Is Edinburgh a Good Place to Live? Full Area Report

Scotland / City of Edinburgh

Avg Property Price

£310,000

Avg Rent

£1,200/month

Crime Rating

Below Average

Schools (Good+)

N/A (Education Scotland)

Broadband Avg

82 Mbps

Transport

Good

Flood Risk

Low

Population

530K

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh is Scotland's historic capital, celebrated for its stunning castle, Georgian New Town, and the world's largest arts festival each August. HouseCheckup area analysis highlights Edinburgh as one of the UK's safest major cities with strong schools and a robust property market. The city balances heritage and modernity, with a growing tech sector and financial services hub alongside centuries of architectural splendour.

Pros of Living in Edinburgh

  • Stunningly beautiful city with UNESCO World Heritage architecture
  • Very low crime rates compared to other UK cities of similar size
  • Strong economy driven by financial services, tech, and tourism
  • World-renowned cultural festivals throughout the year
  • Excellent schools and four universities within the city

Cons of Living in Edinburgh

  • Property prices are high relative to Scottish averages
  • Festival season brings significant tourist congestion in summer
  • Hilly terrain can be challenging for those with mobility issues
  • Weather is noticeably colder and windier than southern England

Frequently Asked Questions About Edinburgh

Edinburgh is regularly voted one of the UK's best places to live. It offers low crime, excellent education, and outstanding natural beauty with Arthur's Seat and the Pentland Hills on its doorstep. The city has a strong job market and incomparable cultural life. The main drawback is the higher cost of living compared to other Scottish cities.
The average property price in Edinburgh is around £310,000, making it Scotland's most expensive city. Premium areas like Morningside, Stockbridge, and the New Town can exceed £500,000. More affordable options exist in Leith, Gorgie, and Craigmillar. Edinburgh's property market is competitive, with homes regularly selling above the asking price.
Edinburgh has below-average crime rates for a UK city of its size, making it one of the safest places to live. Residential areas like Morningside, Corstorphine, and Cramond are particularly safe. Tourist areas see some pickpocketing during festival season. Police Scotland maintain a visible presence throughout the city, particularly in the city centre.
Edinburgh schools are inspected by Education Scotland rather than Ofsted, but the city consistently ranks highly for educational attainment. It has some of Scotland's best state schools, particularly in the south side. The city also boasts prestigious independent schools including Fettes College and George Heriot's. University provision is outstanding.
Edinburgh has a modern tram system linking the airport to the city centre and Newhaven. The bus network operated by Lothian Buses is regarded as one of the UK's best. Direct trains to London take around four and a half hours. Edinburgh Airport provides extensive domestic and international connections. Walking and cycling are practical for daily commuting.

Check Any Property in Edinburgh

Get a detailed HouseCheckup report for any address in Edinburgh. Covers flood risk, EPC rating, crime statistics, school catchment areas, planning applications, and more — from just £14.99.

Try or search any UK postcode

Nearby Areas

Glasgow

Scotland

£180,000

Newcastle upon Tyne

North East

£195,000

Durham

North East

£195,000

York

Yorkshire and the Humber

£310,000

Leeds

Yorkshire and the Humber

£245,000

Last updated: