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

76.3

Very Good

17.5

Average

4.6

Disappointing

0.9

Very poor

0.7

Best places to live in Scotland

How is ranking calculated?

Viewing 1-5 out of 80

Rental Only

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.

1st

Ranked 1st out of 52 in Scotland

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Award Winner 2025

Candleriggs, G1

By Legal & General, urbanbubble

Award winner 2025

4.88

(45 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.

2nd

Ranked 2nd out of 52 in Scotland

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Award Winner 2024

The McEwan, EH3

By Moda Living

Award winner 2024

4.81

(194 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.

3rd

Ranked 3rd out of 52 in Scotland

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Development image of Solasta Riverside, G5

Rental Only

Award Winner 2024

Solasta Riverside, G5

By urbanbubble

Award winner 2024

4.75

(89 reviews)

£1,040-£2,220 pcm

1, 2, 3 beds

Solasta Riverside is a new city centre district. Based on the South Bank of the iconic river Clyde, the development sits directly opposite Central Station. Furthermore, Solasta Riverside's residential development consists of two 18-story complexes, including 324 Build-to-Rent apartments. Solasta Riverside is located on the Clyde riverside, facing the International Financial Services District. Additionally, with direct access to bus, rail, cycle and motorway networks, and only 15 minutes from Glasgow International Airport, Solasta Riverside will activate over a quarter of a mile of river frontage.

4th

Ranked 4th out of 52 in Scotland

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Award Winner 2024

Holland Park, G2

By Moda Living

Award winner 2024

4.72

(68 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 52 in Scotland

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Page 1 of 16

Featured developments in Scotland

Latest Reviews in Scotland

1479 total reviews

Write a review

Viewing 1-5 out of 1479

Ana (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Dockside, EH6

Nov 2025

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

A beautifully designed home with outstanding staff and facilities

Ana (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Dockside, EH6

Nov 2025

The development is beautifully designed, modern, and finished to a high standard. The facilities are excellent and make day-to-day living really enjoyable. Building management is always responsive and professional, and property management has been fantastic. Everyone on the team is genuinely lovely, and I’ve had especially great interactions with Lauren and Phoenix, who have both been incredibly kind, welcoming, and helpful.

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

Love the location! Near Ocean Terminal, great transport links to the city centre and the airport, and very close to the Shore which is a lovely area with loads of restaurants and bars.

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

Very helpful and quick with flat and amenities quesries.

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

Loved the parcel storage room, wasn’t aware it was going to be so safe and easy for deliveries.

・・

HomeViews

Vaida (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Dockside, EH6

Nov 2025

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

One of the best places to live!

Vaida (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Dockside, EH6

Nov 2025

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

Location is probably one of the best I got to live. Lots of great places to grab a coffee, drink or just walk around. Transport links are perfect too, everything at your doorstep quite literally. It is also very quiet and peaceful, yet everything you need is within a walking distance. Overall, very pleased!

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

Always super helpful with all the questions I had and very quick to respond too.

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

It honestly exceeded all my expectations! I would highly recommend it to anyone

・・

HomeViews

Francesca M (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Dockside, EH6

Nov 2025

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Excellent living

Francesca M (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Dockside, EH6

Nov 2025

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

Great variety, lovely independent coffee shops, supermarkets very close by. Tram is very close, plenty of buses.

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

Very promptly and kindly, issues were addressed in a very timely manner.

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

Nothing really, everything was explained at the right time

・・

HomeViews

Hamish Stewart (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Dockside, EH6

Nov 2025

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

An exceptional flatted development.

Hamish Stewart (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Dockside, EH6

Nov 2025

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

The Leith area has become a place of real character with many ancillary facilities available. With close contact to the docks it adds another dimension to city living.

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

Very efficient and helpful. Dealing with any aspects requiring assistance.

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

None really! I was fully informed and shown the extent of facilities available which offered a different style of living.

・・

HomeViews

Javier Albar (Tenant)

Unverified

The McEwan, EH3

Nov 2025

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

The McEwan is our home away from home

Javier Albar (Tenant)

Unverified

The McEwan, EH3

Nov 2025

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

Location is grate all in walking distances. Parking is available all around with The McEwan offering in house parking as well.

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

I could not connect the apartment TV to the internet and Darren the in house technician came and immediately in a very friendly manner fixed it.

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

The reservation is a process and it is better to start early to allow enough time to complete it.

Review image for review c1ece362-b769-4f56-ba41-63812f1c38c1

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HomeViews

Page 1 of 296

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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