Morningside
Edinburgh's most genteel suburb — and proud of it
About Morningside
The butt of many Edinburgh jokes, Morningside is also quietly one of the best places to live in the city if you have a family. Morningside Road is a proper high street — not just coffee shops, but a post office, bank, library, butcher, and enough restaurants to make going elsewhere unnecessary. The residential streets are wide, leafy, and quiet. Gardens are large. The Victorian and Edwardian housing stock is well-maintained. Schools — particularly South Morningside Primary — are among the most sought-after in Edinburgh. It does skew older, and if you're in your twenties and want nightlife, it's not for you. But for families or those who appreciate calm and quality of life, Morningside delivers consistently.
Neighbourhood vibes
Rental prices
Typical market rates 2025Scottish law note: All rentals use a Private Residential Tenancy (PRT). No fixed-term end date can force you to leave — only a valid notice to leave with a legal ground applies. SafeDeposits Scotland holds your deposit independently.
✓Why people love it
- ✓Morningside Road high street
- ✓Braid Hills and Blackford Hill (walking)
- ✓Hermitage of Braid nature reserve
- ✓Dominion Cinema — Edinburgh's independent gem
- ✓Waitrose and high-quality food shopping
- ✓Excellent school catchments
- ✓Multiple good coffee shops
!Things to know
- ⚠Quiet to the point of quietness in the evenings
- ⚠Car-dependent for most activities beyond the immediate area
- ⚠Bus to centre is reliable but not fast (25-35 mins)
- ⚠Very competitive school catchment area
Getting around
Who is Morningside best for?
Scottish council tax bands differ from England. Students are fully exempt — contact City of Edinburgh Council to apply. Single occupancy gets 25% off. Check your specific property band at mygov.scot.