The best places to live in Aberdeen
There's a wide range of areas and suburbs in Aberdeen to suit any expat's needs. From family-friendly communities with plenty of green space to hidden gems and historic neighbourhoods near the city centre, Aberdeen has a lot to offer.
While the city's grey facade can seem unwelcoming at first, the glint of granite in the sun makes Aberdeen look much more appealing on summer days. Another plus is the city's extensive historic architecture.
Below are some of the best areas and suburbs in Aberdeen.
Recommended neighbourhoods for young expats in Aberdeen
West End
This is an area close to the centre of Aberdeen. Properties here are a mix of traditional granite terraced houses and freestanding homes. There are also a few modern developments in this part of town, where expats can find luxury penthouses with a range of facilities.
The West End is well connected to the rest of Aberdeen through the city’s bus network. The area is popular with young executives who enjoy a high standard of living and wish to be close to the city centre.
Old Aberdeen
Old Aberdeen is the name given to the area located to the north of the city centre. This area is home to the University of Aberdeen, so it's naturally popular among students and academics, though plenty of families and professionals also call it home.
Here, you'll find small cottages and large old houses with lots of character. The area is highly sought after, though, so finding properties available for rent can be difficult. The desirable location and the area's large properties make accommodation in Old Aberdeen fairly expensive. The area is popular with those looking to be close to the city centre while also enjoying an element of historic charm.
Family-friendly areas in Aberdeen
Footdee
Footdee (locally known as "Fittie") is a charming former fishing village on the coast of Aberdeen. A small neighbourhood surrounded by water on three sides, Footdee is wedged between the North Sea and the River Dee.
This planned historic neighbourhood is made up of compact houses and cottages, all built in squares. A notable feature is the quirky decor common in the area, with doors, sheds, and outdoor furniture commonly being painted in bright colours. These rainbow additions provide a welcome break from the otherwise grey city. The strong sense of community here makes this a great place to raise a family.
Rosemount
A popular residential area northwest of Aberdeen’s city centre, Rosemount is often referred to as the "village within the city". This is a quaint area filled with boutique stores, local delis, and independent cafes. It's highly popular with both artistic types and young professionals looking to live close to the city centre. The area's many parks and green spaces also make it perfect for expats who enjoy a healthy outdoor lifestyle.
Housing in Rosemount mainly comprises granite terraced housing and flats, ranging from compact studio apartments to larger multi-roomed units.
Cults
Cults is a family-friendly suburb perched on the banks of the River Dee, well known for its historic granite buildings. Houses in the area are large and often have spacious gardens, making them perfect for expats with children.
Despite being relatively close to the city, Cults maintains an element of village life, and many who live here prefer the area's tranquillity to the city's hustle and bustle. It’s a great place to raise children, with many parks and several good schools.