A guide to living in Scotland

Boasting some of the highest scores for standards of living in the UK, Scotland is a country of extraordinary natural beauty. Add to that its friendly, cultured cities and a rich history stretching back for centuries, and you have a location that offers something for everyone. Whether you live in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen or another of its cities, or find a home closer to nature, Scotland provides plenty to appeal to property hunters of all ages and inclinations.

Excellent

77.1

Very Good

16.9

Average

4.4

Disappointing

0.9

Very poor

0.6

Best places to live in Scotland

How is ranking calculated?

Viewing 1-5 out of 81

Rental Only

Dockside, EH6

By Dockside

4.95

(31 reviews)

Welcome to Dockside – a fresh take on waterfront living. Our vibrant new rental community offers sleek studios and spacious one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, combining stylish design with exceptional amenities.Imagine living in one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods, where creativity and community collide. That’s Leith. Recognised by Time Out for its vibrant energy, Leith has a thriving start-up scene, eclectic arts culture, and a welcoming spirit.

1st

Ranked 1st out of 54 in Scotland

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Award Winner 2025

The Point, AB10

By Dandara Living

Award winner 2025

4.89

(187 reviews)

£650-£3,978 pcm

Studios, 1, 6 beds

The Point is a unique development of studio apartments centrally located in the Schoolhill area of Aberdeen. The development has a free resident's gym, TV and screening rooms, co-working facilities, residents lounges and bookable rooms for parties and events. The on-site team are available 24/7 and include customer service and maintenance teams. Aberdeen Train and Bus Station, the city's main retail and leisure district and the Union Square shopping mall, which is home to over 150 retail outlets and the 10-screen Cineworld Multiplex. A 2-minute walk will take you to Belmont Street, home to some of the city's most popular bars, cafes and restaurants. Aberdeen University is 1.4 miles away and Robert Gordon University 2.7 miles to the south. It's a great place to base yourself if you're studying or working in Aberdeen and utility bills and superfast broadband are also included in the rent.

2nd

Ranked 2nd out of 54 in Scotland

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Award Winner 2025

Candleriggs, G1

By Legal & General, urbanbubble

Award winner 2025

4.89

(47 reviews)

Candleriggs offers studio, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom boutique apartments to rent in the heart of Merchant City. Residents can enjoy free superfast broadband and social events. Additionally, there are communal gardens, sky terraces, and spaces to work, play, and relax—all included in your rent.

3rd

Ranked 3rd out of 54 in Scotland

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Award Winner 2024

The McEwan, EH3

By Moda Living

Award winner 2024

4.81

(199 reviews)

£1,281-£2,940 pcm

Studios, 1, 2, 3 beds

The McEwan is located in the heart of Fountainbridge, just a few minute walk away from Haymarket Train Station. There are 476 brand new, state of the art rental homes. Residents have access to a wide range of amenity spaces including a gym, studio, cinema room, a co-working space, shared lounges and public spaces. On site, there are also two private dining rooms with panoramic views over the City and Edinburgh Castle. In addition, The McEwan has 24 hour concierge and maintenance services and the development is also pet-friendly.

4th

Ranked 4th out of 54 in Scotland

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Award Winner 2024

Holland Park, G2

By Moda Living

Award winner 2024

4.79

(85 reviews)

£1,052-£3,035 pcm

Studios, 1, 2, 3 beds

Holland Park in Glasgow features 433 high-tech apartments spread across four buildings. Residents have access to a wide range of facilities including a 24hr gym, 24hr concierge and co-working and meeting rooms. In addition, the development is pet-friendly and wifi is included.

5th

Ranked 5th out of 54 in Scotland

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Page 1 of 17

Featured developments in Scotland

Latest Reviews in Scotland

1540 total reviews

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Viewing 1-5 out of 1540

April S (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Holland Park, G2

Dec 2025

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Peaceful Home with Great Facilities

April S (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Holland Park, G2

Dec 2025

Yan and Giorgia help me with my viewing and tenancy and the process is really easy and smooth. The design of the development is lovely, with colours and spaces that feel calm and natural. I really enjoy using the gym, and I’m there about four times a week. The equipment is good and it’s easy to work out comfortably. The cinema room is another feature I really like, and it adds to the feeling of having everything you need at home. The whole building is peaceful, clean and well managed. It feels safe, quiet and genuinely enjoyable to live in, with facilities that make day-to-day life much easier.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

The best part of living here is how easy it is to get around. Transport links are very convenient, and it’s simple to get buses to most places. The local area feels friendly too; people are helpful, and staff like Amy have supported me when I needed assistance. I haven’t experienced any antisocial behaviour since moving in, and the neighbourhood has been peaceful and calm. Overall, the environment feels nice and comfortable,

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

The management team has been very responsive. I’ve had a couple of issues and each time they helped quickly. For example, when my payment wasn’t going through, I went downstairs to speak with Amy. She explained the steps clearly and helped me contact Paul to get my reference number. Josh also fixed my heater really fast. Overall, they’ve been helpful and efficient whenever I needed support.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I wish I had known earlier that my apartment number can’t be found on the council website. And honestly, I also wish I had discovered this place sooner. Nothing bad to say.

・・

HomeViews

Julie (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Holland Park, G2

Dec 2025

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Lovely place to live

Julie (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Holland Park, G2

Dec 2025

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Everything so far has been really positive. The building is modern and always clean (I love the smell) , and the shared areas are kept very clean. The gym is excellent, in fact all communal areas are brilliant.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Always responded and supported in a timely manner.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

The building is modern and always clean (I love the smell) , and the shared areas are kept very clean. The gym is excellent, in fact all communal areas are brilliant.

・・

HomeViews

LP (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Holland Park, G2

Dec 2025

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Fantastic development

LP (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Holland Park, G2

Dec 2025

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

It is a very convenient place right in the city centre. Bus stops & train stations nearby. There are supermarkets within a 5 minute walk . There are many restaurants within 5 minutes walk from Holland Park. It's pet friendly. Amy was great

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

I haven't had any issues but the team seem really friendly & nothing is too much trouble.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

On a positive note, I wish I had known how many gorgeous dogs are in Moda!

・・

HomeViews

Kieran M. (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Candleriggs, G1

Dec 2025

Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Very homely

Kieran M. (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Candleriggs, G1

Dec 2025

Building design is very nice, decor is modern and gives a homely feel as soon as you enter the main building. Gym is a great addition with the communal areas a great place to work in peace. The dining room which can be booked is amazing for having large number of guests, fully furnished for a movie night and a 3 course meal. Staff are extremely friendly and willing to help whatever the situation, overall fantastic place to live!

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

The location is perfect, it never lets you down for food and drink options, there are so many. Weekly shops are made easy with a supermarkets very near. All the main Glasgow train stations are a very reasonable walk away, with busses passing constantly. The windows and walls are very soundproof, often forgot I live in the busy city centre.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Response was very quick and communication was great regarding any ongoing issues

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

How long the background checks take, was nearly off putting due to the third party letting agency.

・・

Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

HomeViews

Noela M (Tenant)

Unverified

Holland Park, G2

Dec 2025

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Great Facilities and Supportive Team

Noela M (Tenant)

Unverified

Holland Park, G2

Dec 2025

My move-in process is really smooth. Yan and Giorgia are really professional and helpful..The development has great amenities, including the private dining rooms, cinema, and open lounge areas, which make the building feel very comfortable and convenient. The management team is responsive and supportive. I’ve had several queries, and Yan has always been incredibly helpful and patient throughout the process. Overall, it’s been a positive experience living here.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

The area feels very safe, especially with on-site security. There are plenty of nearby shops and amenities, and everything I need is within a short walk. Transport links are convenient, and commuting to work is easy. The street is generally quiet with no major issues like noise or parking problems.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

I don’t have any issue yet as just move im. But I believe they will give quick responds.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I can’t think of anything specific. Everything has been good so far, and there haven’t been any surprises beyond what I saw during the viewing.

・・

HomeViews

Page 1 of 308

These reviews are the subjective opinion of a HomeViews user and not of HomeViews

Useful articles

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a city in the northeast of Scotland and has been an important port for centuries. It's known as one of Europe's energy capitals and boasts some beautiful scenery with many parks and green spaces to explore. The City of Aberdeen covers over 300 square miles, but only about 20% of this area is residential. If you're looking to buy property in the area then it's worth knowing that there are several factors which you'll need to take into account before making your decision!

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Aberdeenshire

Set within easy reach of the Cairngorms National Park, the city of Aberdeen was named as the best place to live and work in Scotland in a 2019 report by Demos-PwC. Alongside the stunning local scenery, another of the reasons for this was the low property prices relative to earnings. This offers residents an excellent standard of living – driven in large part by the oil and gas industry. The lively harbour city is also known as the ‘Granite City’ or ‘Silver City’ thanks to its historic granite buildings.

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City of Dundee

The City of Dundee is located on the northern banks of the Firth of Tay. It has a population of around 150,000 people and is ranked as one of the best cities to live in Scotland. Dundee was established during Roman times when it was known as "Din Eidyn." The city encompasses many different areas including Angus, Abertay University Campus, Caird Hall, Fauldhouse Golf Club, Glenshee Ski Centre and more!

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City of Edinburgh

The county of City Edinburgh is one of the most desirable places to live in Britain. It's a county with a rich history and thriving culture, and it's also the home of many prestigious universities. If you're thinking about moving to Scotland - or even if you're just curious about this wonderful place - we hope that our guide will be helpful!

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City of Glasgow

The City of Glasgow is a large city in Scotland that lies on the River Clyde. It has a population of 598,040 and an area of 335 square miles. Known as "the Dear Green Place," the city offers residents plenty to do with over 300 parks, gardens, and golf courses. The University of Glasgow is one of its notable institutions as well as being home to some 80 different languages spoken by students from all around the world!

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