If you’ve been thinking about moving and have been eyeing up Stirling, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll guide you around Stirling, why it’s a good place to live and which neighbourhoods might best suit you.
Is Stirling a nice place to live?
Located along the Forth River in Stirlingshire, this historical city, that used to be the capital of Scotland, is home to roughly 93,000* and the world-class University of Stirling. Often described as the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’, Stirling not only offers easy access into the Scottish mountains, but is also easily reached from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and other Scottish cities and towns – all of which makes this an excellent place to live.
Stirling is Scotland’s first Gigabit city, further exemplifying its level of connectivity to Scotland and the world. Though it’s smaller than Edinburgh – to which it’s often compared – Stirling attracts much international interest, making it a great city for those who are looking for a balance between having that local, community vibe and many national and international connections.
Best neighbourhoods to live in Stirling
Taking a closer look at the city itself, there are several areas in and around Stirling that provide you with fantastic opportunities to live, all depending on your needs and wants.
Stirling’s City Centre
If you need quick access to local amenities, rail connections or the M9, the city centre is an excellent neighbourhood, as it’s easily accessible with many handy shops right on your doorstep. With a mix of pedestrianised streets filled with restaurants, pubs and shops, this part of town is lively, attracting many young professionals and students.
King’s Park
With easy access to the park and Castle views from below, King’s Park is a beautiful upmarket residential area with detached and semi-detached larger Victorian period homes. Thanks to its fairly central location, it also is surrounded by many local amenities, including schools, sports clubs and the Kings Park Hospital and tends to attract many (young) families.
Riverside
Located in between the city centre and the University of Stirling in the north, the area of Riverside offers you a great living experience close to many local amenities. With flats, terraced houses and some student accommodation available in the area, this area attracts people from all walks of life.
Stirling North
The University of Stirling is located in the northern part of the city and attracts, as one would expect, many students. The campus also includes Innovation Park – a building complex, offering over 60 businesses office and lab space, making this area very appealing to young professionals.
St Ninians and Bannockburn
St. Ninians is a residential area in the south of Stirling offering a variety of property types, including flats, semi-detached and bungalows, making it suitable for individuals and families.
Slightly further south of St. Ninians you’ll find Bannockburn, where much redevelopment has taken place and is known among locals for having a great quality of life, typically attracting families.
Bridge of Allan
Although Bridge of Allan is a separate village with its own railway station, it’s close enough to Stirling to be included in this list. Located just north of Stirling, it has its own local amenities and offers easy access to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, Perth, Dundee and Aberdeen. Locally known as Bofa, it has a very active community with a population mix of all ages.
Whether you’re looking for a flat, semi-detached, bungalow or something different, our local experts can help you find your perfect match.
