Reasons why people love living in the Scottish Borders
With beautiful scenery and a fantastic choice of property, it's no surprise that the Scottish Borders is a popular area.
In this article, we look at some of the top reasons people love living in the Scottish Borders.
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Rolling hills, countryside and the coast
If you crave open space, then the Scottish Borders could be perfect for you. Many of the towns and villages are surrounded by vast fields and woodland or nestled under hills.
You only have to take in the outlook over the Eildon Hills from Scott’s View to see just how stunning the area is.
Whether you love being beside the sea or looking out onto open countryside, you don’t have to choose when it comes to living in the Scottish Borders, with both options in great supply. Pretty seaside villages like St Abbs and Eyemouth are perfect for lovers of the coast. There’s also the charming towns of Galashiels, Peebles and Kelso, if you prefer a bit more of a buzz on your doorstep.
Outdoor activities
And if you like spending time outdoors, not only is there a fantastic selection of walking and cycling routes, but the Scottish Borders also offers top-class fishing spots while water sports such as surfing, swimming and diving are popular in the seaside towns.
For equestrian lovers, horse riding is another common activity in the Borders. And of course, the area is known for its rugby. The annual Melrose Sevens, which is the oldest rugby sevens competition in the world, is a hugely popular event.
Picturesque towns and villages
In addition to a great selection of houses and flats, the Scottish Borders is home to a range of beautiful towns, villages and hamlets with fantastic communities, so you can find the right base for you.
If you’ve always wanted to live by the seaside, try the pretty town of Eyemouth. While those looking for a semi-rural lifestyle close to the Scottish capital may wish to consider West Linton. And if you love hill-walking, Lauder is positioned on the western edge of the Lammermuir Hills.
For others looking for something closer to the city life they are leaving behind, Galashiels is the biggest town in the Borders followed by Hawick, while Kelso and Peebles blend the benefits of town life with the charm of the countryside.
Excellent schools
For families, choosing a home near a good school is very important. And that’s another reason the Borders is a great place to live – the area is renowned for its selection of well-regarded schools.
School-age residents of Earlston not only benefit from the town’s close-knit community feel, but they, along with those from areas including Lauder, Melrose and St Boswells, can all attend Earlston High School (76th place in The Sunday Times’ top Scottish schools in 2024). Picturesque Peebles is another in-demand spot, where family buyers can enjoy Peebles High School on their doorstep, with its state-of-the-art sports facility.
If you’re looking for a home near a specific school, use our search by school catchment tool.
Transport links
Many more people are working from home but for those who do need to commute into the city for any reason, the Scottish Borders is well-connected with Edinburgh and Newcastle via excellent road links.
For rail commuters, the reopening of the Borders railway in 2015 means the area benefits from rail services to Midlothian and the capital, while those hoping to commute south to London can jump on the train at Berwick-upon-Tweed.
A rich history
Like much of the rest of Scotland, the Scottish Borders has a rich and varied history which is reflected in its towns and villages.
You can see the ruined abbeys in Melrose, Kelso, Dryburgh and Jedburgh on foot or bike via the Borders Abbeys Way. There are also plenty of stately homes to discover, including Traquair House.
And, of course, due to its position on the border of Scotland and England, the area is filled with historic battlefield sites to explore.
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