Local area guide

Living in Aberdeen (AB)

Aberdeen seamlessly combines historic charm, modern vitality and a close-knit community, making it a welcoming city for anyone seeking a vibrant blend of the urban and outdoors.

Your guide to moving to Aberdeen

Why Aberdeen is a good place to live

Living in Aberdeen offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy, making it a great place to call home. It's got a mix of old-school city charm, modern flair and beautiful countryside that just works. One day, you might be checking out the artsy cafe scene and the next you'll be exploring the great outdoors on your doorstep.

Aberdeen exudes a welcoming and tight-knit community feel, creating a wonderful lifestyle centred around its bustling city centre and stunning nearby landscapes. Moving to Aberdeen is ideal for many families, as it comes with excellent safety and security as well as top-notch schools and colleges.

So if you're up for a fresh city start that feels like a friendly hug, living in Aberdeen might just be for you.

What is Aberdeen famous for?

Aberdeen's standout claim to fame is its role as a major hub in the European oil industry. This dynamic industry has left an indelible mark on Aberdeen's character, influencing its atmosphere and skyline alike.

Things to do in Aberdeen

Start by strolling along Union Street, the city's buzzing heart, where you can shop, eat, and soak up the lively vibe. Then, hit up the beach – yep, Aberdeen's got a beach – and chill out by the sea.

Don't miss out on the vibrant food scene either. From hearty Scottish grub to international delights, your taste buds are in for a treat. And if you're into history, check out the Maritime Museum – it's like a time capsule of the city's seafaring past.

Average asking prices in Aberdeen today

We update our average asking prices every day using data from millions of properties for sale.

Terraced

Avg. asking price

£190,500

70 properties for sale

Detached

Avg. asking price

£370,500

80 properties for sale

Semi-detached

Avg. asking price

£235,000

34 properties for sale

Flats

Avg. asking price

£101,000

256 properties for sale

Properties currently for sale in Aberdeen

Whether you're looking for a family home or a beautiful apartment, we've got you covered.

See all properties for sale in Aberdeen

Popular areas to live in Aberdeen

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Local pubs in Aberdeen

In partnership with
useyourlocal
  • Carlton Bar

    Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, AB11

    Local pub with friendly atmosphere located in town centre, karoake nights on Friday and Saturday nights.

  • BrewDog Castlegate

    Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, AB11

    28 beer lines, and a fantastic new food menu full of epic burgers, sides, and unlimited wings on a Wednesday! Live sport and event space downstairs.

Transport in Aberdeen

Trains

Hop on a direct train to Edinburgh in about 2 hours or Glasgow in around 2.5 hours – Aberdeen is pretty handy for work trips or weekend getaways.

Buses

The city's got a solid bus network, so you're covered for getting around Aberdeen and nearby spots.

Park and Ride

If you want to dodge the city centre traffic, the Bridge of Don Park and Ride is your ticket. Hop on a bus and you'll be in the city centre in around 15 minutes.

Car

The A90 road takes you to Dundee in around 1.5 hours and the A96 road connects you to Inverness. Head south on the A90 for about 2.5 hours to reach Edinburgh or drive west on the M8 to reach Glasgow in the same amount of time.

Ferry

Aberdeen Ferry Terminal provides passenger and freight ferry services to various destinations, including the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland, as well as ports in Scandinavia like Lerwick and Kirkwall.

Airports

Aberdeen International Airport is a 20-minute drive from the city centre and offers both domestic and international flights. Edinburgh Airport and Glasgow Airport have a wider range of flights and are both about a 2.5 hours away by car.

Transport connections

Aberdeen Ferry Terminal
Ferry Port
0.4 miles / 0.6 km
Aberdeen
National Rail
0.5 miles / 0.8 km
Dyce
National Rail
5.3 miles / 8.5 km
Portlethen
National Rail
6.2 miles / 10.0 km

Schools in Aberdeen

Aberdeen offers a variety of primary and secondary schools, both state-funded and independent. They're well-regarded by local parents and known for their dedication to providing quality education.

The city is home to the University of Aberdeen, a UK Top 20 university, and Robert Gordon University, which is known for its emphasis on employability. There's also a number of colleges like North East Scotland College, which offers a wide range of vocational and academic courses.

Schools in Aberdeen

Virtual School
 
Hanover Street School
 
Skene Square School
 
Gilcomstoun School
 
Sunnybank School
 
Ferryhill School