Living in Granton
Granton sits along the Firth of Forth on Edinburgh's northern edge, a waterfront neighbourhood where industrial heritage meets ongoing regeneration. This is where working harbour meets residential development, where cranes and cargo ships share the skyline with new apartment blocks, and where you get proper sea views without the tourist crowds.
The area has a mix of established and emerging character - some parts still show their industrial roots; others are freshly polished and modern. With the Firth on one side, the city centre easily accessible, and generous green spaces nearby, Granton offers an interesting balance of coastal living and urban convenience that's increasingly catching people's attention.
Is Granton a good place to live?
Granton's undergoing significant transformation, with waterfront regeneration bringing new homes, amenities, and a changing character to this traditionally industrial area. What makes it appealing? Space and value. You get more property for your money here than in many other Edinburgh neighbourhoods, without losing access to city amenities.
The community is diverse... families, young professionals, students, and established residents creating an unpretentious, welcoming atmosphere. Plus, you've got the Firth of Forth on your doorstep.
Day-to-day essentials are covered with supermarkets, local cafés, and traditional pubs, while community spirit remains strong, particularly around West Granton and the Marina.
What is the transport in Granton like?
Granton's got wheels, rails, and - if you're feeling fancy - even a bit of boat action.
Granton by bus
Buses are your bread and butter here. Lothian Buses run regular services into the city centre (the 8, 9, 14, 16, and 19 are your new best friends), and they'll get you to Princes Street in about 20 minutes. The X37 takes you to the Midlothian town of Penicuik, whilst the 17 connects you to both Ocean Terminal and Edinburgh Airport.
Granton by train
Plot twist: the trams are coming! Edinburgh's tram extension to Newhaven is now open, with stops at West Harbour Road bringing Granton into the tram network. That means a smooth, traffic-dodging glide straight into the city centre and out to the airport. Game changer.
Granton by rail
There's no train station in Granton itself, but South Gyle and Edinburgh Gateway aren't far by bus or car. From there, you're plugged into Scotland's rail network - Glasgow, Stirling, the Highlands, you name it.
Granton by car
The A90 runs right through Granton, connecting you to the city bypass, the M8, and basically anywhere you fancy. Parking's not the nightmare it is in the Old Town, and you can actually find a space without much hassle. The Queensferry Crossing is minutes away if you're Fife-bound, and the airport's about 20 minutes up the road.
What are the schools in Granton like?
Granton's got solid schooling options for families planting roots. Granton Primary School serves the local community with a good rep among parents, while St David's RC Primary brings a faith-based option into the mix.
For secondary, most kids head to Trinity Academy or Craigroyston Community High School, both of which offer decent facilities and a range of extracurriculars. Edinburgh being Edinburgh, you're also within striking distance of some top-rated schools across the city if you're willing to travel a bit.
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What are the best things to do in Granton
Let's start with the obvious: the waterfront. The Granton Harbour area is brilliant for a breezy stroll, especially if you like watching boats do boat things while contemplating life's big questions. The promenade stretches all the way to Newhaven and beyond, making it perfect for walks, cycles, or just standing dramatically in the wind like you're in a music video.
Outdoor lovers, you're sorted. Granton's got Silverknowes Beach on its doorstep - proper sand, proper waves, and the kind of sunsets that make you forget you live in Scotland. The nearby Cramond Island is a tidal adventure waiting to happen (just don't get stranded, yeah?), and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is close enough for a leafy afternoon escape.
For culture vultures, Ocean Terminal shopping centre in neighbouring Leith isn't just for retail therapy... it's home to the Royal Yacht Britannia, which is genuinely fascinating even if you're not a royalist. Back in Granton itself, community events and local markets are gaining momentum as the area develops its identity.
Foodies, the scene's growing. Independent cafés are sprouting up, and Leith's legendary restaurant strip is practically next door. Fancy a pint? The local pubs still have character (and reasonably priced drinks, bless them), while the Marina occasionally hosts food and drink festivals that draw crowds from across the city.
Types of property in Granton
Granton's property scene is a proper mixed bag… in the best way. You've got traditional tenement flats with high ceilings and original features, modern waterfront apartments with balconies overlooking the Firth, new-build developments offering fresh, energy-efficient living, and even some terraced houses with gardens that don't require a mortgage extension.
The ongoing regeneration means there's plenty of new stock hitting the market, and prices remain more accessible than central Edinburgh. Whether you're a first-time buyer stretching your budget or a family upgrading to more space, there's usually something that fits.
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Planning on moving to Granton?
Granton has that rare combination of city convenience and seaside soul. You're close enough to Edinburgh's buzz to pop into town for dinner or a gig, but far enough out that you've got room to breathe, proper views, and neighbours who might actually become mates.
If you're considering the move, chat with a local solicitor estate agent who knows Granton's quirks and opportunities inside out. They'll steer you toward the right property, whether it's a waterfront flat with Instagram-worthy sunrises or a family home near good schools. Granton's having its moment - might be time to get in on it.
Find a solicitor estate agent in Granton
You can search our directory of local ESPC solicitor agents. Simply type in Granton and we’ll give you the contact details and all the information you need on the agent.
FAQs about living in Granton
Granton offers solid schooling options for families putting down roots. The local primary schools have a strong reputation among parents, with both community-focused and faith-based choices available. For secondary education, pupils typically attend nearby comprehensive schools that provide good facilities and a wide range of extracurricular activities. And, since it’s Edinburgh, you’re also within reach of several highly regarded schools across the city if you’re open to travelling a bit. For more details on the best schools in Granton, 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 Granton on espc.com. To search properties by school catchment area, click here.
For details on school catchment areas in Granton, 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 Granton is £219,337. This figure is based on properties marketed and sold through ESPC, in the 3-month period ending on 31/10/2025.
Edinburgh’s Granton district is undergoing one of Scotland’s largest regeneration programmes, centred on the long-term transformation of Granton Waterfront. The masterplan will deliver around 3,500 new homes alongside new public spaces, a primary school, health facilities and low-carbon energy infrastructure. Several major projects are already underway, shaping a new residential neighbourhood with a strong focus on sustainability, mixed tenure and active travel.
Key developments include the newly approved 847-home scheme beside the Granton Gas Holder, which combines homes with commercial space, landscaped streets and a mobility hub. Nearby, Granton Station View is delivering 75 highly energy-efficient affordable homes beside the refurbished historic station building. Western Villages adds a further 444 net-zero-ready homes, built using modern timber construction and communal renewable energy systems. The Silverlea project contributes another 142 social and mid-market rental homes, designed with accessible layouts, green roofs and new community facilities.
Together, these projects form a coherent, climate-focused urban district with new parks, improved walking and cycling routes, restored heritage assets and reduced car dependency. Granton is steadily evolving into a mixed, vibrant waterfront community with phased completion expected across the late 2020s and early 2030s.
For details on council tax bands and charges in Granton, please refer to the City of Edinburgh Council website.
Granton offers several family-friendly attractions and green spaces, including the historic Granton Castle Walled Garden, which provides peaceful walks among herbs, trees, and wildlife. Granton Garden is a community-run wildlife garden perfect for nature spotting, while the newly developed Granton Gasholder Park offers open space for play and relaxation. Families can also enjoy walking or cycling along the scenic Granton waterfront promenade.
Granton hosts a variety of cultural and recreational facilities, including the granton:hub in Madelvic House, which offers community arts programs, workshops, and heritage activities. The restored Granton Station building now provides creative workspace and exhibition spaces. For maritime enthusiasts, the Forth Corinthian Yacht Club and Royal Forth Yacht Club offer sailing opportunities, making Granton a hub for both creative and recreational pursuits.
Granton has an active community scene with several groups and events for families. The Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden host gardening workshops, seasonal events, and eco-activities, while Granton Community Gardeners run gardening clubs, shared meals, and workshops. Annual events like the “Granton Goes Summer” festival feature family-friendly stalls, crafts, and activities, and heritage walks provide guided tours exploring the local history of the area.
Granton at a glance*
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