Best Areas to Live in Glasgow: Glasgow is the biggest city in Scotland, yet interestingly, it is the most underrated place to live. It is famous for smiling faces, unintelligible accents, live music and amazing nightlife. Glasgow is quite vibrant due to its diversity and is home to around 600,000 people.
Glasgow, for many years now, has been consistent in its effort to attract people to live here. However, it is only in recent years that all of this has gained momentum, due to which many people see Glasgow as a place to start their brand new life. If you are an international student planning to live in Glasgow, then keep reading this blog, where we have covered some of the best neighbourhoods in Glasgow.
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Top 5 Areas to Live in Glasgow
Thinking of moving to Glasgow and wondering where to live? Scotland’s largest city is known for its vibrant culture, welcoming locals, and rich architectural charm — but choosing the right neighbourhood can make all the difference to your experience. Whether you’re a student, young professional, or new resident looking for a fresh start, Glasgow offers a variety of areas that cater to different lifestyles and budgets. In this guide, we’ll take you through the top 5 areas to live in Glasgow, each with its own unique vibe, amenities, and community feel.
East End
The expansive neighbourhood of the East End comprises many mini-districts like Gallowgate, Calton, Dennistoun and Bridgeton. The whole district of East End offers a perfect blend of modern and old-school vibes and living here will make you experience what “real” Glasgow feels like.
Some of the must-visit places in this neighbourhood are Drygate Brewing Co., Tennent’s Brewery, Barras Art and Design, etc. Apart from all the fun-filled things, East End is also known for offering the utmost convenience to its residents as there are many supermarkets, parks and good connections to the city centre.
Also Read: Are you an international student based out of Aberdeen? If yes, then check out our blog – Weekend Getaways from Aberdeen!
Klevinhaugh
Situated in the west of Finnieston, Klevinhaugh is an affordable neighbourhood in Glasgow which is perfect for students as they generally have budget restrictions. It is a popular option among students as it has many university accommodation choices.
Klevinhaugh is also known for having a lot of outdoor spaces. Some of the famous outdoor spaces near Klevinhaugh include Kelvingrove Park, Clyde and Kelvin Rivers, and the Bee Garden. Interestingly, it is not the first choice of people to stay in student accommodation in Glasgow but considering its offerings like proximity to the city centre and Finnieston, affordable accommodation options, etc. one should definitely consider this place.
Distance from Places of Interest
| Place | ETA |
| McFlys Chicken – Finneston (Restaurant) | 1-minute drive |
| Riverside Transport Museum (Bus Stop) | 6-minute drive |
| Queen Elizabeth University Hospital | 12-minute drive |
Glasgow City Centre
It is one of the famous student-friendly areas to live in Glasgow. It has many things which are worth exploring, like the Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow Cathedral, a lot of shopping centres, cycling around riverside areas, quirky and cool street art, and so much more. Glasgow City Centre is also popular for having many amazing places to eat and drink. This fun-filled place is quite a busy area, due to which you won’t find many green spaces, but you surely won’t have a dull moment staying here.
Distance from Places of Interest
| Place | ETA |
| Ardnamurchan Scottish Restaurant & Bar | 4-minute drive |
| Glasgow Royal Infirmary (Hospital) | 8-minute drive |
| Stag Street (Bus Stop) | 15-minute drive |
Also Read: Do your friends also describe you as a shopaholic? If yes, then check out our blog on Shopping Districts in the UK!
Finnieston
Finnieston is popular for staying up-to-date with recent times and is quite similar to Calton. It has got an edgy and independent vibe to it, which is why it is regarded as one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Glasgow. It is a little expensive but is perfect for young professionals who look to explore opportunities during their time off.
Some of the popular places worth visiting in Finnieston are Lebowski’s, The Brass Monkey, Kelvingrove Cafe, the OVO Hydro, etc. Finnieston is regarded as one of the best neighbourhoods in Glasgow and it is a perfect choice for an individual who enjoys a little hustle and bustle and would love to live in a family-friendly neighbourhood.
Distance from Places of Interest
| Place | ETA |
| One Restaurant | 5-minute drive |
| Queen Elizabeth University Hospital | 13-minute drive |
| Riverside Transport Museum (Bus Stop) | 7-minute drive |
Calton
If you are someone who gets fascinated with history then Calton would be a great option for you to stay. To ensure that its residents don’t miss out on anything, this neighbourhood has age-old venues along with modern spots. It is quite a welcoming place as the residents here believe in the warmth of community spirit. Calton is quite popular as it is home to Barras Market, where you will find anything and everything you could imagine. Due to this market, residents are able to shop conveniently. Calton also has the most famous music venue in Glasgow – Barrowlands due to which residents are able to enjoy live music whenever they get time off.
Distance from Places of Interest
| Place | ETA |
| Van Winkle – BBQ Grill – Barrowlands (Restaurant) | 3-minute drive |
| Glasgow Royal Infirmary (Hospital) | 7-minute drive |
| Watt Street (Bus Stop) | 11-minute drive |
Merchant City
There are two ways to describe the location of Merchant City – it is situated either in the Western part of the city’s eastern stretch or in the eastern part of the city centre. This place is regarded as the most stylish and trendy district in Glasgow. Apart from this, there are other things as well which make this place likeable, such as arty cafes, loads of hipsters and cobbled lanes. You would be able to commute comfortably here as there are train stations at either end of the neighbourhood – the High Street and Argyle Street Railway Station, and they are only 10 10-minute walk away from each other.
Distance from Places of Interest
| Place | ETA |
| Cup Tea Garden (Restaurant) | 3-minute drive |
| Glasgow Royal Infirmary (Hospital) | 5-minute drive |
| Conference Centre (Bus Stop) | 11-minute drive |
Also Read: Impressed by British table etiquette? Then, check out our blog on British table Etiquette!
Final Tips for Choosing the Right Area
Choosing where to live in Glasgow is about more than just rent prices — it’s about finding a place that suits your lifestyle, routine, and future plans. Before you make a decision, keep these final tips in mind to ensure you pick the right area for you.
1. Visit Before You Decide: If possible, spend some time exploring the neighbourhoods you’re considering. Walk around during the day and evening to get a feel for the atmosphere and safety.
2. Prioritise Commute & Accessibility: Check how long it takes to reach your university or workplace via public transport or walking. Good connectivity can save time and reduce daily stress.
3. Set a Realistic Budget: Rents can vary greatly across Glasgow, so factor in not just rent but also bills, transport costs, and local prices for groceries or dining out.
4. Research Local Amenities: Make sure the area has the essentials you need — supermarkets, pharmacies, gyms, parks, and maybe a few cosy cafés or pubs.
5. Consider House Shares: Especially for students and newcomers, sharing a flat can help cut costs and ease the transition into a new city with built-in social opportunities.
FAQs
Some of the best areas to live in Glasgow are – Bearsden, The City Centre, South Side, West End, etc.
In the city’s east end, the Calton area has three of the most deprived areas, the North East area also has three deprived areas, while there is one deprived area in each census ward of Govan, Baillieston, Drumchapel/Anniesland, and Springburn.
The city of Glasgow is quite easy to navigate, which makes it quite simple for visitors to explore this city while walking.
Areas like Bearsden, Milngavie, and parts of the West End are generally considered among the safest, with a strong community feel and lower crime rates.
Compared to cities like London or Edinburgh, Glasgow is relatively affordable, though rent and living costs vary depending on the neighbourhood.
Glasgow has a good public transport system, including a subway (the “Clockwork Orange”), buses, and trains that make commuting easy across most areas.
Rent varies by area, but on average, a one-bedroom flat in the city centre may cost GBP 800–GBP 1,000/month, while areas like Dennistoun or Shawlands may be more affordable.
Yes, areas like Shawlands, Bearsden, and Milngavie are great for families due to schools, green spaces, and a quieter lifestyle.
Finnieston, the City Centre, and the West End are popular with young professionals for their vibrant social scenes and proximity to work hubs.
Dennistoun and Govanhill are considered up-and-coming, with growing popularity due to affordability and regeneration projects.
We hope you liked this blog where we covered some of the best areas to live in Glasgow. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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