4-bedroom houses to the north-east of the town. Located nearby, you'll find 3- & 4-bedroom houses in a new development by Kingslaw Gait by Barratt Homes.

Glenrothes has a trio of new developments currently underway, with 2-, 3- & 4-bedroom houses being offered at Earl's Way by Bellway. Miller Homes are currently building new homes in the town at a development called Leven Mill, while Keepmoat Homes will offer 2-, 3- & 4-bedroom houses at their site named Westwood Park.

On the outskirts of St. Andrews, Davis Wilson Homes will bring high quality 3- & 4-bedroom houses to the town, with prices ranging from £356,995 to £599,995.

What are the council tax rates, and are there additional homeowner fees?

For details on council tax bands and charges in East Fife, please refer to the Fife Council website.

What family-friendly activities, parks, and attractions are located in East Fife?

East Fife offers a variety of family-friendly activities and attractions. Craigtoun Country Park, located near St Andrews, spans 47 acres and provides a great day out for the whole family. Fife Zoo, near Cupar, is home to around 15 species, including monkeys, lemurs, and meerkats, and features a café, gift shop, and play area. Riverside Park in Glenrothes offers walking trails, gardens, and play areas for children.

What cultural and recreational facilities are available in East Fife?

For cultural and recreational facilities, the East Neuk Festival is an annual music event held in various venues across the East Neuk villages, featuring a range of performances. St Andrews Botanic Garden offers educational programs and workshops for families. The East Sands Leisure Centre in St Andrews provides swimming facilities suitable for all ages.

Are there community groups, festivals, or events for families to join in East Fife?

Families can join community groups such as Fife Nature Kids, a community-based group promoting environmental, art, and science activities for children and young people. The Fife Climate Festival features various events across the region, encouraging community participation. Additionally, local Facebook groups like "Family fun in Fife" share information on family-friendly events and activities.