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Top 10 Best places to live in Scotland with the Best quality of life – 2023

Last updated on: February 3, 2023

Britain has beautiful scenery and a long history. Scotland is a beautiful place to live in if you want to move to a place with a mild climate, tasty food, and lots of fun outdoorsy things to do. Most people know the country for its beautiful countryside, castles, and gardens, as well as for its great beer and whisky. There are many good reasons to move to Scotland, whether you are from a Scottish family or just want to experience the culture. It is also good to know the cost of living in the United Kingdom if you want to move to this amazing place, but if you are considering moving to Scotland, read on as we rank the best places to live in Scotland based on the quality of life.

Methodology

There are numerous reasons to consider living in Scotland, including its dynamic cities with vibrant nightlife, wide tracts of stunning countryside and coastline islands, and tranquil towns and suburban localities.

Our methodology for choosing the top 10 best places to live in Scotland is outlined below.

We based our ranking on 3 criteria: safety, affordability, and access to recreational amenities and parks.

Based on the report conducted by Gov.uk, The average price of a property in Scotland was £195,391 in August 2022.

Finally, we used the data above to rank the 10 best places to live in Scotland while also considering their quality of life. The criteria used to determine quality of life include health, pollution, green areas and leisure, climate, education, and employment.

(*National Statistics Publication for Scotland)

1. Orkney Islands

Affordable housing

Scotland’s northeastern coast is home to the islands of Orkney. The “Heart of Neolithic Orkney” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it is home to some of the oldest and best-preserved Neolithic sites in all of Europe. Both marine and avian animals are in great abundance in Orkney. Only 20 of Orkney’s 70 islands are inhabited, making it the ideal destination for groups of friends or family looking to go island-hopping. If you are planning to settle in Orkney, you can purchase a property for £190,527 or rent a two-bedroom apartment for £550 a month.

You and your family are safe in this Scotish area because it was recorded that there were only 144 offences per 10,000 people, making it 72.51% lower than the average crime rate in Scotland.

(*ONS, Gov.scot, Visit Scotland & Houses for Sale & to Rent)

Orkney Islands, Scotland

2. Shetland Islands

Paradise for birdwatchers

The Shetland Islands, historically known as Zetland, are a Scottish sub-Arctic archipelago. It is the United Kingdom’s northernmost region. Shetland has long been known as a birdwatcher’s paradise. Birds of all kinds, from the ultra-rare to the quirky, flock to the isles in droves. In the Shetland Islands, locals discover the clifftops, beautiful beaches, and clear blue waters that line miles of seaside coastline. The area has 198 reported offences per 10,000 people, 62.21% lower than the Scottish average.

Shetland Islands is one of the best places to live in Scotland since you can buy a home for £190,629 and rent a two-bedroom apartment for £650 per month.

(*ONS, Gov.scot & Property Mitula)

Shetland Islands, Scotland

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3. Na h-Eileanan Siar

Perfect for nature lovers

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is the local government council for the Scottish council area of Na h-Eileanan Siar (the Outer Hebrides). The islands are best known for their long, white-sand beaches. At low tide, the sand is rippled and curved, and in the spring and summer, wildflowers cover the low-lying grass plains, called machair. This is one of the best places for people to live and feel safe, as there are only 205 offences per 10,000 people, which is 60.87% less than the average for Scotland.

In Na h-Eileanan Siar, you can buy a house for around £142,592 or rent a two-bedroom apartment for £895 monthly.

(*ONS, Gov.scot, Visit Scotland & Houses for Sale & to Rent)

Na h-Eileanan Siar, Scotland

4. East Renfrewshire

Home to Whitelee Windfarm (UK's largest onshore windfarm)

East Renfrewshire is one of Scotland’s 32 council districts and one of the most desirable places to live. This place provides a high standard of living, and the area has been hailed as one of the best places in Scotland to raise a family. Because of its ancient links with the former Scottish royal house, it is also regarded as “the cradle of the Stewarts”. The top attractions in the area include Whitelee Windfarm and Mearns Castle. It is a haven for residents with only 225 crimes per 10,000 people, 60.87% lower than the Scottish average.

If you want to enjoy this wonderful place with your family, you can buy a house for £273,408 or rent a two-bedroom flat for £950 a month in East Renfrewshire.

(*ONS, Gov.scot, & Zoopla)

East Renfrewshire, Scotland

5. Aberdeenshire

Best for foodies

Aberdeenshire is located in the north-east of Scotland and is known as “the oil capital of Europe.” If city life becomes too much for you, the picturesque Cairngorms National Park is nearby. The locals are happy, as Aberdeenshire is renowned for its food. Aberdeenshire boasts some of the best food in Scotland, including Aberdeen Angus beef. It is regarded as one of the best places to live in Scotland because of its low crime rate, with only 240 crimes per 10,000 people, which is 54.19% lower than the Scottish average.

On average, buying a house in Aberdeenshire will cost you £199,459, and renting a two-bedroom flat for £700 a month.

(*ONS, Gov.scot, & Zoopla)

Aberdeenshire, Scotland

6. Moray

One of the most affordable coastal areas in the UK

Moray, formerly known as Elginshire, is highly known for its exceptional natural resources, well-known brands, world-renowned coastlines, and high standard of living. Moray is one of the best places to live in Scotland for families because it offers affordable housing, excellent schools, and stunning scenery. If you want to live near the sea, Moray is one of the more affordable coastal areas in the UK.

Buying a property in Moray will cost you around £173,854 and renting a two-bedroom flat will cost around £725 per month. You don’t have to be concerned about your safety in Moray because there are only 264 offences per 10,000 people, which is 49.61% lower than the Scotland average.

(*ONS, Gov.scot, Moray Council, & Zoopla)

Moray, Scotland

7. East Dunbartonshire

Near Glasgow

East Dunbartonshire is a county constituency in the House of Commons of the United Kingdom Parliament. It has an excellent natural environment and many beneficial features. It is well-known for being a beautiful area to live, work, and enjoy recreational activities, having previously been named the finest place to raise a family and consistently ranking first in quality-of-life polls. Moreover, East Renfrewshire is only 9 miles away from Glasgow.

No wonder it is one of the best places to live in Scotland; East Dunbartonshire has only 286 crimes per 10,000 residents, which is 45.42% lower than the Scottish average. The average house purchase price is £255,010 and renting a two-bedroom flat averages £900 per month in East Dunbartonshire.

(*ONS, Gov.scot, Gov.UK, & Zoopla)

East Dunbartonshire, Scotland

8. Angus

Historically rich city

Angus is portrayed as Scotland’s birthplace. This place has it all, from rolling hills and glens to the most beautiful white sandy beaches on the east coast of Scotland. It’s also known for its Angus cattle, popular for their tender, tasty meat. It’s the ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts, one place not to be missed is the Montrose Basin Visitor Centre, which offers panoramic views of the entire reserve and a close-up view of the wildlife. There are plenty of outdoor activities for the whole family in Angus, including mountaineering, hiking, horse riding, even seal watching.

One of the reasons Angus is one of the best places to live in Scotland is that its crime rate is 44.08% lower than Scotland’s average. You can also buy a property for £169,215 and rent a two-bedroom flat for £895 per month in Angus.

(*ONS, Gov.scot, Gov.UK, & Zoopla)

Angus, Scotland

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9. Argyll and Bute

Over 3,000 miles of coastline

The Royal Bank of Scotland has named Argyll and Bute one of the best places to live in Scotland. It is a stunningly beautiful area with mountains, sea lochs, and over 3,000 miles of coastline. The region’s whisky-making roots are one of its most notable legacies. Residents can enjoy reading with their families in the neighbourhood library. No surprise, it is being recognized for its low crime rate, with 311 offences per 10,000 residents, 40.65% lower than the Scotland average.

On average it costs £178,922 to buy a house in Argyll and Bute, and £650 per month to rent a two-bedroom flat.

(*ONS, Gov.scot, Gov.UK, & Zoopla)

Argyll and Bute, Scotland

10. The Highlands

The most mountainous terrain in the UK

The Highlands of Scotland is a mountainous region in north-west Scotland. The Scottish Highlands contain the most mountainous terrain in the UK and offer magnificent, wild landscapes and a sense of tranquility amongst lochs and mountains. Lake activities such as fishing and remote-controlled watercraft are available. It is the 10th best place to live in Scotland, with a low crime rate of 319 crimes per 10,000 residents, which is 39.12% lower than the Scottish average. You can also buy a house for £198,682 and rent a two-bedroom flat for £750 a month in the Highlands of Scotland.

(*ONS, Gov.scot, Gov.UK, & Zoopla)

The Highlands, Scotland

Conclusion

Many people are curious about the best places to live in Scotland and want to find out more information about them. After reading our ranking of the top 10 best places to live in Scotland, you should be able to decide about where you want to call home and spend the rest of your life. If you are moving soon, you should probably familiarise yourself with the best removal companies so that you can find one that can assist you.

The expert

Mathieu Paquette

The author of this article also acts as MovingWaldo’s booking agent. Matt, is an accomplished relocation specialist with over 6 years of experience in the industry. Matt has earned a CAM certification (Canadian Association Of Movers), Tariff Certification (Atlas Van Lines), and has an extensive business background. Before handing off everything you own, do your due diligence… or let Matt do it for you.

Provide Matt with your move criteria. He will calculate quotes from verified movers, using the same metrics. This will make it simple to compare and book your move.