×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Expat Exchange - 10 Best Places for Families to Live in Scotland
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In
Glasgow, Scotland


10 Best Places for Families to Live in Scotland

By Betsy Burlingame

Professional Property Finders
Professional Property Finders

Summary: In this article, we highlight some of the best places for international families to live in Scotland.

If you're dreaming about moving with your family to Scotland and haven't decided where to live, here are some of the best places for international families to live in Scotland.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is an excellent place for international families to reside, offering a plethora of activities and facilities that cater to all ages. The city is home to numerous museums such as the Museum of Edinburgh and the National Museum of Scotland, both of which offer interactive exhibits and activities for children. For outdoor enthusiasts, the city boasts a variety of parks and recreational areas including the Royal Botanic Garden, Holyrood Park, and the Meadows, which are perfect for picnics, walks, and outdoor games. Edinburgh also offers excellent athletic facilities such as the Royal Commonwealth Pool and the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, both of which welcome families and offer classes for children. Additionally, there are numerous sports clubs that cater to kids, including the Edinburgh Rugby Club and the Edinburgh City Football Club. These clubs provide a great opportunity for children to learn new skills, make friends, and stay active. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and family-friendly amenities, Edinburgh is a great city for international families to call home.

Glasgow

Glasgow

Glasgow is a good choice for international families seeking a vibrant and welcoming city to call home. The city is rich in cultural and educational opportunities, with institutions like the Riverside Museum and the Glasgow Science Centre offering a range of interactive exhibits and children's activities. For those who enjoy the outdoors, Glasgow boasts numerous parks and recreational areas such as the expansive Pollok Country Park, the beautiful Glasgow Botanic Gardens, and the scenic Kelvingrove Park. These spaces provide ample opportunities for picnics, walks, and outdoor games. In terms of athletic facilities, the city is home to the Tollcross International Swimming Centre and the Emirates Arena, both of which are family-friendly and offer a variety of classes and activities for children. Glasgow also has a number of sports clubs that cater to kids, including the Glasgow Rangers Football Club and the Glasgow Rocks Basketball Club. These clubs offer children the chance to learn new skills, make friends, and stay active. With its rich history, diverse culture, and plethora of family-friendly amenities, Glasgow is a good city for international families to settle in.

Professional Property FindersProfessional Property Finders
Get Quote

This is a personal property finding service. I team up with a buyer and help you find the perfect property for your needs. I am your man on the ground and expert in the market. Whatever is important to you will be my mission to bring you what you want without all the stress whilst guiding and protecting you in the process.

Professional Property FindersProfessional Property Finders

This is a personal property finding service. I team up with a buyer and help you find the perfect property for your needs. I am your man on the ground and expert in the market. Whatever is important to you will be my mission to bring you what you want without all the stress whilst guiding and protecting you in the process.
Get Quote

St Andrews

St Andrews is a good place for international families to settle, offering a wealth of activities and facilities that cater to all ages. The city is home to several museums such as the St Andrews Museum and the British Golf Museum, both of which offer interactive exhibits and activities for children. For outdoor enthusiasts, the city boasts a variety of parks and recreational areas including the St Andrews Botanic Garden, Craigtoun Country Park, and Lade Braes Walk, which are perfect for picnics, walks, and outdoor games. St Andrews also offers excellent athletic facilities such as the East Sands Leisure Centre, which has a family-friendly swimming pool, and the University of St Andrews Sports Centre, which offers a variety of classes and activities for children. Additionally, there are numerous sports clubs that cater to kids, including the St Andrews Colts Football Club and the St Andrews Junior Golf Club. These clubs provide a great opportunity for children to learn new skills, make friends, and stay active. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and family-friendly amenities, St Andrews is a good city for international families to call home.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is an excellent destination for international families, offering a wide array of activities and facilities that cater to all ages. The city is home to several museums such as the Aberdeen Maritime Museum and the Aberdeen Science Centre, both of which offer interactive exhibits and activities for children. For those who enjoy the outdoors, Aberdeen boasts numerous parks and recreational areas such as the Duthie Park, Hazlehead Park, and the Seaton Park. These spaces provide ample opportunities for picnics, walks, and outdoor games. In terms of athletic facilities, the city is home to the Aberdeen Sports Village and the Beach Leisure Centre, both of which are family-friendly and offer a variety of classes and activities for children. Aberdeen also has a number of sports clubs that cater to kids, including the Aberdeen Football Club Youth Academy and the Aberdeen Amateur Athletic Club. These clubs offer children the chance to learn new skills, make friends, and stay active. With its rich history, diverse culture, and plethora of family-friendly amenities, Aberdeen is a great city for international families to settle in.

Professional Property FindersProfessional Property Finders
Get Quote

This is a personal property finding service. I team up with a buyer and help you find the perfect property for your needs. I am your man on the ground and expert in the market. Whatever is important to you will be my mission to bring you what you want without all the stress whilst guiding and protecting you in the process.

Professional Property FindersProfessional Property Finders

This is a personal property finding service. I team up with a buyer and help you find the perfect property for your needs. I am your man on the ground and expert in the market. Whatever is important to you will be my mission to bring you what you want without all the stress whilst guiding and protecting you in the process.
Get Quote

Inverness

Inverness is a great place for international families to live, offering a variety of activities and facilities that cater to all ages. The city is home to several museums such as the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery and the Highland Aviation Museum, both of which offer interactive exhibits and activities for children. For outdoor enthusiasts, the city boasts a variety of parks and recreational areas including the Ness Islands, Whin Park, and the Merkinch Local Nature Reserve, which are perfect for picnics, walks, and outdoor games. Inverness also offers excellent athletic facilities such as the Inverness Leisure Centre, which has a family-friendly swimming pool, and the Bught Park, which offers a variety of sports facilities for children. Additionally, there are numerous sports clubs that cater to kids, including the Inverness City Lions Basketball Club and the Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club. These clubs provide a great opportunity for children to learn new skills, make friends, and stay active. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and family-friendly amenities, Inverness is a great city for international families to call home.

Dundee

Dundee is an ideal location for international families, providing a range of activities and facilities suitable for all ages. The city is home to several museums such as the Dundee Science Centre and the McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery and Museum, both of which offer interactive exhibits and activities for children. For those who love the outdoors, Dundee boasts numerous parks and recreational areas such as the Dundee Botanic Garden, Camperdown Wildlife Centre, and the Riverside Nature Park. These spaces provide ample opportunities for picnics, walks, and outdoor games. In terms of athletic facilities, the city is home to the Olympia Leisure Centre and the Dundee International Sports Centre, both of which are family-friendly and offer a variety of classes and activities for children. Dundee also has a number of sports clubs that cater to kids, including the Dundee West Football Club and the Dundee Hawkhill Harriers Athletics Club. These clubs offer children the chance to learn new skills, make friends, and stay active. With its rich history, diverse culture, and plethora of family-friendly amenities, Dundee is a wonderful city for international families to settle in.

Professional Property Finders

This is a personal property finding service. I team up with a buyer and help you find the perfect property for your needs. I am your man on the ground and expert in the market. Whatever is important to you will be my mission to bring you what you want without all the stress whilst guiding and protecting you in the process.

Learn MoreGet Quote

Professional Property Finders

This is a personal property finding service. I team up with a buyer and help you find the perfect property for your needs. I am your man on the ground and expert in the market. Whatever is important to you will be my mission to bring you what you want without all the stress whilst guiding and protecting you in the process.

Learn MoreGet Quote

Perth

Perth is a good place for international families to live, offering a variety of activities and facilities that cater to all ages. The city is home to several museums such as the Perth Museum and Art Gallery and the Black Watch Castle and Museum, both of which offer interactive exhibits and activities for children. For those who enjoy the outdoors, Perth boasts numerous parks and recreational areas such as the North Inch and South Inch Parks, Rodney Gardens, and Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park. These spaces provide ample opportunities for picnics, walks, and outdoor games. In terms of athletic facilities, the city is home to the Perth Leisure Pool and the Bell's Sports Centre, both of which are family-friendly and offer a variety of classes and activities for children. Perth also has a number of sports clubs that cater to kids, including the Perth Youth Football Club and the Perth Strathtay Harriers Athletics Club. These clubs offer children the chance to learn new skills, make friends, and stay active. With its rich history, diverse culture, and plethora of family-friendly amenities, Perth is a wonderful city for international families to settle in.

Stirling

Stirling is a wonderful place for international families to live, offering a variety of activities and facilities that cater to all ages. The city is home to several museums such as the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum and the National Wallace Monument, both of which offer interactive exhibits and activities for children. For those who love the outdoors, Stirling boasts numerous parks and recreational areas such as the Kings Park, Gowan Hill, and the Stirling University Campus grounds. These spaces provide ample opportunities for picnics, walks, and outdoor games. In terms of athletic facilities, the city is home to The Peak, a sports village that includes a swimming pool, ice rink, sports halls, and a climbing wall, all of which are family-friendly and offer a variety of classes and activities for children. Stirling also has a number of sports clubs that cater to kids, including the Stirling Albion Junior Academy for football and the Stirling County Cricket Club. These clubs offer children the chance to learn new skills, make friends, and stay active. With its rich history, diverse culture, and plethora of family-friendly amenities, Stirling is a good city for international families to settle in.

CORNERSTONE RelocationCORNERSTONE Relocation
Connect

Home finding, schooling, moving, settling-in and more for UK, London and Ireland. Cornerstone is a tech-driven, innovative relocation company. Making relocating to London, UK, Ireland and beyond a happy experience!

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

CORNERSTONE RelocationCORNERSTONE Relocation

Home finding, schooling, moving, settling-in and more for UK, London and Ireland. Cornerstone is a tech-driven, innovative relocation company. Making relocating to London, UK, Ireland and beyond a happy experience!
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

East Kilbride

East Kilbride is an excellent place for international families to live, offering a variety of activities and facilities that cater to all ages. The town is home to several attractions such as the National Museum of Rural Life and Calderglen Country Park, both of which offer interactive exhibits and activities for children. For those who enjoy the outdoors, East Kilbride boasts numerous parks and recreational areas such as James Hamilton Heritage Park and Langlands Moss Local Nature Reserve. These spaces provide ample opportunities for picnics, walks, and outdoor games. In terms of athletic facilities, the town is home to the Dollan Aqua Centre and the John Wright Sports Centre, both of which are family-friendly and offer a variety of classes and activities for children. East Kilbride also has a number of sports clubs that cater to kids, including the East Kilbride Youth Club and the East Kilbride Pirates American Football Club. These clubs offer children the chance to learn new skills, make friends, and stay active. With its rich history, diverse culture, and plethora of family-friendly amenities, East Kilbride is an ideal town for international families to settle in.

Paisley

Paisley is a wonderful choice for international families seeking a vibrant and welcoming community. The town is rich in cultural attractions such as the Paisley Museum and Art Galleries, which often hosts interactive exhibits and activities for children. For outdoor enthusiasts, Paisley offers numerous parks and recreational areas such as Barshaw Park and Gleniffer Braes Country Park, providing ample opportunities for picnics, walks, and outdoor games. The Lagoon Leisure Centre is a popular athletic facility in Paisley, featuring a swimming pool, gym, and sports courts that are family-friendly and offer a variety of classes and activities for children. Paisley also boasts several sports clubs that cater to kids, including the Paisley Rugby Football Club and the St Mirren Youth Football Club. These clubs provide children with the opportunity to learn new skills, make friends, and stay active. With its rich history, diverse culture, and array of family-friendly amenities, Paisley is a wonderful town for international families to call home.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


Professional Property Finders
Professional Property Finders

Professional Property Finders
Professional Property Finders

Glasgow, Scotland

Professional Property Finders
Professional Property Finders

Your very own personal agent who will find your perfect property, guide and protect you through the entire process. I’ll handle the details while you focus on the move.
Get Quote

Professional Property FindersProfessional Property Finders

Your very own personal agent who will find your perfect property, guide and protect you through the entire process. I’ll handle the details while you focus on the move.
Get Quote

Contribute to Scotland Network Contribute
Help others in Scotland by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Scotland.

Professional Property Finders
Professional Property Finders

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides