Perth and Kinross is home to the city of Perth and the wild Scottish countryside.
The council area sits in the heart of Scotland, about one hour’s drive from the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow and a 30-minute drive from Dundee.
Discover more about living in Dundee
It’s surrounded by the Cairngorns National Park and Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park.
Ambitious regeneration plans and good travel connections are attracting home-hunters to Perth and Kinross.
Current house prices average £201,000, well above that for Scotland as a whole. However, this is still lower than the prices found in and around Edinburgh. Check up-to-date house prices here.
Find out more about neighbouring cities by reading our guides on Edinburgh, Fife and Inverness.
Living in Perth and Kinross: what to expect
Perth, a former capital of Scotland, is a bustling city. You can relax and meet friends at cafes and restaurants, or browse through high street shops and boutiques.
There’s plenty of culture on tap too, including the city’s two theatres, city hall, and Perth Museum & Art Gallery. You can also explore historic sites, such as the nearby Neolithic standing stones and circles, which date back to 4,000 BC.
The compact city centre is surrounded by public parks, such as the North and South Inch. And you can easily escape Perth to enjoy the stunning countryside, where hiking, climbing, skiing and camping are all popular pastimes.
Why not dive into Perth and Kinross’s many farmers’ markets, beautiful country homes and castles too?
Where to start your property search
Urban: Perth is a popular location, where you’ll find comfortable semi-detached cottages along Glasgow Road, and spacious Victorian semis on Strathearn Terrace.
If you’d prefer an apartment, take a look at the luxury flats on Monart Road. For something more modest, check out the purpose-built flats of Florence Court. Union Road also has some studio flats available.
Popular towns within commuting distance of Perth include Auchterarder. This small town is famous for its medieval castle. Look along High Street for modest one-bedroom flats or Bridgewater Avenue for comfortable semis.
Crieff – a market town with a history in whisky – is a popular countryside retreat. Find modern detached homes on Dollerie Terrace and period stone cottages on Ramsay Street.
Pitlochry is a large Victorian town 26 miles north of Perth. It’s popular among hill walkers due to its proximity to the mountains of Ben Vrackie and Schiehallion. Search roads like Lettoch Terrace for stone villas or look on the outskirts of the town for large country homes.
In the town of Kinross, you’ll find traditional detached villas, like the ones on Bowton Road. More modern properties, including 20th-century semis, can be found on Sutherland Drive. Some homes boast great views over Loch Leven.
Rural: Bankfoot is a popular village a 20-minute drive from Perth. On the outskirts you can find listed country houses as well as new-build properties. For more modest terraced homes, look to streets like Prieston Road and Cairneyhill Road.
For quaint period cottages and sprawling country houses, head to Muthill village, a half-hour drive west of Perth.
If you’re looking for village life, try Scone. There are substantial Victorian villas on streets such as Perth Road, and spacious family homes on Craigroyston Road. Search for townhouses in areas like Cross Street.
The village of Stanley is the place to look for grand period country homes. Try East Brougham for properties with five bedrooms or more, or search the outskirts for stately farmhouses with outbuildings.
Getting around Perth and Kinross
By rail: Caledonian Sleeper operates between London Euston and Gleneagles, Perth, Pitlochry and Rannoch in Scotland.
Highland Chieftain provides a daily return service between Inverness, Pitlochry, Perth, Gleneagles and London. And Crosscountry Trains serve Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee.
By car: Due to its central location, the road network that connects Scotland’s other six cities meets in Perth. Major roads include the M9, the A85, the A9 and the A90.
By air: Dundee Airport is just 20 miles away from Perth. However, Edinburgh and Glasgow airports offer a greater range of destinations and are 40 miles and 70 miles respectively from the city.
Things to do in Perth and Kinross
Food and drink: Find out how different whiskies in the region are made by visiting the local distilleries. Take a tour round the Edradour Distillery, Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery, The Famous Grouse Experience or the Blair Athol Distillery to sample the different spirits.
If the amber tonic isn’t your thing, then have a day out at Cairn O’Mohr. This winery makes fruit wine and cider from local berries, flowers and leaves.
Why not soak up the whisky and wine with a meal at 63 Tay Street in Perth. The restaurant uses local Scottish ingredients to cook up French-inspired food.
Alternatively, try the North Port Restaurant. Make yourself comfortable in the wood-lined interior and enjoy fine dining at its best. The restaurant also has a convenient pre-theatre menu if you are going to see a performance.
Shopping: Sample local goods at Perth Farmers’ Market. It takes place on the first Saturday of each month in the city centre and features more than 40 stalls offering local produce, as well as arts and crafts.
For high street shops, head to St John’s Shopping Centre in Perth. It has more than 30 retailers, including major brands such as H&M, Primark and Waterstones.
In Kinross, there is a flea market and car boot sale on Saturday. And its popular Sunday market is visited by more than 250,000 people each year.
History: There are historical sites sprinkled throughout the region. Visit castles such as Blair Castle, The Black Watch Castle and Castle Menzies to learn about the Clan ancestral homes and tour the scenic gardens.
Scone Palace is another must-see. This stately home was once the crowning place of the Kings of Scots, including Macbeth. Take the time to explore its grounds – there are more than 100 acres to walk around.
If you love history, have a look at Dunkeld Cathedral. The cathedral was built in the 14th century and now consists of picturesque ruins. Dunkeld was also the site of a battle against the Jacobites.
Outdoors: Off-roading and canyoning up your street? You can enjoy adventure activities with firms, such as Nae Limits Adventure and Highland Safaris.
Or if you enjoy walking, take a stroll through the woodland on The Hermitage Woodland Walk. It starts in the wooded glen of the Hermitage before meandering through open countryside. Look out for the picturesque follies and waterfalls.
The Pass of Killiecrankie is also a must-see. The dramatic gorge towers over the River Garry and is a great site for spotting wildlife.
Arts and culture: Enjoy a performance at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre or Perth Concert Hall, or head to Strathallan Castle, to see some of the biggest acts around at T in the Park music festival.
Other festivals include the Perth Festival of the Arts, the Solas Festival and the Perthshire Amber Festival.
Of all the festivals on offer, the Mhor Festival in May is the highlight of the region. Make sure you attend the three-day extravaganza to enjoy food, drink, theatre and music with other residents.
Hidden Perth and Kinross
On the south side of Loch Tay is Charlotte Flower Chocolates, where you can learn how to blend the wild flavours of Perth and Kinross with chocolate at one of Charlotte’s workshops.
4 reasons to live in Perth and Kinross
Best of both worlds – enjoy city life with easy access to the Highlands
Good travel connections to other areas in Scotland
Historical properties, such as stone period cottages and villas
Rich history and culture