What are the best areas to live in Glasgow?
So, you’ve decided to move to Glasgow, but what area is best suited to your needs? Pollokshields is a vibrant, multicultural area with beautiful Victorian architecture and green spaces, and Merchant City offers the same, although more centrally located. The West End—including Kelvinbridge and Hyndland — is a trendy, slightly more expensive area with a wealth of cafés, bars, and independent shops and easy access to the University of Glasgow.
If you’re moving with a family, Bearsden, Shawlands and Milngavie are suburban areas offering quiet, family-friendly living with excellent schools and good transport links to the city. No matter the size of your move or where you decide to go, Find My Man and Van is the ideal choice to find an affordable, reliable removal and man with a van service in Glasgow.
Transport: Getting around Glasgow
If you're relocating to Glasgow, taking the time to find out what's available in your new surroundings and registering for services will help you settle in quickly.
Public transport in Glasgow is extensive and well-connected, making it easy to get around the city and beyond. The Glasgow Subway, often called the "Clockwork Orange," is a convenient circular route covering key areas, including the West End, the city centre, and the South Side. The city also has a comprehensive bus network, offering frequent services throughout Glasgow and surrounding areas. Trains run regularly from major stations like Glasgow Central and Queen Street, providing access to destinations across Scotland. Additionally, with plenty of bike lanes and a public bike hire scheme, cycling is becoming an increasingly popular option.
Education and Schools
Moving with school-aged children can be a challenge, particularly when relocating mid-year. Your first step would be to contact the council to find the schools in your catchment area and apply for in-term enrolment. If you’re moving from outside of Scotland, be prepared for a few differences in the Education system. In Scotland, primary school covers ages 4-12 (P1-P7), and secondary school runs from ages 12-18 (S1-S6).
The school year runs from mid-August to June, with breaks in October, Christmas, February, and Easter. It’s worth checking term dates in case they affect you.
Parking and Permits
Parking in Glasgow can vary greatly depending on where you live. It can be limited in central areas like the West End, Merchant City, and Finnieston and often requires a residents' permit. If you're living in a flat or apartment, it’s a good idea to find out whether there are private parking bays available.
It’s best to check the council website to find out about parking restrictions in your area and what documents you'll need to apply for a resident permit.
Storage Facilities
Whether you're downsizing, storing a few items during a term break, or just need a short-term storage solution while you settle in, Glasgow has many options for self-storage. Here are a few to get you started:
- Storage Vault : Storage Vault in Glasgow offers secure, flexible self-storage solutions for personal and business needs, including indoor and outdoor units, with 24/7 access.
- Red Squirrel Storage : Red Squirrel Storage in Glasgow provides secure, accessible self-storage units for personal and business use. It offers flexible rental terms and 24/7 CCTV monitoring.
- Kangaroo Self Storage : Located in East Glasgow, Kangaroo Self Storage offers a variety of storage solutions, including document storage, student storage, and larger units for business or personal needs.
- Safestore Self-Storage Glasgow : Safestore has multiple locations across Glasgow and offers a variety of home and business storage options.
Waste and Recycling
To reduce moving costs effectively, de-clutter your belongings beforehand by donating usable items to charity shops or council programs and disposing of damaged, non-donatable items in the local tip or recycling centre, larger items will require a collection arranged.
