Spotlight On… Dundee

What was once often seen as a run down city of nothingness when compared it it’s other Scottish city siblings, Dundee as undergone a major regeneration and transformed itself into a modern, artistic and cultural city whose appeal is steadily increasing.

Why live in Dundee? Dundee is Scotland’s fourth largest city however; with a population of just 140,000 it doesn’t encounter the same traffic problems one might find in Edinbugh and Glasgow.

Whilst Dundee is relatively small in size there is a wide choice in the types of properties available to rent. In the city centre you’ll find wide Victorian streets and late 19th century architecture mixed in with the £270m waterfront regeneration, which is home to a growing number of luxury flats.

North of the city centre is the desirable Baxter’s Park, and further on you will find the suburbs of Ardler, Charleston and Fintry. To the north west within urban Dundee is the area of Lochee, a district known historically for its textile industries, the only remnant of which today is the prominent Cox’s Stack.

Located four miles to the east of the city is the delightful suburb of Broughty Ferry and Barnhill village.

If you’re looking for student accommodation then head for Dundee’s popular West End. As well as a wide choice of budget friendly accommodation, you’ll find lots of bars, cafes, independent shops, delis and boutiques. As you head west out of town, the area’s buildings transform from commonly-found tenement flats to more affluent Edwardian houses.

The downside? For many, Dundee still has a negative reputation and so you may have to prove a few people wrong and yes, there are areas which are deprived but this is the case with every city. The upside is that rental prices are still very reasonable whilst demand is growing.

Well connected? Dundee is located on the main train line between Edinburgh and Aberdeen and is equal distance between the two – 1 hour 15 mins. A number of bus companies including National Express, Scottish City Link, Stagecoach and Travel Dundee service the town from the Seagate Bus Station with local routes served from High Street or nearby Union Street.

Schools: There are 10 secondary schools (nine state-run and one private), 38 primary schools (37 state-run and one private), and one state-run special educational needs school. Click here to view schools in Dundee.

Where to check out: If you’re into your food, you won’t be short of new places to try in Dundee, they’re popping up every week. There’s 172 At Caird (the must-go Saturday cocktail place just weeks after opening), The Tayberry Restaurant in Broughty Ferry with breathtaking views across the Tay, and Gallery 48, a cool mix of tapas, art and cocktails.

The average rent of a 2 bed property in Dundee is £566 PCM.

If you’re thinking of moving to the area, take a look at available to let in Dundee.