Edinburgh or a commuter town?

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If you work in Edinburgh, you might be wondering whether it’s better to set up home here, or to find a place to settle down in one of the many commuter towns outside the capital.

Edinburgh can be a pricey place to call home, but depending on what’s most important to you, you might prefer to buy a smaller property, for a shorter (perhaps even walkable) commute within the city.

Or perhaps space – both inside and outside – is your priority, in which case you might be happy to compromise on a longer commute to get a larger property. Commuter towns can also offer great access to good schooling, green spaces and a slower pace of life, rather than the hustle and bustle of living in a capital city.

To help review your options, ESPC explores what you can buy with a budget of £300,000 in the capital, compared with what you could get in some of the most popular, surrounding commuter towns. 

Dunfermline

Scotland’s newest city is a popular choice with commuters at all stages of life, from young professionals and first-time buyers to growing families. With plenty of amenities, cultural attractions, green spaces and excellent transport links, it’s easy to see why Dunfermline is a draw for buyers.

For £300,000, you could buy a three-bedroom detached house in turnkey condition, close to bus links and within walking distance of Dunfermline City station. Similar properties on the market in this price bracket include a new-build, three-bedroom detached house, close to the park & ride.

Travel times:

Train: around 40 minutes to Edinburgh; return fare approximately £13.50.

Bus: just over an hour; return ticket about £6.10.

Car: 35–85 minutes, depending on traffic.

Musselburgh

Located on the very edge of the East Lothian/Edinburgh boundary, Musselburgh is a great choice for commuters thanks to its proximity to the city centre. There are several regular bus links, as well as a train station. Musselburgh Racecourse, Fisherrow Harbour, Newhailes and the Lagoons all offer plenty to enjoy in this picturesque town, which also has a bustling high street.

For £300,000, you could buy a three-bedroom house (mid-terraced or semi-detached) in various pockets of Musselburgh, close to the high street and quick bus links, or at the other end of the town, in easy reach of the train station.

Travel times:

Train: approximately 10 minutes to Edinburgh Waverley; return fare around £3.80.

Bus: Lothian buses take about 35 minutes; return ticket approximately £5.

Car: 20–45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Bonnyrigg

A popular choice in Midlothian, Bonnyrigg offers plenty of local amenities and green spaces, making it ideal for families.

For £300,000, you could buy a three or four-bed new-build townhouse on a modern estate, meaning minimal work is required. Similar properties in this price range include three-bedroom detached bungalows, offering a bit more space to stretch out.

Travel times:

Bus: about 50 minutes during peak times; day ticket approximately £5.

Car: 25–45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Dalkeith

An historic town with plenty of convenient amenities, good schools and a stunning country park, Dalkeith is a fantastic option for commuters with young families. It has great road links and also benefits from having Eskbank train station close by.

For £300,000, you could buy a three-bedroom house, whether you choose a semi-detached home with a private garden, or a mid-terrace newer-build property.

Travel times:

Train: around 20 minutes to Edinburgh; return fare approximately £5.70.

Bus: roughly 40 minutes; day ticket about £5.00.

Car: 25–50 minutes, depending on traffic.

Galashiels

A charming town in the Borders, Galashiels became a more popular option for commuters when the Borders railway line reopened, providing the town with its own direct rail link into Edinburgh. This is a key town in the Borders, with plenty going on to give a community feel.

For £300,000, you could buy a three-bedroom property, with options in this price bracket including a spacious detached bungalow with two bathrooms and two reception rooms, on a generous plot, or a luxurious upper flat that forms part of an elegant period property.

Travel times:

Train: around 50 minutes to Edinburgh; return fare approximately £12.30.

Bus: 90 minutes to two hours; return trip about £10.15.

Car: 55–90 minutes, depending on traffic.

Livingston

An historically popular commuter town, Livingston offers direct and easy access to both Edinburgh and Glasgow, with excellent road, rail and bus links. The town centre has a wealth of amenities, green spaces and great schooling options too, making it another fantastic choice for families.

For £300,000, you could buy a  three-bedroom detached house, giving you plenty of space to stretch out.

Travel times:

Train: 20–30 minutes to Edinburgh; return fare around £6.40.

Bus: around 75 minutes; day ticket approximately £5.50.

Car: 40–80 minutes, depending on traffic.

Peebles

A bustling market town in the Borders, Peebles is a prime choice for commuters looking for a home that feels rooted in a local community. There’s always plenty going on in this picturesque town, and lots of outdoor activities and green spaces to enjoy too.

For £300,000, you could buy a three-bedroom apartment. The choice of settings includes  historical buildings and period properties to actual castles!

Travel times:

Bus: around 80 minutes at peak times, day ticket approximately £11.

Car: 55-80 minutes, depending on traffic.

Edinburgh

But if you know that a commuter town isn’t your style, and you’d rather live within the city of Edinburgh itself, here’s a rundown of what a £300,000 budget could buy, in various areas of the capital.

For £300,000, you could buy a one-bedroom tenement flat in a prestigious area close to the city centre, such as Bruntsfield, Morningside, Stockbridge or the Old Town; a two-bedroom modern apartment in Portobello, Trinity or Leith, or a two-bedroom tenement property in Leith; or a three-bedroom semi-detached house in a city suburb like Liberton, South Gyle or Currie.

Start your search with ESPC

Thinking about making a move? Whether you’re looking for coastal living, more space for your family or an easier commute into the capital, you can explore thousands of properties across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and the Scottish Borders at ESPC.

Visit espc.com to browse homes, compare areas and take the next step towards your move with confidence.

Pictured: Galashiels