Southside
Southside sits right at the heart of Edinburgh's student and university quarter, with a dense mix of restaurants, cafés and shops lining the streets. Healthcare provision here is excellent, with eight GP practices and two hospitals within the neighbourhood itself, and families can choose from well-regarded primary schools like Sciennes and Preston Street, with James Gillespie's High School and Edinburgh University's campuses close by. Good bus connections, cycle routes and primary roads run through the area, and living costs stay below the UK average thanks to cheap transport and utilities.
The surrounding neighbourhoods add further depth to the area. Morningside brings a quieter, family-friendly feel with strong schools including George Watson's College, while the City Centre neighbourhood delivers unbeatable transport links, with two railway stations and tram access to the airport, alongside a lively restaurant and bar scene geared towards students and young professionals. Further out, Craigentinny/Duddingston, Liberton/Gilmerton and Portobello/Craigmillar offer a more residential, settled character, with good green space, excellent air quality and strong local schooling, all while keeping living costs below the UK average.
Across the board, the common thread is strong healthcare provision, good school choice and transport links that make car ownership optional rather than essential. Southside itself leans urban and youthful, given its proximity to the university, while neighbourhoods like Liberton/Gilmerton and Portobello/Craigmillar suit those wanting more space and parkland without losing easy access to the city centre. Whichever part of the wider area you choose, you'll find a good balance of everyday amenities, healthcare and transport, with living costs that generally sit comfortably below the UK average.
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Southside is a big area, so we split it into neighbourhoods to give you a better look at each. Select an area to find out more.
