When it comes finding a place to live in Scotland, our country is not short of locations compromising of stunning scenery, strong local communities as well as top notch local cafes and restaurants.
Many will often search for the best place to live and whilst this list will differ from person to person, it's always nice to see which areas are up and coming - and which have made it onto lists of the best places to live.
Today (April 8), The Sunday Times Best Places to Live list has been released and it's safe to say we are very happy with the results.
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The winner, as listed by The Sunday Times for 2022, is the Isle of Bute, Argyll. It heads a list of seven Scottish locations chosen by The Sunday Times in the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide.
But as well as this, East Lothian's North Berwick has been listed as one of the next places to move to, if you're not there already!
North Berwick, which was mentioned in the list, is said to be a "jewel of the East Lothian coast" and as a result, is "too good to leave out of the list, thanks to its unbeatable combination of schools, independent shops, laid-back beach life and trains to the capital."
The Sunday Times’ expert judges behind the guide assess a wide range of factors, from schools, transport and broadband to culture, green spaces and the health of the high street.
In addition to this, they also look to celebrate improving towns, villages or city centres; attractive, well-designed homes, and locations bursting with community spirit – which the pandemic has shown to be the most vital quality of all.
Other names listed in the Sunday Times Best Places to Live include:
Please note: apart from the regional winner, the other locations are not ranked but listed in alphabetical order.
Helen Davies, The Times and Sunday Times Property Editor said: “The Sunday Times Best Places to Live list is necessarily subjective. Leave it just to statistics and you will never capture the spirit of a place. For that, you need to visit to take into account that ‘you have to be here’ feeling. Is the pub dog-friendly, for example? Can you live car-free? What are the schools and houses like? Is it multicultural and multigenerational, and can it offer a good way of life to lots of different sorts of people?
“Ten years ago, when we launched the inaugural list, London’s gravitational pull was strong, the WFH revolution had not yet reached our doorstep and high streets were stacked with chains. How times have changed — and how welcome that change is.
“This year we have discovered new best places to live, from resurgent city centres in the North, rejuvenated suburbs across the country, hidden villages in the Southwest, and a commutable Scottish island. We hope there is something to suit everyone.”
So with an average house price of £401,000, let's take a look at the cheaper properties in East Lothian currently on sale:
1. 89/2 High Street, Tranent, EH33 1LW
This ground floor flat is set within a landmark building on the High Street comprising of a hall with a utility cupboard and washing machine, plus two further storage cupboards, a dual aspect lounge, kitchen with appliances, bedroom and bathroom with a white three piece suite having a shower over the bath.
The property is roughly 10 miles from Edinburgh city centre located in a popular town, Tranent, where people can access a wide selection of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants as well as readily accessible routes for commuters.
Offers over: £75,000
You can view the property here.
2. 23c New Street, Musselburgh, EH21 6JH
This first floor property is located within a traditional tenement and does requiring some modernisation. However it has been boasted as "an excellent first time buy, downsizer or buy to let property."
The accommodation comprises of one bedroom, one bathroom and has "a well maintained communal walled garden" to the rear of the property with a private wooden decked area.
Rightmove have said that the flat is "surrounded by unspoilt countryside and offers delightful walks along the river, promenade and links. The town retains its original market town shape, which is now lined with numerous shops including a choice of banks along with a wide range of supermarkets including a large Tesco.."
And if you're jetting away on holiday any time soon, there is a handy fast main roads link easily with the A1, which in turn provides access to the City Bypass, major motorway connections and Edinburgh International Airport.
Offers over: £99,000
You can view the property here.
3. Newst, Musselburgh, EH21
This one bedroom, one bathroom flat boasts an open plan living, dinning and kitchen in a brightly coloured space allowing for ample daylight to come through.
However if you would like to spend time outside when the sun is out, you will be pleased to know that the property features a "well cared for communal green with trees and a high wall at the back creating a beautifully peaceful spacer to relax."
Offers over: £112,00
You can view the property here.
4. Hercus Loan, Musselburgh, EH21
This one bedroom and one bathroom flat is located on the ground floor and is situated in a popular residential area of Musselburgh.
Rightmove have said that due to its vast amount of amenities, shops and public transport, this home would make an ideal first purchase or retirement property.
Offers over: £114,500
You can view the property here.
5. Goodalls Place, Haddington, East Lothian, EH41
This one bedroom and one bathroom property compromises of a lovely double sized bedroom with feature gas fire, modern wooden floor and dual aspect windows.
The charming stone-built traditional main door flat is tucked away in a quiet lane in a delightful conservation area of the town near the river and is said to be an ideal first-time purchase.
It is also a great property for anybody looking for an accessible home on one level.
Offers over: £115,000
You can view the property here.
6. 85D New Street, Musselburgh , EH21
This is also a one bed and one bathroom property and is thankfully said to be located next to essential local amenities.
The property will be fully furnished and is therefore suggested by Rightmove to be the ideal first time buyers, down-sizer or buy-to-let opportunity with early viewing highly recommended.
Offers over: £130,000
You can view the property here.
7. Moir Terrace, Musselburgh, EH21
This property is bigger than the rest with it compromising of two bedrooms and one bathroom.
The beautifully presented flat is situated in Musselburgh and is close to local amenities, an array of shops, bars and restaurants, schools and public transport.
As well as having another room, the property boasts a spacious open plan lounge and dining room with large window flooding the room with natural light and feature fireplace.
Offers over: £135,000
You can view the property here.
8. Stoneybank Drive, Musselburgh, EH21
This one bedroom and one bathroom home is spread across two floors and boasts a bright interior - perfect for those sunny days.
It comes with a private garden as well as a modern kitchen and in addition to this, it also comes with a fully fitted contemporary bathroom which was just recently added.
The end terraced house is ready to move into right away - perfect for a family or a couple.
Offers over: £140,000
You can view the property here.
9. Queen's Place, Dunbar, EH42
This property is the only one of three in this list that has more than one room with it compromising of two bedrooms and one bathroom.
The well presented flat is located on the first floor and has a lovey modern fitted kitchen perfect for those of you who like to cook or bake.
Offers over: £140,000
You can view the property here.
10. 8 Carberry Court, Whitecraig, EH21 8PH
The final property in the top 10 list is a lovely and spacious two bedroom and two bathroom semi-detached property.
The chalet style villa has been fitted with a modern kitchen and breakfastroom and comes with two double bedrooms, small downstairs bedroom/nursery and a private garden.
It also features a modern family shower room with a two piece white suite, separate shower and attractive tiling with the property said to be in "good decorative order."
Offers over: £150,000
You can view the property here.
