Leith named one of the best city locations to live in the UK

Edinburgh’s modest shore town Leith has recently been named as one of the most desirable places to live in the UK.

Leith and Newcraighall were named the ‘new stars on the edge of cities,’ along with London’s Redbridge and Streatham. The Times declared these unlikely cities as the up-and-coming spots for home-buyers, adorned with good transport links, vibrant communities and affordable home prices.

Edinburgh city remains a popular place for home buyers, drawn in by the large green spaces, medieval tenements of the Old Town, the annual Fringe festival and the dynamic nightlife with a selection of independent bars and restaurants.

However, The Times deemed Edinburgh ‘too bourgeois to be cool’ in comparison to the up-and-coming Leith which offers unparalleled grit and creative spirit. Home buyers are now looking towards Leith as it is quickly becoming one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Scotland.

Forward-thinking

Once the maritime centre of Edinburgh, the area is now filled with popular dockside restaurants, bars and local shops. Leith’s forward-thinking businesses include the eco-friendly gift shop Flux, McNaughtan’s Bookshop and Elvis Shakespeare and Vinyl Villains, catering towards music fans.

There is plenty for residents to do locally and the stylish Shore area is full of pubs and bars. Leith is home to Michelin-starred restaurants Kitchin and Martin Wishart and the Roseleaf Bar offers a modern take on traditional Scottish dining, serving cocktails in china teapots with fantastic homemade pub food.

Leith has long been a popular attraction for tourists who travel to see the award-winning Royal Yacht Britannia. The boat was the former floating residence to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family for over 40 years, sailing over 1,000,000 miles.

Now permanently berthed in the Port of Leith, the boat is situated next to the Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre, which is equipped with a cinema, gym and a wide range of shops.

Claim to fame

The town also has a claim to fame with the cinematic adaptation of the hit musical Sunshine on Leith, which quickly became one of the most successful Scottish films in years.

Leith’s creative edge can be found in the many galleries exhibiting works by local artists including Circle Gallery, Thomas Kinkade and the Biscuit Factory. The area also boasts one of the longest streets in Edinburgh, Leith Walk, which connects the port area of Leith to Edinburgh city centre.

With a hub of vibrant eating and drinking spots, creativity and cultural diversity, Leith has a distinct character making it an increasingly popular place to buy a home.

The town offers all the luxuries of living in a city centre with affordable homes, great transport routes and high-end dining and shopping. There are also many beautiful outdoor spaces including the Leith Links and Victoria Park, making it the perfect place to settle for lovers of the outdoors.