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Moving Guide · Scotland

Moving to Edinburgh

Know My Postcode · 2026-04-09 · Everything you need to know

Thinking of moving to Edinburgh? This guide covers everything you need to know — the best areas, average house prices, crime rates, schools, transport links and cost of living. Whether you're buying or renting, moving from another city or relocating from abroad, here's what life in Edinburgh is really like.

£320,000
Avg house price
£1,200/month
Avg rent
5+
Postcode areas
Free
Area reports

Is Edinburgh a good place to live?

Edinburgh is one of the UK's most popular cities, attracting people with one of europe's most beautiful cities. Like any city, the quality of life varies enormously depending on which neighbourhood you choose — which is why checking the data before you commit is so important.

✓ Pros
  • ✓ One of Europe's most beautiful cities
  • ✓ World-class festivals and cultural events
  • ✓ Excellent schools and universities
  • ✓ Strong financial and tech job market
✗ Cons
  • ✗ Property market extremely competitive
  • ✗ Winter days are very short
  • ✗ Festival season brings huge crowds
  • ✗ Distance from other major UK cities

Best areas to live in Edinburgh

Popular neighbourhoods in Edinburgh include:

New TownOld TownLeithMorningsideStockbridge

Each area has very different character, crime rates, school quality and price points. Use Know My Postcode to compare specific postcodes before making a decision.

Check any Edinburgh postcode instantly

Free crime rates, schools, flood risk, transport and house prices for any Edinburgh postcode.

House prices in Edinburgh

Average house prices in Edinburgh are around £320,000, though this varies significantly by area and property type. Average rents are around £1,200/month for a one-bedroom flat. Know My Postcode shows live Land Registry sold price data and rental estimates for any specific postcode.

Transport in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is served by Bus, National Rail and tram. Before choosing where to live, always calculate your actual commute time from the specific postcode — not just whether an area has a station nearby. Know My Postcode includes a commute calculator for every report.

Crime rates in Edinburgh

Crime rates vary significantly across Edinburgh. Don't rely on general impressions — check the actual Police UK data for the specific postcode you're considering. Know My Postcode shows live crime data broken down by type and compared against the regional average.

Schools in Edinburgh

School quality is one of the most important factors for families moving to Edinburgh. Know My Postcode shows all Ofsted-rated schools within 1.5km of any postcode, with their current rating. Homes near Outstanding-rated schools typically command a significant price premium.

Before you move to Edinburgh

Before committing to any property in Edinburgh, always check the specific postcode — not just the general area. Know My Postcode gives you an instant free report covering crime, schools, flood risk, transport, house prices and local amenities for any UK postcode in under 30 seconds.

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