Aberdeen is Scotland’s “Granite City”, where history meets modernity, and nature harmonises with urban life.
Sitting on Scotland’s northeast coast, Aberdeen is known for its stunning architecture, engaging cultural scene, and robust economy. It offers a unique and enriching living experience.
It’s a vibrant harbour city that also thrivse as a business hub, offering residents a host of great amenities and plenty of reasons to consider moving to the area.
Whether you’re drawn by its educational institutions, career opportunities, or scenic landscapes, Aberdeen is a city that promises a quality lifestyle along with a reasonable cost of living.
Read our guide to life in the city to find out everything you need to know before moving here!
Why Choose Aberdeen?
Though the weather may be an issue for some, Aberdeen’s allure lies in its diverse attractions and the quality of life it offers.
The city’s historical significance and its contemporary amenities make it a desirable place to call home.
With top-tier universities, it is also a popular location for students.
Aberdeen’s bustling arts scene and beautiful parks make it more than just a city—it’s a community that welcomes everyone with open arms.
Educational Excellence
Aberdeen is home to the prestigious University of Aberdeen, founded in 1495, and Robert Gordon University, known for its strong industry links and practical learning approach.
These renowned institutions attract students from around the world, and Aberdeen’s unusually high percentage of university students contributes to the city’s dynamic and multicultural atmosphere.
Aberdeen is not short of excellent educational facilities and opportunities from early years to adult education.
Perhaps you have children just starting their educational journey.
Alternatively, if you are new to the city and unsure what schools are available, visit the SchoolGuide.co.uk website for a list of the best schools in Aberdeen.
Popular Neighbourhoods
Choosing the right neighbourhood in Aberdeen will, of course, depend on your lifestyle preferences as well as other factors such as your budget!
Here are a few locations you might be interested in exploring further:
Rosemount
Perfect for families with young children, offering affordable housing, excellent schools, and proximity to some excellent parks.
Old Aberdeen
For those seeking a more upscale area to call home, Old Aberdeen boasts historic homes and a central location, making it ideal for students and professionals alike.
Garthdee & Bridge of Dee
Offers a tranquil suburban lifestyle with easy access to the city centre and local amenities as well as good links to the surrounding areas.
West End
An affluent neighbourhood, home to some of Aberdeen’s nicest properties, boutique shops, and gourmet restaurants. It’s popular among professionals and those looking for a more lavish lifestyle.
Cults
Situated on the western outskirts of the city, Cults offers a picturesque setting with a mix of modern and traditional homes. It’s well-regarded for its top-rated schools and community atmosphere.
Leisure and Recreation
Aberdeen offers a plethora of activities to keep residents entertained even when it is raining!
The city’s cultural attractions include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, the Art Gallery, and the historic Drum Castle, Garden & Estate.
Nature lovers will appreciate Duthie Park’s expansive gardens and Aberdeen Beach’s picturesque sandy shores and clear waters.
Union Square Shopping Centre and the monthly farmers’ markets offer a diverse retail experience for shopping enthusiasts.
Explore Aberdeen on foot and join a captivating walking tour.
You’ll encounter striking modern street art hidden around unexpected corners.
Delve into the city’s intriguing history by uncovering the maze-like tunnels beneath the streets and wander through the charming old town.
Tripadvisor has more information about the best attractions in Aberdeen, be sure to check out all of the comments from people who have visited this wonderful city and find out why it is such a great place to explore.
Healthcare Provision
Local care facilities will be particularly important when you move home with your family.
You want to know that you can reach a hospital quickly in an emergency.
Healthcare in Aberdeen is top-notch, with services provided by the NHS and private hospitals.
Residents can easily access various healthcare facilities and benefit from comprehensive medical services.
Aberdeen Royal Infirmary is the largest hospital within NHS Grampian, providing a wide array of services, including emergency care, surgeries, and specialised treatments.
It also houses the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital and the Aberdeen Maternity Hospital on its Foresterhill campus.
The Royal Infirmary has received a number of great reviews, which you can read on the iWantGreatCare review website, giving a great insight into what you can expect from a visit.
When you first arrive, one task that must be tackled sooner rather than later is registering with a local doctor’s surgery.
Aberdeen has at least 23 surgeries and you can find your closest surgery using the Find-My-Doctor website.
Personal Safety
You’ll be pleased to hear that Aberdeen is known for its low crime rates compared to other UK cities, contributing to a safe and secure environment for families and individuals.
Aberdeen residents report feeling relatively safe and having low levels of worry about violent and property crimes, which is certainly a good start for anyone thinking of moving to the area!
Plus, the statistics back up this general feeling of safety that locals report.
According to Numbeo, Aberdeen has a Crime Index of 36.62 and a Safety Index of 63.38.
These stats indicate that while there are some concerns about crime, particularly drug-related issues and occasional rowdy behaviour on weekends, the overall levels of safety in and around the city remains high.
Cost of Living in Aberdeen
While Aberdeen may be seen as one of the more expensive cities in Scotland, it is cheaper than many other cities in England.
Though housing costs vary across different neighbourhoods, Aberdeen offers a great deal for homebuyers, thanks to its combination of low living costs, decent wages, and affordable house prices.
Typically, you will pay an average of £189,036 for a home with detached properties selling for an average of £321,245.
However, it is worth pointing out that you can also purchase a decent home for well under the city average.
Renters have equally good choices regarding cost, with an average price of £944 and plenty of properties to choose from.
In fact, there are currently 684 properties available in the the city, with 70 of these listed for under £500 per month!
Daily expenses such as groceries, transportation, and utilities are manageable, especially with careful budgeting and utilising cost-saving tips from resources like MoneySavingExpert.
Community and Events
Scottish people are known for their friendliness and hospitality, and visitors to both Aberdeen and the country as a whole often remark on their warm and welcoming nature.
This reputation for friendliness is part of what makes our wonderful country such a popular tourist destination and a pleasant place for newcomers to move to.
Aberdeen is no different in this regard, with the community spirit shining through thanks the various local events and festivals.
The Aberdeen International Comedy Festival and the Aberdeen Art Fair are just two examples of the city’s lively event calendar.
These events foster a sense of belonging and provide opportunities to connect with fellow residents.
Working in Aberdeen
With the required skills and experience, gaining employment in Aberdeen should be a remarkably easy endeavour.
Aberdeen, often called the “Oil Capital of Europe,” has traditionally had a strong job market thanks to its robust oil and gas industry.
This sector continues to be a significant employer, although the city has diversified its economic base in recent years, meaning there are plenty of other opportunities to explore.
A growing renewable energy sector is one of the newest emerging industries contributing to the local economy.
The city is becoming a hub for offshore wind and other renewable energy initiatives, creating new job opportunities in these fields.
As the world shifts towards sustainable energy, this sector will only continue to expand, so expect more jobs in this sector going forward!
With education featuring so highly in the local economy, this is a great area for employment opportunities.
These institutions provide jobs in academia and research and support a range of ancillary services and businesses.
Another key sector is Tourism and Hospitality. As a city rich in history and culture, Aberdeen attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists annually, greatly boosting the hospitality sector.
Jobs in hotels, restaurants, and tourism services are plentiful, especially during peak travel seasons.
Visit these popular recruitment platforms and discover if there is an opportunity for you in Aberdeen:
Your Trusted Moving Experts in Aberdeen
If you have set your heart on a move to Aberdeen, you are going to need some assistance moving your belongings.
For over a decade, Moray Firth Moving & Storage has built a solid reputation for treating our customers and their belongings with the utmost care and respect.
Nestled in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland, our team is dedicated to making your move seamless and stress-free.
If you’re planning a move, whether it’s for your home or business, or if you need some furniture transported or stored, look no further.
Moray Firth Moving & Storage offers reliable removals and secure storage solutions tailored to your needs. Our experienced team handles every detail, ensuring your possessions are safe and well cared for throughout the entire process.
As proud British Association of Removers (BAR) members, we adhere to the highest industry standards. This membership is a testament to our commitment to providing professional and dependable services.
When you choose a BAR-accredited company like ours, you can have peace of mind knowing that your move will be handled efficiently and professionally.
Let us take the stress out of your moving day. With Moray Firth Moving & Storage, you’re in good hands.
Contact us today to discuss your needs and discover how we can help make your dream move to Aberdeen a reality.
We hope this guide has provided valuable insights into what makes Aberdeen a great place to live. Enjoy your journey to the Granite City!
