Whether you’re looking for a vibrant nightlife or plenty of green open spaces, Glasgow is truly a city that has something for everyone. As the largest city in Scotland, you’ll find a cultural powerhouse with friendly residents, endless weekend activities and an accent which might take a little getting used to.
Thinking of moving to Glasgow? Read on to discover everything you need to know from the best spots in town to grab a beer to the average house prices for the area.
History of Glasgow
Prior to the city of Glasgow that we know and love today, there once stood a fortified village on the site that dates back to before recorded history. Having said that, the development of Glasgow only really began in 550 CE as a religious community settled here. The area developed for many years until the first stone bridge over the Clyde was built in 1350. Following this, the university of Glasgow was founded in 1451. The area prospered as a market centre due to its favoured location between Highland and Lowland Scotland, as well as its placement between the capital city, Edinburgh and the west of the country. Despite this, it wasn’t until 1603, following the union of the Scottish and English crowns that Glasgow took its first steps towards developing into the city we know today. From here, Glasgow developed into a city with deep manufacturing prowess where even today it has a strong aerospace and engineering industry employing thousands.
Where is Glasgow?
As mentioned before, Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland which is situated as an important port on the River Clyde. It sits 45 miles West of Edinburgh and 61 miles North of the English border. It’s known for being one of the best cities in the UK.
Buying a home in Glasgow
In 2020, a property in Glasgow was sold for an average of £197,966. House prices in Glasgow rose by 8% compared to 2019, however this is 26% down on the 2006 height of £267,486.
Naturally, some areas of Glasgow are more expensive than others with houses in Bearsden and Milngavie being some of the most expensive in the city.
Renting a property in Glasgow
If you’re not yet looking to purchase a property, but opting to rent instead, the average rental property costs £1,262 pcm. As can be expected, the average rental price differs depending on the size of the property:
- One bedroom – £963 pcm
- Two bedroom – £1,300 pcm
- Three bedroom – £1,719 pcm
- Four bedroom – £1,767 pcm
Cost of living in Glasgow
It’s one thing knowing how much you’ll spend on your rent or mortgage in Glasgow, it’s another to understand the cost of living.
Here, you can expect to pay around £2.80 for your morning coffee, £3.70 for a pint in a pub and around £50 for a mid-ranged meal for two in a restaurant.
If you want to get around the city, a monthly travel pass will set you back £60, while a day ticket bus pass is £4.60.
In regards to utilities, to cater for a 85m2 property, your heating, gas, water and electricity will cost in the region of £112 per month.
What’s it like living in Glasgow?
Now you know how much it’ll cost to live in Glasgow, let’s get to the fun stuff… what can you do when you’re there?
Nightlife
Whether you’re looking for a quiet drink at a local pub or a bar/club where you can dance the night away, you’re going to find plenty of options here.
Pub culture is an important staple of Glasgow, which is why you’ll find a wide range of traditional ‘old school’ pubs to pick from with excellent beer choices as well as a number of exciting and modern craft beer spots to savour some microbrewery delights. Give the iconic Horseshoe a look if you’re near Central Station, or Bon Accord on North Street if you fancy a real Scottish ale house with an ever-changing menu of over 800 different beers every year.
If you’re in the mood for a more party atmosphere, have no fear… Glasgow has a fizzling variety of bars and clubs that’ll have you wondering why you haven’t visited sooner. Sub Club (Subby to locals) is a difficult spot to find but you’ll be glad to go to the effort when you walk on the hallowed ground of one of the world’s most important clubbing institutions. Also, we have to give a mention to the indulgence of Nice ‘n’ Sleazy and its exciting roster of DJs.
Eateries
Glasgow is a foodie’s dream with an eclectic range of restaurants and cafes that’ll satisfy even the fussiest of taste buds. From quirky and whimsical tea rooms to good old fashioned Scottish breakfast, deep fried pizzas to high end fine dining… there’s something for everyone. You won’t have to travel far for a good meal either, wherever you are in the city, you’re sure to be a short walk away from a tasty dinner.
Transport links
Glasgow is a great city for walking, however if you need to get on a bus or train, you’ll find the service to be quick and reliable. There are over 80 different bus routes in the city that run day and night, helping you to get around with ease. Glasgow is also home to a subway route with 15 stations (taking 24 minutes to complete the city circuit), trains run every 5 minutes during peak times helping you to get from one part of the city to another in no time at all.
Glasgow also has two main train stations, Glasgow Central Station which links the city to the South, as well as Glasgow Queen Street Station which operates routes mainly to Edinburgh and the North of Scotland.
What’s not to like about Glasgow?
No city is perfect and as much as there is to like about Glasgow, there are bound to be some downsides to living there. One such common complaint of visitors and residents alike is the Scottish weather. Expect your new home to have some very cold, wet and windy days. If you’re not a fan of grey weather, this may not be the spot for you.
It’s also worth noting that NHS waiting times in Glasgow have been a pain point for quite some time. Be prepared for difficulties booking appointments and check ups.
Who lives in Glasgow?
Glasgow has a population of 598,830, making it a densely populated city. The most common age group for residents is 25 – 44 making it an ideal location for relocating professionals or young families. The city also has a university meaning it has a high population of students living there.
Typical broadband speed in Glasgow
The broadband speed in Glasgow is 51.55 Mbps, 22% slower than the UK’s national average download speed.
Crime rate in Glasgow
Glasgow has a reputation for having a high crime rate, however this is often played up by the media. Generally, Glasgow is considered to have the highest crime rate in Scotland, though there has been a downward trend in the number of reported crimes in the area for the last ten years, with 24% fewer crimes reported in 2020 than in 2010.
Thinking of moving to Glasgow?
If you’re thinking about moving to Glasgow, you may wish to understand more about the specific area you’re moving to. Try the Move iQ property report to get an in-depth look at the local amenities, crime rates, property prices and more of any area you wish. Simply enter a postcode and we’ll find up-to-date data for that area.
Last Updated: November 4th, 2021
