We may be biased, but we’ll say it anyway: you can’t run out of gorgeous places to see in Scotland. From lochs to isles and cities, the options are endless for people who are thinking about settling down here.

To give you an idea, we’ve compiled 23 of the most breathtaking areas to live in in this article. Read on below!

Where is the most beautiful place in Scotland to live in?

The most beautiful places in Scotland to live in are:

• Isle of Skye
• Loch Lomond
• Edinburgh
• Pitlochry
• Isle of Harris
• Glenfinnan 
• Glen Coe
• Orkney
• Bealach na Bà
• Isle of Iona
• Knoydart
• Islay and Colonsay
• The Cairngorms
• Ben Nevis and the Caledonian Canal
• The Neuk of Fife
• Big Tree Country
• Loch Shiel
• Culzean Castle
• Gruinard Bay
• Mull of Galloway Lighthouse
• Lochan na h-Achlaise
• Eilean Donan
• Loch Maree

Learn more about these gorgeous residential areas below!

1. Isle of Skye

One of the beautiful places we recommend living in is the Isle of Skye. It’s stunning for scenery that extends up to 50 miles long in Scotland’s Highlands.

If you’re a nature lover, walker, climber or simply a wildlife enthusiast, you might appreciate living in this area. 

The average property price here is cheap (£275,536) compared to other areas in Scotland. So it may be an ideal place if you prefer a less expensive area!

We also love how convenient it is to visit the post office, grab a coffee at Cafe Lephin and eat at the popular The Old School Restaurant as it is only within the vicinity.

Dolphins, whales, seals and otters are just some of the wildlife to see here. It also has numerous climbs like The Trotternish Ridge and The Cuillin Range. 

Fun fact: The Isle of Skye also houses Dunvegan Castle which is considered the oldest fortress occupied in Scotland’s north. 

2. Loch Lomond

If you love climbing or are simply just a nature lover, we highly recommend Loch Lomond as a place to live in. 

With such incredible scenery, you can do a variety of things here! You can take a cruise, visit the national park or simply appreciate the surroundings. 

In fact, Loch Lomond is one of Scotland’s best when it comes to beautiful landscapes. Even the average property price is cheaper than other locations in the city, so that’s a major plus.

The most popular and highly recommended area to live in is Balmaha. Here, you can appreciate the phenomenal landscape of Loch Lomond and tour the nearby famous Conic Hill. 

However, Balmaha’s average house prices are higher than the average. If you prefer a cheaper village that still provides great views and comfort, you may want to consider Balloch and Gartocharn.

Among the stunning places worth visiting in this area are Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, the Island of Inchmurrin, and the Maid of the Loch. 

Those who love trails might also enjoy Ben Lomond, Callander Crags and Inversnaid RSPB Nature Trail.

3. Edinburgh

As Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh is undeniably one of the more attractive residential areas!

Although Edinburgh is one of the more expensive cities in the UK, we can’t deny that the city’s landscape and various attractions are worth considering. 

There are lots of historic homes, green spaces, free activities and lively festivals here. Even the city centre is filled with a vast range of restaurants, cafes and other shops that can cater to your needs. 

Fair warning, though: it can often be chilly and rainy throughout the year. The average number of rainfall days is 129, and the average temperature ranges from 1°C to 19°C.

Another factor you should consider is the property prices. In the city centre, the apartment’s rent prices per month is at £1,007.40 for a 1-bedroom, higher than the average £755.23 for the same area size outside the city centre.

Regardless, Edinburgh is still an outstanding place to live if you prefer the conveniences of the city and are a history buff. 

4. Pitlochry

Located in Perthshire’s Highlands, Pitlochry is another attention-grabber in Scotland due to its stunning forests and rivers!

If you love outdoor activities, this is a great area to settle down in. Canyoning, bungee jumping and kayaking are just among the thrilling experiences you can do here.  

Pitlochry is well-known for its wide range of restaurants and pubs. 

We love its rural vibe, which attracts Brits and tourists alike. It may be a bit more expensive than most, but the views here and the locals’ hospitality are noteworthy,.

Home to fantastic views, you can admire the Queen’s View, Faskally Wood, Schiehallion, and many more terrific attractions from here.

5. Isle of Harris

In terms of the average property price, the Isle of Harris is one of the more affordable locales in our list.

Its many beaches like Harris Huisinis, Harris Seilebost, Harris Luskintyre and Borve are among the reasons that make it unique. You can also hike, fish and cycle here.

We know that many enjoy the crowd, but several also relish serene surroundings. If you’re the latter, Isle of Harris is ideal for you as it only has 21,000 residents.

Diving deep into rural life, Isle of Harris also has remarkable mountains like Clisham and Seaforth Island, and various kinds of wildlife to see, including red deer, eagles and otters. 

Although the views are exemplary, this area is only accessible by sea or air and phone signal can be a little, well, patchy. And since it’s far from the city centre, fuel and delivery fees can be quite expensive. 

Even if it’s a rural site, plenty of eateries can still be found here like An Traigh Cafe Bar, North Harbour Bistro and Harris Hotel Restaurant. 

Meanwhile, if you prefer a quick getaway-from-it-all while living here, a tour to Scalpay Lighthouse, the Church of St. Clement and the Isle of Harris Distillery are a must. 

6. Glenfinnan

The steam train and viaduct are among the many factors Glenfinnan is known for. However, note that the average property price here is expensive compared to the places we’ve mentioned before. 

But if waking up to nature-filled scenery is important to you, then keep this place in your list! Tourists frequent this locale for the view.

You can also learn about the area’s history by visiting the Glenfinnan Museum. You’ll see different kinds of artefacts here from past to present. 

7. Glencoe

When it comes to mountain valleys and incredible landscapes, we suggest you live in Glencoe. Aside from its ravishing scenery, its average property price is in the lower range. 

This locale is perfect for hikers, climbers or those who simply appreciate nature. And just like the Isle of Harris, this is not a congested area – only over 8,000 people live here.

Despite the peaceful nature of this area, there’s still a fair bit of things to enjoy here.

Glencoe is home to a large number of attractions like the Glencoe Folk Museum, Glencoe Mountain Resort and Glencoe Lochan. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes.

8. Orkney

Similar to the Isle of Harris, the Orkney Islands also have stunning beaches you’ll appreciate like Sanday, Westray and Stronsay. And the average property price is just ideal for moving in – it’s cheap at just over £200,000.

The area is also regarded as a living museum due to its striking landscapes and undeniable charm. 

During summer, the average temperature reaches up to a lovely 18°C – which is always music to a Brit’s ears!

Orkney also has a low level of crime, making it a generally safe area. A good number of hospitals like The Balfour may also be found here.

Locals love revisiting famous attractions after settling down, like the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, Skara Brae Prehistoric Village, St Magnus Cathedral, and Ring of Brodgar. 

9. Isle of Iona

The Isle of Iona is regarded as a ‘soulful’ place, and for very good reasons. Only 170 people live here – you can’t get any more secluded than that!

Although pricey when it comes to average property price, lots of outstanding sites like Iona Abbey and Nunnery, St. Oran’s Chapel, Machair, and Marble Quarry can be seen here.

The island is also a great location for meditation, particularly Iona Abbey. 

Despite being sheltered, you can still find lots of good restaurants here, particularly Restaurant at The Argyll Hotel, Martyr’s Bay Restaurant and Iona Heritage Centre Garden Cafe.

10. Knoydart

Knoydart is the “sister” of the Isle of Iona in terms of peacefulness. Located on Scotland’s west coast, you can enjoy lots of settlements and walk through the beautiful woods when you settle down here. 

However, the average property price is quite pricey compared to other locations mentioned above. 

Thankfully, public transportation is not a problem since there are ferries linking Knoydart to Mallaig’s port. However, some pathways are crowded with people like the Cape Wrath Trail, so make sure you don’t get too overwhelmed.

While you’re living here, you can enjoy the Community Market Garden, Armadale Castle and Loch Morar, which are among the most-visited spots in the area. 

11. Islay and Colonsay

Another quiet, yet beautiful place to live in Scotland is Islay and Colonsay. It is ideal for meditation or simply for those who just love nature. 

Locals take pride in their distilleries, such as Laphroaig Distillery, Ardbeg Distillery, Bruichladdich Distillery, Bowmore Distillery and Kilchoman Distillery.

The average property price is cheap, so it’s a win-win situation if you settle down here.

You can easily access the Museum of Islay Life, Machir Beach and Kildalton Cross from here.

12. Cairngorms

Spanning 1,700 square miles, the Cairngorms is actually the biggest national park in the United Kingdom. Its average property price is cheap, considering its prominence across the globe. 

Just like other places mentioned above, its a perfect place to settle down in if you like being alone with your thoughts. 

The best part is that you can unwind against majestic backdrops – the lochs, moorlands and native forests here are known for their stunning beauty.

You can also climb, ski, bungee jump, and mountain bike, and there is also a bunch of wildlife to see.

No need to worry about transport links because you can access the regular train and bus services in Perth and Kinross from here. 

As for hospitals, there’s a Badenoch and Strathspey Community Hospital in the Cairngorms National Park. So really, your basic needs are covered regardless of being a rural area.

Cairngorms is included in the top 20 must-visit places in the world, so anyone who lives here is incredibly lucky!

13. Ben Nevis 

Ben Nevis is something you shouldn’t overlook when considering moving to Scotland, particularly Lochaber.

You can do a variety of fun things here, including hiking and mountain biking! Considering its amenities and views, it’s cheap for its average property price (£225,250). 

There is also a cable car allowing you to catch a view of the mountains. Even various kinds of wildlife can be seen when you pass by the Caledonian Canal. 

There are also a variety of supermarkets located at the foot of Ben Nevis. Among these are the Morrisons Supermarket Fort William, Claymore Limited and Tesco Metro. 

14. The Neuk of Fife

If you’re into fishing, then The Neuk of Fife is a no-brainer to add to your list of considerations. Its impressive scenery alone is worth the move!

There are lots of historical golf clubs, universities, and a variety of markets like Eust Nuke Markets that can cater to your lifestyle needs. 

With such amenities, the average property price here can be quite a bit costlie compared to the other areas on this list.

However, you enjoy lots of fun activities here, including kayaking, foraging, and playing tennis. You can also visit other quaint areas like Cambo Sands Beach, Roome Bay Beach and Fife Coastal Path Crail easily if you live here. 

15. Drummore

Drummore is another great place to live in Scotland. It’s known for The Mull of Galloway Lighthouse, a gorgeous 99-metre ivory white tower with a long history dating back to 1830. 

However, the average property price here is expensive, so take note of that before moving in. 

A wide range of facilities can also be found in Drummore like pharmacies, shops, schools and post office. There are even hotels, B&Bs and guest houses to cater to you in case you’re burrowed at home. 

16. Eilean Donan

Considering its amenities, Eilean Donan’s average property price is quite reasonable. In fact, it’s recognised as housing some of the most scenic castles in the city — Eilean Donan Castle.

Due to its striking architecture, this castle been featured in various published works, including films, television advertisements and calendars. 

There are also supermarkets near Eilean Donan such as Tesco, Asda Stores Ltd and B&M Retails Ltd. 

Post offices, golf clubs, and commercial vehicles test centres are just among the amenities available in the neighbourhood. 

FAQs about Living in Scotland