Living in Fairmilehead
Rubbing shoulders with the Edinburgh City Bypass on the southern edge of the capital, Fairmilehead offers a refreshing blend of suburban tranquillity and easy city access. With its leafy streets, scenic views of the Pentland Hills, and strong community feel, this charming neighbourhood is a hidden gem for those seeking a peaceful yet well-connected place to call home. Whether you’re after family-friendly living, outdoor adventures, or just a quiet spot within reach of the capital, Fairmilehead has plenty to offer.
Is Fairmilehead a good place to live?
Fairmilehead is where the buzz of the city beautifully blends into the bliss of the countryside. Picture spacious homes, top-notch schools, and gorgeous green spaces just a hop, skip, and a jump away. Whether you're raising a family, climbing the career ladder, or kicking back in retirement, this place has a little something for everyone!
The area is known for its safe, friendly atmosphere and strong community spirit. While it may not have the vibrancy of Leith or Stockbridge, it makes up for it with breathtaking views, great local amenities, and easy access to both Edinburgh’s city centre and the great outdoors.
Housing options range from elegant Victorian villas to modern developments, with many homes offering large gardens and stunning views of the Pentlands. If you love the idea of a more relaxed pace of life while still being just a short commute from Edinburgh’s heart, Fairmilehead could be the perfect fit.
What is the transport in Fairmilehead like?
Fairmilehead might feel like a leafy retreat, but getting around is a breeze.
Fairmilehead by bus
Lothian Buses provide excellent coverage in the area, with regular services whisking residents into the city centre. The number 4 bus takes passengers to Princess Street via Haymarket, while the number 11 bus goes into the heart of the city before terminating in the coastal suburb of Newhaven. As well as getting passengers into the city centre, the number 15 service runs to Portobello in one direction and into Midlothian in the other direction. Catching a flight? The handy Skylink 400 service to Edinburgh Airport makes a stop in Fairmilehead.
Fairmilehead by car
For drivers, Fairmilehead enjoys easy access to the A702 and the City Bypass, making trips across Edinburgh and beyond incredibly convenient. If you’re a keen cyclist, scenic routes through the Pentland Hills and nearby paths offer plenty of opportunities for two-wheeled adventures.
What are the schools in Fairmilehead like?
Families are well-catered for in Fairmilehead, with several well-regarded schools in the area.
Top choices include Pentland Primary School, a favourite among local families, and Buckstone Primary School, known for its welcoming environment and strong academic record. For secondary education, Firrhill High School is the area’s catchment school, and the highly-regarded Boroughmuir High School is within easy reach.
For parent’s seeking Roman Catholic schools, the area has St. Peter’s RC Primary School. Private school options are also available nearby, with George Watson’s College and Merchiston Castle School just a short journey away.
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What are the best things to do in Fairmilehead
While Fairmilehead might not be Edinburgh’s nightlife capital, it makes up for it with stunning scenery, outdoor activities, and a cosy, community-focused lifestyle.
One of the biggest perks of living in Fairmilehead is having direct access to the Pentland Hills Regional Park. Whether you fancy a gentle stroll or a challenging hike, the breathtaking landscapes and fresh air make it a go-to spot for nature lovers.
Just a stone’s throw away, the picturesque Swanston Village offers a charming escape with its thatched cottages, walking trails, and the lovely Swanston Brasserie – it’s the perfect place for a post-walk coffee or hearty meal.
Fairmilehead Park is a great green space for families, dog walkers, and anyone looking to enjoy some outdoor relaxation, and if you’re a golf enthusiast, Mortonhall Golf Club is right on your doorstep, offering a fantastic course with stunning city views.
While Fairmilehead itself is more residential, nearby Morningside and Bruntsfield are packed with independent cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops. Whether you're craving artisan coffee, gourmet treats, or quirky bookshops, you're never far from a vibrant high street.
The Midlothian Snowsports Centre in nearby Hillend offers year-round adventure with skiing, snowboarding, and tubing on artificial slopes.
Types of property in Fairmilehead
Fairmilehead is known for its spacious homes, making it a fantastic choice for families and those looking for a bit more room to breathe.
Along with traditional bungalows and detached homes with large gardens, house hunters can find modern family houses in well-planned developments, spacious villas with period charm and stunning views and a selection of new-build flats for those seeking a contemporary touch.
Compared to more central parts of Edinburgh, Fairmilehead offers excellent value for space, making it a sought-after location for buyers who want both comfort and convenience.
SEARCH HOMES FOR SALE IN FAIRMILEHEAD
Planning on moving to Fairmilehead?
If you’re looking for a peaceful, family-friendly neighbourhood with unbeatable access to both the city and the countryside, Fairmilehead ticks all the boxes. With its strong community vibe, excellent schools, and stunning natural surroundings, it’s no surprise that this part of Edinburgh is a favourite for those wanting the best of both worlds.
Find a solicitor estate agent in Fairmilehead
You can search our directory of local ESPC solicitor agents. Simply type in Fairmilehead and we’ll give you the contact details and all the information you need on the agent.
FAQs about living in Fairmilehead
Families in Fairmilehead have excellent educational options, with several well-regarded schools in the area. The local primary schools are highly rated, offering a welcoming environment and strong academic programs. For secondary education, the designated catchment school serves the community well, while another highly regarded option is within easy reach. For parents seeking faith-based education, the area includes well-established Roman Catholic primary. Additionally, private school options are available nearby, providing further choices for families. For more details on the best schools in Fairmilehead, click here.
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 Fairmilehead on espc.com. To search properties by school catchment area, click here.
For details on school catchment areas in Fairmilehead, please refer to the City of Edinburgh Council website.
You can use their interactive catchment map to find which schools are in your catchment area.
The average price of homes in Fairmilehead is £478,364. This figure is based on properties marketed and sold through ESPC, in the 3-month period ending on 31/01/2025.
There are no new housing developments or upcoming infrastructure projects currently underway in Fairmilehead.
For details on council tax bands and charges in Fairmilehead, please refer to the City of Edinburgh Council website.
Fairmilehead offers several family-friendly activities and attractions. The Midlothian Snowsports Centre, located nearby provides skiing and snowboarding opportunities suitable for children aged four and above. For outdoor leisure, the nearby Meadows and Bruntsfield Links, feature expansive green spaces ideal for picnics and play.
As Fairmilehead is a fairly small neighbourhood, much of the cultural and recreational facilities are located nearby, such as the Doodles Ceramics Workshop, where families can engage in pottery painting sessions. In nearby Colinton, St. Cuthbert's Church Hall hosts activities such as Tai Chi, playgroups, and music sessions, while Colinton Castle Sports Club offers squash courts and organizes events like the Festival Fortnight.
Community engagement is fostered through various groups and events. The Bridgend Farmhouse Community Project, situated nearby, offers volunteer activities such as gardening, building, arts, and crafts. They also host regular community groups and classes, including a weekly singing group and craft club. While specific festivals in Fairmilehead are not detailed, the proximity to Edinburgh ensures access to numerous cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
Fairmilehead at a glance*
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