Is Fife a nice place to live?
With a nice mix of charming villages, lively towns and a historic city, in our humble opinion, Fife is a very nice place to live. There's plenty to see and do, no shortage of stunning coastline and beautiful countryside, and a good network of roads and railways to help you get around.
If you are thinking of moving to Fife, or looking to swap one Fife town for another, there are so many options. With typically lower property prices and a great range of house and flats for sale, the demand for life in Fife is still thriving... where are the best areas to live in Fife?
Best places to live in Fife
Dunfermline
Dunfermline, Scotland’s newest city, is packed with heritage and history, and it’s increasingly popular with families and first-time buyers. Just 15 miles from the Capital, it’s easy to see why Dunfermline has become a property hotspot. There’s easy access to the M90 for the Queensferry Crossing and driving into Edinburgh takes just 35 minutes. Public transport is good too, with a bus station and two railway stations that have regular links across the country. The city has plenty of schools to choose from, making it a great place to bring up a family. There are 14 primary schools, and the choice of four high schools, including the historic Dunfermline High School.
Average property prices in Dunfermline are typically lower than Edinburgh (currently £198,046 compared to £293,795 in the City of Edinburgh) - based on the latest ESPC data from 01/06/23 - 31/05/24.
Kirkcaldy
The largest town in Fife, Kirkcaldy is popular with commuters thanks to its great links to Edinburgh and Dundee – just 50 minutes by road to either destination. Offering a wealth of great amenities including museums, theatres, art galleries, leisure centres, parks and even an ice rink, Kirkcaldy is a great place for families in particular with an abundance of schools to choose from, including independent and assisted-learning options, plus Fife College is also in the town.
The average property price in Kirkcaldy (£203,736 from 01/06/23 to 31/05/24) is typically below the Scotland-wide average, making houses and flats for sale in Kirkcaldy an attractive option for many, especially those who are happy to make a short commute.
St Andrews
St Andrews is one of Scotland’s most famous seaside locations, perched on the picturesque East Neuk of Fife. It is home to the iconic West Sands Beach, as well as several world-renowned golf courses, hotels and the University. St Andrews offers a fantastic selection of properties, along with excellent schooling and a thriving town centre.
St Andrews offers a range of properties to suit all tastes, from Georgian flats to stunning country houses. Properties for sale in St Andrews are typically in high demand as the town offers a rare blend of relaxed living, stunning scenery and excellent amenities. As a result, house prices in St Andrews are understandably above the Scottish average (the average house price, according to ESPC data from 01/06/23 to 31/05/24, is £447,695) and ESPC's local solicitor estate agents will be ideally placed to give you information on all the latest selling prices in the area to help guide you on what to bid when you find the home for you.
Anstruther
Another fabulous option for buyers searching for a coastal property is the beautiful Anstruther. Positioned in the sought-after East Neuk, Anstruther is the largest in a string of charming fishing villages in the area and is popular with holidaymakers as well as house-hunters.
Perfectly picturesque, Anstruther is a great choice for downsizers and family buyers looking for a more relaxed pace of life. The average property price here is £253,542 (based on data from 01/06/23 to 31/05/24).
Cupar
Cupar is one of the oldest market towns in Fife, but it’s increasingly in demand with buyers searching for a more relaxed way of life. Much of Cupar’s popularity is thanks to its enviable location, offering great links to Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh by road and rail, easy access to the countryside and just a 20-minute drive to the coast. The average selling price in the town is £252,100 (based on data from 01/06/23 to 31/05/24).
For outdoor enthusiasts there is The Scottish Deer Centre and two farms: Cairnie Fruit Farm & Mega Maze and Muddy Boots farm which has a soft play barn, grass sledging, zorbing, pig racing, a quad train, duck racing and a huge sand pit.
Dalgety Bay
With a fantastic location just south of Dunfermline and within easy reach of Edinburgh, Dalgety Bay is a popular option for those looking to live near the seaside in West Fife, offering a more affordable way to enjoy Fife’s stunning coastline. The Fife Coastal Path also runs through Dalgety Bay, making it perfect for those who enjoy long walks on the beach.
Much of the property style in Dalgety Bay is new build and the town is a regular winner of the Best Kept Small Town title. Its rise in population mirrors its rise in popularity as a coastal commuter town for Edinburgh given its favourable property prices in comparison to those in the capital (£225,269 compared to £293,795 in the City of Edinburgh).
Six reasons to move to fife
1. A great choice of homes
Whether you fancy living in a seaside village such as Anstruther or a busy town like Dunfermline, Fife has options for all families and budgets. More traditional properties can be found dotted along the coastline, with more modern living options found further inland.
2. Lovely walking routes
The Fife coastal path stretches 187km from Kincardine to Newburgh and features some stunning locations along the Firth of Forth. It's a great trail you can come back to again and again. A favourite spot with locals and visitors alike is the waterfall between Burntisland and Aberdour. It is truly picturesque and a treat to stumble across.
3. Fascinating history
Early records of Fife date back to 1150 AD which means there are plenty of historical sites scattered over the region. Boasting architectural prowess and fascinating history, some of the best places to visit from yesteryear in fife include St Andrews Cathedral, Culross Abbey, Falkland Palace, Dunfermline Abbey and the Hill of Tarvit Mansion House & Garden.
4. Plenty of things to do
Life in Fife is exciting and varied as the region has a multitude of things to do. Enjoy lovely beaches at St. Andrews and Aberdour, stroll through scenic parks like Dunfermline's Pittencrieff Park, enjoy a day out at the brilliant Lochore Meadows, scale the heights of the Lomond Hills and visit animals at the Scottish Deer Centre, Fife Zoo and Deep Sea World in North Queensferry.
5. Good schooling options
There is a great mix of private and state schools throughout the Fife area. The catchment areas are well distributed and connected through a good public transport system.
6. Getting around is easy
Fife itself has a great bus network which can take you between each of the towns and villages. If you are commuting either south to Edinburgh or north to Dundee, you will be able to take advantage of the train line that runs around the coast. Whether it’s for work or play, Fife is an easy place to navigate.
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