Moving to Edinburgh? Discover the best neighbourhoods, jobs, housing, and expert tips for a smooth relocation to Scotland’s vibrant capital.
Your Guide to Moving to Edinburgh in 2025
Edinburgh, a UNESCO World Heritage city, is Scotland's capital and cultural heart. With its captivating mix of historic charm and forward-thinking innovation, it's no wonder thousands of people relocate here each year. From the medieval Old Town to the refined Georgian New Town and further afield, this compact, walkable city offers a lifestyle that blends world-class amenities with local warmth.
In this comprehensive Edinburgh relocation guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about moving to 'Auld Reekie' —popular neighbourhoods, job prospects, housing prices, transport, education, and expert moving tips—to make your move as smooth as possible.
Why Edinburgh is a Top Relocation Destination
Edinburgh just keeps growing in popularity. Over the last ten years, the city's population has gone up by 7.2%, bringing it to around 548,000 people. It's clear that more and more people are choosing to make Edinburgh their home, drawn by everything the city has to offer.
Edinburgh stands out as a city where centuries-old history and vibrant culture come together in truly unique ways. Where else can you explore winding medieval streets, marvel at a castle perched atop an ancient volcano, and then catch a show at the world's largest arts festival, all in a single day? From the iconic Royal Mile to the creative buzz of the Fringe Festival, Edinburgh offers a blend of historic charm and modern energy that makes everyday life fun and inspiring.
Big City, Village Feel
Edinburgh's unique character combines the best of a capital city with a small-town feel. Despite being Scotland's seat of power and a major economic centre, the city remains remarkably compact and walkable. This blend of significance and accessibility creates a lifestyle where world-class cultural amenities sit alongside neighbourhood cafés and local markets, making daily life both convenient and enriching.
Affordable Living
While not the most affordable UK city, Edinburgh offers significantly better value than London, with housing costs approximately 30% lower than many larger cities. Despite this relative affordability, the city delivers an exceptional quality of life with outstanding public services, abundant green spaces, and excellent public transport.
Excellent Location
Edinburgh's location makes it a perfect base for both Scottish adventures and international connections. With the stunning Scottish Highlands just hours away and Edinburgh Airport offering direct flights to over 150 destinations, residents enjoy unparalleled access to both natural wonders and global cities. The rail connection to London takes just over 4 hours, with plans for continued improvements to this vital link.
Growing Investment
The city continues to evolve with major developments like the St James Quarter, Haymarket, and waterfront regeneration projects creating new residential, commercial, and leisure spaces that enhance Edinburgh's appeal while respecting its historic character.
Best Neighbourhoods When Moving to Edinburgh
Edinburgh offers diverse neighbourhoods that reflect its unique dual personality of historic charm and contemporary living. Whatever your reasons for heading to Edinburgh, there's a neighbourhood that's perfect for you.
For Families
- Morningside - If you're after a peaceful, upmarket neighbourhood with a real community feel, Morningside is a strong choice. It's full of charming Victorian and Edwardian homes, great schools, and lovely leafy streets. You'll also find lots of independent shops and cafés that make day-to-day life feel a little more special.
- Corstorphine - Corstorphine is a calm, well-established suburb that's ideal for families. It's got good schools, handy transport links, and even the zoo nearby for fun days out. Despite being just 15 minutes from the city centre, it has a relaxed, suburban feel.
- Stockbridge - This area feels a bit like a village tucked into the city. Stockbridge is full of character and charm, with beautiful old buildings, cosy cafés, independent shops, and a brilliant Sunday market. It's popular with families who want a bit of greenery and community while staying close to the action.
- Colinton - Tucked next to the Pentland Hills, Colinton is a peaceful, green spot that's perfect if you want a more rural vibe without being too far from the city. It has highly-rated schools and a mix of traditional homes, plus it's great for outdoor walks and fresh air.
For Young Professionals
- Leith - Once a working port, Leith has totally reinvented itself. Now it's one of Edinburgh's liveliest areas, with loads of great places to eat and drink, a buzzing creative scene, and plenty of character. It's ideal if you're looking for somewhere fun, affordable, and full of personality.
- Bruntsfield - Trendy and well-located, Bruntsfield has a great mix of cosy cafés, local shops, and green spaces like The Meadows right on your doorstep. It's just a short walk into the city centre, so it's perfect for anyone who wants convenience with a side of charm.
- New Town - If you love beautiful old buildings and being right in the heart of things, New Town could be for you. The Georgian architecture is stunning, and you're surrounded by top restaurants, bars, and cultural spots. It's ideal for professionals who want city life with style.
- West End - With its elegant buildings and lively atmosphere, the West End offers a great balance of sophistication and fun. It's close to Haymarket for easy transport and has a good mix of boutiques, bars, and cultural venues.
More Budget-Friendly Options
- Gorgie - Gorgie is close to the city centre and known for being friendly, practical, and affordable. It's a solid option for first-time buyers or anyone looking to get more for their money without being too far from the action.
- Dalry - Right next to Haymarket station, Dalry is becoming more and more popular. It's got decent transport links, a growing number of cafés and shops, and prices that are still relatively reasonable for Edinburgh.
- Pilton - One of the more affordable areas in the city, Pilton is a good fit for young families or buyers on a budget. It has plenty of local amenities and easy access to the northern part of the city.
- Craigmillar - Craigmillar is a neighbourhood on the up. There's been a lot of investment recently, and it shows—new homes, better facilities, and a stronger sense of community are drawing in people looking for a place with potential at a good price.
Edinburgh Property Guide: What Movers Should Know
The Edinburgh property market is one of the most competitive in the UK, with demand often outstripping supply. However, with careful research and local knowledge, you can find a home that meets both your lifestyle needs and budget constraints.
Whether you're looking for a Georgian apartment in the New Town, a Victorian terrace in Morningside, or a modern development in Leith, Edinburgh offers diverse property types across its many distinctive neighborhoods.
| Area | Average Price | Detached | Semi-Detached | Terraced | Flats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morningside | £619,768 | £1,478,250 | £1,360,939 | £815,599 | £437,511 |
| Corstorphine | £404,837 | £690,000 | £425,000 | £335,000 | £250,000 |
| Stockbridge | £562,134 | £1,150,000 | £670,000 | £550,000 | £400,000 |
| Colinton | £432,500 | £825,000 | £480,000 | £395,000 | £310,000 |
| Leith | £255,123 | £380,000 | £300,000 | £250,000 | £220,000 |
| Bruntsfield | £510,432 | £1,100,000 | £620,000 | £520,000 | £355,000 |
| New Town | £725,890 | £1,500,000 | £850,000 | £650,000 | £420,000 |
| West End | £602,317 | £1,250,000 | £700,000 | £575,000 | £365,000 |
| Gorgie | £198,764 | £290,000 | £230,000 | £205,000 | £175,000 |
| Dalry | £225,890 | £330,000 | £255,000 | £220,000 | £190,000 |
(Source: ESPC, Zoopla 2025)
Once you've found your perfect Edinburgh home, make sure you understand Scotland's property purchase system, which differs from England's. In Scotland, offers are legally binding once accepted, and the 'offers over' pricing system means properties often sell for significantly more than the asking price in competitive areas.
Career Opportunities After Relocating to Edinburgh
Edinburgh has grown into one of the UK's most diverse and resilient economies, making it a great place to build your career across a wide range of sectors:
Financial Services
As the UK's second-largest financial centre after London, Edinburgh is home to major players like NatWest Group (formerly RBS), Standard Life, and Scottish Widows. The sector supports over 50,000 jobs in banking, investment, insurance, and fintech.
Technology
Often called "Silicon Glen," Edinburgh's tech scene is thriving. Global companies like Amazon, Skyscanner, and FanDuel have offices here, while CodeBase and the University of Edinburgh's computing science programmes fuel an ever-growing startup scene.
Creative Industries
Best known for hosting the world's biggest arts festival, Edinburgh also has a strong year-round creative economy. From digital design and publishing to film, TV and media, you'll find both big names like BBC Scotland and lots of exciting independents.
Tourism and Hospitality
With over four million visitors a year, tourism plays a big role in the local economy. There are plenty of opportunities in hotels, restaurants, attractions, and festivals – perfect if you're looking for seasonal or flexible work.
Education and Research
The city's four universities and numerous colleges and research centres make education one of Edinburgh's biggest employers. The University of Edinburgh alone employs over 15,000 staff, with growing opportunities in fields like AI and biotech.
Public Sector
As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is the base for the Scottish Parliament, government departments, and public sector bodies – making it a great city for roles in policy, admin, and public services.
Thanks to this mix, Edinburgh's unemployment rate stays consistently below the national average – good news whether you've already landed a job or plan to find one after you move.
Essential Information for Your Edinburgh Move
Public Transport
Getting around Edinburgh is simple thanks to its compact layout and reliable transport links. The city's network includes:
- Buses: Lothian Buses run frequent services across the city, including night routes. Fares are straightforward, with single tickets at £2 and unlimited day travel for £4.50.
- Trams: The Edinburgh Trams connect the airport with key areas like the city centre and Leith, running every 7 minutes during peak hours.
- Trains: Waverley and Haymarket stations offer direct rail services to Glasgow (50 mins), London (4.5 hours), and other major UK cities.
- Cycling: With dedicated lanes and traffic-calmed streets, cycling is a practical option for getting around. The city is continuing to expand its cycle-friendly infrastructure.
To plan your journey or check real-time updates, use the Transport for Edinburgh app or visit their website.
Parking and Permits
If you're bringing a car to Edinburgh, it's important to understand the city's parking regulations:
- Resident Parking Permits: Permit prices are determined by your parking zone and your vehicle's CO₂ emissions (for vehicles registered after 1 March 2001) or engine size (for those registered earlier). Higher-emission vehicles incur higher charges.
- Visitor Permits: Residents can purchase visitor parking permits for guests, typically costing around £6 per day.
- Additional Permits: Households with more than one car can apply for additional permits at higher rates, depending on the parking zone.
- Temporary Parking Suspensions: If you need to reserve a space for a moving van, apply through the City of Edinburgh Council at least 10 working days in advance. Fees are typically £40 per day plus £15 per parking space.
Up-to-date info and applications are available on the City of Edinburgh Council website.
Low Emission Zone (LEZ)
Edinburgh's Low Emission Zone (LEZ) aims to improve air quality by restricting access for the most polluting vehicles:
- Operation: The LEZ operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, covering the city centre. Enforcement began on 1 June 2024.
- Vehicle Standards: The LEZ applies to all vehicles except those entitled to an exemption. Motorcycles and mopeds are also exempt. The zone is monitored using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras, and it's signposted at entry and exit points.
- Penalties: Non-compliant vehicles entering the LEZ will receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £60, reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days.
- Checking Compliance: To check if your vehicle meets the LEZ standards, visit the Low Emission Zones Scotland website.
For more information on the LEZ, including maps and FAQs, visit the City of Edinburgh Council's LEZ page.
Education and Schools
Edinburgh has a strong education system and popular schools, so it's best to apply early. You can apply for school places anytime via the City of Edinburgh Council's Schools and Lifelong Learning team.
Healthcare
Once you've moved, registering with a local GP should be high on your to-do list. NHS Lothian provides healthcare in the region, with many GP surgeries to choose from. Major hospitals include:
- Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
- Western General Hospital
- Royal Hospital for Children and Young People
You can find nearby practices and services via the NHS Inform Scotland website.
Edinburgh Moving Checklist: Planning Your Relocation
Ready to make Edinburgh your new home? Here's a comprehensive Edinburgh moving checklist to help plan your relocation:
- Set your moving timeline - Choose your ideal moving day and build a detailed checklist to work back from it. Be sure to book your Edinburgh removals service early, especially if you're moving during peak times like the Festival in August or at the start of the university term.
- Research Edinburgh neighbourhoods - Once you've narrowed down where you want to live, explore the area in more detail - look at local shops, schools, parks and transport links. A bit of research (and a visit or two) now makes settling in much easier later on.
- Calculate Edinburgh moving costs - Get a quote and don't forget to factor in deposits, storage (if needed), and any short-term accommodation. A clear moving budget helps you avoid surprises down the line.
- Declutter before packing - Take time to go through your belongings and donate, sell or recycle anything you no longer use. The less you move, the less you'll pay - and it'll make unpacking in Edinburgh much easier.
- Arrange utilities and address changes - Get your internet, energy and water set up for your new home ahead of time. Let your bank, GP, DVLA and any subscription services know about your new Edinburgh address, register for council tax and transfer your TV licence too.
- Organise Edinburgh parking permits - If you're moving to an Edinburgh area with controlled parking, apply for any permits or visitor passes you'll need. You might also need to arrange a temporary suspension so your removals van can park on moving day.
- Pack smart and stay organised for your Edinburgh move - Label each box with both the contents and the room it's heading to. Keep a separate box of essentials handy for your first night, and consider taking photos or making an inventory of valuables before the move.
- Notify important contacts about your Edinburgh relocation - Update your address with the electoral register, healthcare providers, insurance companies, family and other important contacts, so they know you're moving. Set up Royal Mail redirection to catch anything you might miss.
- Prepare for moving day in Edinburgh - Confirm arrangements with your removal company, ensure all boxes are packed and labelled, and take final meter readings at your old property.
Remember that the key to a stress-free Edinburgh relocation is preparation. By starting early and breaking the process down into manageable steps, you can ensure a smooth transition to your new Edinburgh home. Check out our moving tips for more advice.
Find the Best Removal Company for Your Edinburgh Relocation
Find My Man and Van has helped thousands of people relocate to Edinburgh with less stress and more confidence, offering affordable and hassle-free solutions for your Edinburgh move, even for long-distance relocations. Whether you're moving to the historic Old Town, vibrant Leith, or any other Edinburgh neighbourhood, our experienced team and Edinburgh removals services have you covered.
With Find My Man and Van, you get:
- Transparent, all-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees or surprise extras
- Flexible booking options tailored to fit your schedule
- 5-star rated and backed by over 10 years of experience
- Local movers with deep knowledge of Edinburgh and the surrounding areas
- Direct customer support - real people, no automated messages, no runaround
- Full Goods in transit insurance to protect your belongings
- Reliable, consistent service you can trust for a smooth move
No matter where your journey begins, we make moving simple, so you can focus on settling into your new home. Get your free Edinburgh moving quote and book online today!
