Glasgow for families: A great place to buy a home
Discover what’s on offer in Glasgow for families, from green spaces and cultural attractions to schooling, leisure, and connectivity.
If you’re looking to live in a city that blends cosmopolitan energy with a family-friendly lifestyle, then the glorious city of Glasgow ticks all the boxes.
It’s a place that offers space to grow, an excellent choice of schools, and a real sense of community, all while being well-connected and full of character.
From luxurious homes and elegant period properties to thoughtfully designed new builds, Glasgow offers families the opportunity to enjoy a high quality of life, with a mix of comfort, style, and practicality in its homes.
Crucially, this often comes at a lower cost compared to many major cities in southern England, where average property prices tend to be significantly higher.
Space: Family-friendly living without compromise
One of the first things families notice about Glasgow is just how much space is available.
The city’s residential properties are incredibly diverse, from grand Victorian and Edwardian terraces to leafy garden suburbs, modern developments, and converted tenements that brim with charm and personality.
Many Glasgow homes come with driveways, gardens, and flexible layouts that lend themselves beautifully to hybrid working, multigenerational living, or simply having space to unwind.
Best places to live in Glasgow for families
Glasgow is full of pockets that work brilliantly for family life, but knowing where to look makes all the difference.
Glasgow’s West End remains one of the most sought-after areas.
Neighbourhoods like Dowanhill, Hyndland, Kelvingrove, and Hillhead offer beautiful townhouses, highly regarded schools, and open green spaces like Kelvingrove Park and the Glasgow Botanic Gardens. It’s a vibrant, cultured part of the city with a warm community feel.
To the north, Bearsden combines village-like charm with proximity to Mugdock Country Park and Kilmardinny Loch. It’s known for its detached homes, schools with strong academic reputations, and quality of life.
South of the River Clyde, the areas of Newlands, Giffnock, Clarkston, and Newton Mearns continue to appeal to families and hybrid workers. They offer tree-lined streets, plenty of green space, and layouts that can accommodate a home office, garden studio, or just a little extra breathing room.
Strathbungo, with its Victorian and Edwardian sandstone townhouses and tenements, lively café scene and quick rail/bus links, is becoming an increasingly popular choice for young families who value both characterful homes and a strong community atmosphere.
Affordability compared to other UK cities
While cities like Edinburgh or London may grab property headlines, in our opinion, Glasgow offers a compelling value-for-money option when compared to other major UK cities.
Glasgow property prices typically remain lower than other major cities. When compared to properties in the south east, homebuyers can enjoy more space, bigger gardens with room to expand, and better amenities, all at less cost.
Glasgow schools
Glasgow offers a wide range of educational options from pre-school through to secondary and further education.
There’s a strong choice of independent schools, many offering all-through provision from nursery to sixth form.
Standouts include The Glasgow Academy, Hutchesons’ Grammar School, St Aloysius’ College, and The High School of Glasgow.
The state sector is equally robust. Jordanhill School consistently ranks among the best-performing in the country, while Hyndland Secondary and St Ninian’s High School in Giffnock also have excellent reputations.
Nurseries and early years
There’s a good mix of council-run and private nurseries, including Montessori and forest-school style settings.
Some primary schools offer breakfast clubs and after-school provision, small touches that can make a big difference to the weekday juggle.
Top universities
The city and surrounding areas are also home to several major universities, including the University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde, and Glasgow Caledonian University.
Having these institutions nearby is a real draw, whether you’re thinking ahead to your child’s future or considering your own academic or professional development.
Culture, dining, and community warmth
Glasgow for families isn’t just about logistics, it’s about quality of life. You might spend a slow Sunday morning wandering through the Botanic Gardens, or head out for dinner in the buzzy West End.
Glasgow has earned a strong reputation for its vibrant music, art, and architectural scenes.
And family-friendly cultural venues such as Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum (free admission), Riverside Museum (free admission), and the Glasgow Science Centre (ticketed), are all brilliant places to learn, play, and explore.
Food, retail, and local flavour
Eating out is a joy in Glasgow, with an ever-growing choice of high-end restaurants, relaxed cafés, and sleek bars. From artisan bakeries to world cuisine, it’s a city that embraces food in all its forms.
The shopping scene feels similarly personal. You’ll find vintage shops, weekend markets, independent booksellers, and local makers, all of which add to the strong sense of place and community.
Connectivity: Access and travel
Getting around Glasgow is quick and easy. ScotRail links the city with surrounding towns and suburbs, while the Glasgow Subway makes short hops across town quick and hassle-free. Regular bus services serve the city and the suburbs.
Glasgow has an ever-expanding network of dedicated cycle routes, making it easier than ever to get around without a car.
Airport and regional access
Depending on traffic, Glasgow Airport is approximately 20 minutes from the city centre by car or typically between 15–25 minutes via the 24-hour Glasgow Airport Express (service 500) bus. The airport provides direct flights to destinations across the UK and internationally.
Glasgow Prestwick Airport is a little further out, offering European connections, handy for leisure travel or family holidays.
Glasgow for families: How we can help
At Garrington Property Finders, we can help you find and secure your ideal family home in Glasgow.
With access to off-market properties, strong local connections, and expert insight into school catchments, we’re here to make the process discreet, informed, and bespoke to you.
To find out more about property in Glasgow for families, please contact us. We’d be delighted to help.
