If you're looking for the perfect mix of urban life and nature, Glasgow could be the city for you. Set on the River Clyde in Scotland's low-lying west, Glasgow is a city with something to offer everyone, with its cultural heritage, unparalleled amenities, wide open landscapes, plenty of greenery and a range of different residential areas to suit every need and pocket. In a recent survey by Numbeo, Glasgow came out at the top of the list of desirable places to live in the UK with a quality of life score of 174.13 which was higher than Manchester, Liverpool and London. So what does Glasgow have to offer if you are on the lookout for a new place to live? And are there any downsides to Scotland's biggest city?
Plenty of Amenities
Whether you are looking for high-performing educational centres, shops and entertainment or the bustle of a business hub, Glasgow has it all. Glasgow is a University city with the University being one of the UK's oldest and most notable higher education centres. The city is also home to several hospitals, including the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, a first-class teaching hospital that contributes significantly to medical care delivery in the community. The main shopping centre in the city of Glasgow is heaven for people who are fond of retail therapy. Buchanan Street, the city's main retail street, is crowded with shops, from big brand names to small independent retailers so there is pretty much something for all. The city additionally has many different eateries, coffee shops and bars which cater to all tastes and culinary desires.
Cultural Attractions
Glasgow is a city with many historical and cultural places, and there are fascinating attractions that attract both visitors and locals. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, for example, houses a magnificent assembly of artworks and artefacts from around the world. The Riverside Museum, focused entirely on transportation and travelling, is another much-frequented attraction, and it is loaded with not only interactive exhibitions but also great displays that interest visitors of any age. If you are a theatre lover, you will enjoy the Glasgow theatre scene that has a various choice of plays, musicals, and concerts held at such places as Theatre Royal and King's Theatre all year round.
The Great Glasgow Outdoors
Even though Glasgow is a major city, the natural beauty of its surrounding landscapes provides a recuperating solitude from fast-paced daily life. For example, The Pollok Country Park, a big green space in the city centre, provides picturesque walled gardens, woodland walks and riverside walks as well as picnic spots and play parks for the kids. Only a short drive from the centre of the city, you will come to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, an astonishing natural wonderland with lochs, glens and mountains that provide boundless possibilities for hiking and cycling in the open air.
Where to Live in Glasgow
Glasgow's residential areas are as varied as its attractions, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.
The West End
The West End is undoubtedly one of the most desirable areas of the city of Glasgow. This area is the favoured living destination of young professionals, students and families and it is famous for its lively atmosphere, modern boutiques and cultural attractions. Some of the most expensive streets are Byres Road, Great Western Road and Hyndland Road, where there is a mix of tall tenement buildings and beautiful Victorian townhouses. The property prices in this area are the highest in Glasgow with two-bedroom flats typically around £250,000 or higher, with the larger townhouses having sold property prices of around £500,000. The West End has lots of amenities and good schools, such as Hillhead Primary and Glasgow Academy among the high-quality secondary schools. In addition to this, it hosts the prestigious Glasgow University, which contributes to making this place an intellectual powerhouse and a lively area.
The Southside
The Southside has emerged as a favourite destination for home hunters seeking a lower cost of living than that available in the West End. This area of Glasgow is renowned for its mixed housing units, which range from classic tenement flats to more modern apartments and family homes. The areas of Shawlands, Pollokshields and Mount Florida are prized for being easily commutable to the city centre, having a strong community feeling and being served by excellent transport connections. The sold property prices are also more affordable with two-bed flats being sold for around £150,000 to £250,000. Open green areas are another factor that makes the Southside so desirable to live in. This includes Queen's Park and Pollok Country Parks, which are great for families and nature lovers. In addition, this area also has a variety of independent stores, cafes and pubs.
The East End
In the past, the East End was an industrial powerhouse, but recent regeneration has breathed new life into the area, making it a lively and relatively affordable neighbourhood. The neighbourhoods such as Dennistoun and Bridgeton have a variety of sandstone tenements and modern apartments built to meet different budget needs. In the East End, property prices are usually lower than the rest of the city, and a two-bedroom flat will most likely sell for somewhere between £100,000 and £200,000. Nevertheless, affordability in this area is evened out by the very fact that the area has great transport facilities with easy links to the city and the major motorways. The East End also has various cultural facilities, which include Barras Market, a memorable indoor/outdoor market selling clothes ranging from vintage to modern, and fresh vegetables. Not only does the spot present a hip arts scene with galleries, studios, and theatre spaces in the newly remodelled industrial buildings, but it also draws people who are passionate about the arts.
Are There Any Downsides to Glasgow?
While Glasgow has many attractive qualities as a place to live, like any major city, it also has its downsides and challenges. Much like the rest of Scotland, the weather in Glasgow is often grey and wet. The city is subjected to above-average rainfall throughout the year which can make it feel like a rather damp and dour place to live at times. Also, while Glasgow has a fairly comprehensive public transport system, including buses, trains and a modest underground system, traffic congestion can be a significant issue, particularly during rush hour. Additionally, some outer suburbs have more limited transport options, making car ownership a necessity for many residents.
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