Living in Edinburgh South

Home to several of the capital’s most exclusive and sought-after areas in which to live, Edinburgh South offers a vibrant mix of city life, cultural heritage, and green spaces. Well-regarded neighbourhoods in this area include Bruntsfield, Marchmont, the Grange, Morningside, Comiston, Fairmilehead and Mortonhall, where you'll find some stunning high-end homes. That being said, Edinburgh South attracts a diverse community, from students attending the University of Edinburgh to families and professionals seeking a relaxed yet dynamic lifestyle.

Is Edinburgh South a good place to live?

With a variety of characterful neighbourhoods, plenty of green spaces and excellent transports links to the city centre, Edinburgh South is a wonderful place to live.

From the bohemian vibe, independent cafes, bookshops, and boutiques lining the streets of Morningside and Bruntsfield, to the family-friendly suburban streets of Liberton, the area to the south of the city has much to offer.

One of the perks of living in Edinburgh South is the access to green spaces loved by residents from all over the capital. Enjoy the beauty and bliss of the Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve, as well as the sprawling Meadows public park.

With an abundance of educational establishments, no shortage of amenities and services, plenty of things to see and do, along with a great choice of property options, Edinburgh South is a great place to live for a variety of lifestyles.

What is the transport in Edinburgh South like?

Transport in Edinburgh South is well-served by a variety of options, making it relatively easy to get around the area as well as reaching the city centre.

Edinburgh South by bus

Lothian Buses provide extensive coverage throughout the south of Edinburgh, including popular routes like the number 5, 7, 8, 29, and 37, which connect areas such as Morningside, Newington, and Liberton to the city centre and beyond. Night buses also operate on some routes.

There are also options to get you to the furthest southern parts of the area, ensuring you can get to and from the city centre should you opt to live in neighbourhoods such as Oxgangs, Fairmilehead, Swanston, Colinton and Burdiehouse.

Edinburgh South by rail

While Edinburgh South doesn’t have a major train station, residents can access the city’s main stations - Waverley and Haymarket - via bus or short bike rides.

Edinburgh South by car

There are 3 main roads leading from Edinburgh city centre to the southern part of the capital, namely the A70, A701 and A702. While not the most convenient way to navigate to and from the centre of Edinburgh, these roads can be used to get around by car.

Edinburgh South lies close to the city bypass, granting commuters easy access to both Midlothian and East Lothian, as well as a route to West Lothian, Edinburgh Airport and onward travel to Fife, Glasgow and beyond.

Edinburgh South by bicycle

Edinburgh is increasingly becoming a cycle-friendly city. There are dedicated cycle lanes and routes throughout the Southside, including paths through the Meadows and along the Union Canal. There are 3 main routes connecting Edinburgh South with the city centre. The South West Edinburgh route connects Colinton to Gorgie, while the South East Edinburgh route covers Newington, Craigmillar, King’s Buildings, The Braids, Liberton and Gilmerton. The neighbourhoods of Craiglockhart, Oxgangs, Fairmilehead, Marchmont, Morningside, Blackford and Newington are covered by the Edinburgh South cycle route.

What are the schools in Edinburgh South like?

Edinburgh South offers some of the best educational opportunities in the city, with a variety of schools catering to different needs.

In terms of primary education, the south of Edinburgh has an abundance of schools to choose from. Each neighbourhood typically has a primary school in or close by, and in some cases, there may be two or three schools in the area. One of the most sought-after primary schools in Edinburgh due to its strong academic record and involvement in the local community, South Morningside Primary School offers a nurturing environment, strong parental involvement, and a variety of extracurricular clubs and activities. Another well-regarded school is Bruntsfield Primary School, which is known for its diverse student body and active parent-teacher association. It has consistently good inspection reports and offers a broad curriculum.

Edinburgh South is home to a variety of secondary schools, including plenty of state education options as well as private schooling establishments. Ranked as one of the top state schools in Scotland, James Gillespie's High School offers a comprehensive curriculum with strong results in national exams. Other notable state schools to consider include Boroughmuir High School, Firrhill High School and Liberton High School. In terms of private schools, the area offers prestigious educational settings at George Watson’s College, Merchiston Castle School and St. Margaret’s School for Girls, while Kaimes School is a specialist school in South Edinburgh for children with additional learning needs.

Edinburgh South is home to some key parts of the University of Edinburgh, one of the most prestigious universities in the UK. Edinburgh Napier University has a campus in Merchiston, while Heriot-Watt University lies in nearby Currie.

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What are the best things to do in Edinburgh South

Edinburgh South is a vibrant area filled with numerous things to see and do, catering to a wide range of interests.

For lovers of the outdoors, the area is blessed to have the Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Glen, a picturesque nature reserve and woodland offering walks along a small river, historic bridges, and Hermitage House. It’s an excellent spot for birdwatching, peaceful strolls or dog walking. Residents of southern Edinburgh can also visit the nearby Pentland Hills Regional Park, a vast area of hills and moorland that's perfect for hiking, mountain biking, or simply escaping into nature.

From a cultural and historical perspective, Edinburgh South has plenty of interesting attractions. One of Scotland's best-preserved castles, Craigmillar Castle welcomes you to explore its fascinating history, walk through the ruins and enjoy peaceful gardens. Located in Newington, Summerhall is one of Edinburgh’s most exciting cultural hubs, with art exhibitions, theatre performances, workshops, and live music.

For just soaking up the atmosphere of city life, visit the independent shops, cafes, and restaurants of Morningside, or relax with a picnic in the ever-popular green expanse of The Meadows public park.

Types of property in Edinburgh South

Reflecting a mix of historic and modern housing, Edinburgh South has a diverse array of property types. Discover traditional stone-built properties in Morningside, Marchmont, and Newington, or explore detached and semi-detached family homes in neighbourhoods like Liberton, Fairmilehead and Swanston. The area also offers new build developments, townhouses, cottages, modern apartments and tenement flats.

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Planning on moving to Edinburgh South?

If you have decided to move to Edinburgh South, what’s the next step? We recommend finding a solicitor estate agent to help you find your perfect property!

Find a solicitor estate agent in Edinburgh South

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