Edinburgh is a historic and picturesque city with a variety of neighborhoods that cater to different lifestyles, preferences, and budgets. Here are some of the best areas to live in Edinburgh:

Central Edinburgh

1. New Town
   • Pros: Georgian architecture, central location, close to amenities, excellent shopping and dining options, cultural attractions.
   • Cons: Expensive, busy with tourists.
2. Old Town
   • Pros: Historic charm, close to major attractions like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, vibrant nightlife.
   • Cons: Noisy, expensive, busy with tourists.

South Edinburgh

3. Bruntsfield
   • Pros: Family-friendly, lots of cafes and independent shops, good schools, close to green spaces like The Meadows.
   • Cons: Expensive, parking can be difficult.
4. Morningside
   • Pros: Family-friendly, excellent schools, lots of amenities, close to green spaces, village-like atmosphere.
   • Cons: Expensive, busy with traffic.

West Edinburgh

5. Murrayfield
   • Pros: Quiet residential area, family-friendly, good schools, close to Murrayfield Stadium, lots of green spaces.
   • Cons: Expensive, further from the city center.
6. Corstorphine
   • Pros: Family-friendly, good schools, lots of green spaces, close to Edinburgh Zoo, good transport links.
   • Cons: Some areas can be pricey, further from the city center.

East Edinburgh

7. Portobello
   • Pros: Coastal living, beautiful beach, family-friendly, good community feel, lots of local amenities.
   • Cons: Further from the city center, variable property prices.
8. Leith
   • Pros: Up-and-coming area, lots of bars, restaurants, and independent shops, close to the waterfront, good transport links.
   • Cons: Some areas still developing, can be noisy.

North Edinburgh

9. Stockbridge
   • Pros: Village-like atmosphere, lots of cafes and boutiques, good schools, close to the city center and green spaces.
   • Cons: Expensive, parking can be difficult.
10. Inverleith
    • Pros: Family-friendly, excellent schools, lots of green spaces like Inverleith Park, quiet residential area.
    • Cons: Expensive, further from the city center.

Up-and-Coming Areas

11. Canonmills
    • Pros: Close to the city center, lots of regeneration projects, good local amenities, close to green spaces.
    • Cons: Some areas still developing, variable property prices.
12. Gorgie
    • Pros: Affordable housing, good transport links, lots of local amenities, close to the city center.
    • Cons: Some areas can be rough, still developing.

Tips for Choosing an Area

• Commute: Consider how long it will take to get to work or school. Edinburgh has a good public transport network, but some areas are better connected than others.
• Budget: Be realistic about what you can afford. Central areas and affluent suburbs like New Town, Stockbridge, and Morningside tend to be more expensive.
• Lifestyle: Think about whether you prefer a quiet residential area or a bustling neighborhood with lots of amenities.
• Schools: If you have children, research the quality of local schools.
• Green Spaces: Access to parks and open spaces can greatly enhance your quality of life.

Ultimately, the best area for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. It’s a good idea to visit different neighborhoods and spend some time there to get a feel for what they have to offer.