Thinking of living in Dundee?
This popular Scottish city, renowned for its innovation, vibrant cultural scene, and stunning location on the River Tay, is becoming an increasingly desirable place to live.
In this guide, we will tell you why!
Whether you’re drawn to its strong educational institutions, blossoming arts scene, or its rich historical roots, Dundee offers a fantastic blend of modern city living with a welcoming community atmosphere.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about living in Dundee, including house prices, transport links, schools, and what makes Dundee an exciting place to call home.
Why Live in Dundee?
Living in Dundee offers a perfect balance of rich history, modern innovation, and an active cultural scene.
Known as Scotland’s sunniest city, Dundee has a lively atmosphere with a welcoming community, making it a fantastic place for families, professionals, students, and retirees alike.
Top reasons to live in Dundee:
- Home to two top universities, including the University of Dundee and Abertay University, which attract students and professionals in fields such as life sciences, gaming, and technology.
- Dundee is known for its cultural landmarks, including the V&A Dundee, Scotland’s first design museum, and the RSS Discovery, the famous Antarctic exploration ship.
- A coastal city with picturesque landscapes and outdoor opportunities, Dundee is located near some of Scotland’s most beautiful natural attractions, including the Angus Glens and the Cairngorms National Park.
Average House Prices in Dundee
One of the appealing aspects of living in Dundee is its affordable housing market, which compares favourably to other major UK cities.
Whether you’re looking for a flat in the city centre, a family home in the suburbs, or a detached house near the coast, there’s a variety of property types to suit different budgets and needs.
The current average house prices in Dundee are sitting at £174,047, and different property types are as follows:
- Terraced homes: £150,585
- Detached homes: £343,000
- Semi-detached homes: £203,014
- Flats: £116,617
These prices make Dundee an attractive option for first-time buyers and families seeking more space, particularly compared to the soaring house prices in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
For more prices and to browse houses currently for sale, check out Rightmove.
Transport Links in Dundee
Despite its compact size, Dundee offers excellent transport connections, making it well-connected to other parts of Scotland and beyond.
Whether you’re commuting to a nearby city, travelling for leisure, or flying internationally, Dundee’s transport network has you covered.
- Trains: Dundee Railway Station is centrally located and offers direct services to major cities, including Edinburgh (1 hour 26 minutes), Glasgow (2 hours), Aberdeen (1 hour 13 minutes), and London (7 hours 22 minutes). Nearby stations, such as Broughty Ferry and Leuchars, also offer convenient travel options.
- Buses: Dundee’s local bus network is operated by Xplore Dundee, Stagecoach, and Moffat & Williamson, providing comprehensive coverage throughout the city and surrounding areas.
- Roads: The city is well-connected by road, with the A90 linking Dundee to Perth and Aberdeen, and the A92 providing a coastal route to neighbouring towns and cities.
- Dundee Airport, situated just a few miles from the city centre, provides flights to London, Belfast, and the Shetland Islands. Edinburgh Airport is just over an hour’s drive away, offering access to over 150 international destinations.
Schools in Dundee
If you’re considering living in Dundee with children, you’ll be pleased to know that the city offers an impressive range of highly rated schools, making it an excellent choice for families.
Top-rated primary schools in Dundee:
- Forthill Primary School
- Barnhill Primary School
- St. Peter & Paul RC Primary School
- Sidlaw View Primary School
- Eastern Primary School
For secondary education, Dundee is home to several top-performing schools:
Dundee’s commitment to education extends to higher education, with the University of Dundee recognised as a global centre of excellence for Life Sciences & Medicine, and Abertay University gaining a reputation for its focus on gaming and technology.
Things to Do in Dundee
One of the most fantastic perks of living in Dundee is the wealth of activities and cultural experiences on offer.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff, or an outdoor adventurer, Dundee has something for everyone.
Cultural attractions:
- V&A Dundee: This stunning waterfront museum showcases design innovations from around the world and hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the year.
- RSS Discovery: Step aboard this historic ship, which played a key role in Captain Scott’s Antarctic expeditions, and explore its fascinating history.
- Dundee Contemporary Arts: A hub for modern art, film, and creativity, DCA offers exhibitions, an independent cinema, and workshops for all ages.
Outdoor activities:
- Dundee Waterfront: The recently redeveloped waterfront is an excellent spot for walking, cycling, or simply enjoying the views of the River Tay.
- Angus Glens: Just a short drive from Dundee, the Angus Glens offer stunning landscapes for hiking and wildlife spotting.
- Cairngorms National Park: Scotland’s largest national park is within easy reach, offering activities like skiing, mountain biking, and scenic drives.
- Living in Dundee means having access to both urban and natural attractions, providing an ideal lifestyle for those who appreciate both city life and the great outdoors.
Employment Opportunities in Dundee
One of the major benefits of living in Dundee is access to a thriving and diverse local economy. Over the past decade, the city has undergone a remarkable transformation, becoming a vibrant centre for innovation, education, and healthcare.
Education and Research
Dundee is home to two major universities — the University of Dundee and Abertay University — both of which are among the city’s largest employers. Their strong academic and research programmes drive local growth, particularly in the fields of life sciences, biomedical research, and digital technology. For those living in Dundee, this translates into access to top-tier education, career opportunities, and a highly skilled community.
Technology and Video Game Development
Dundee has established a strong reputation as a hub for tech and digital media, particularly in video game development. World-renowned titles such as Grand Theft Auto trace their origins to studios founded in the city. This growing digital sector makes living in Dundee attractive for creatives, developers, and tech entrepreneurs seeking a supportive and innovative environment.
Healthcare and Medical Training
Ninewells Hospital, one of Europe’s largest teaching hospitals, plays a crucial role in Dundee’s healthcare sector. As a hub for both advanced medical care and professional training, it provides stable employment and world-class services to its residents. Whether you’re pursuing a medical career or value high-quality healthcare access, living in Dundee offers both.
Regeneration and Investment
The £1 billion Waterfront regeneration project has redefined Dundee’s cityscape, adding new cultural attractions, commercial spaces, and residential developments. For those considering living in Dundee, the waterfront area reflects the city’s forward-thinking vision and continued investment in quality of life.
Ready to Start Living in Dundee?
With its affordable housing, strong education system, exciting cultural scene, and ample job opportunities, living in Dundee offers a unique and fulfilling experience.
Whether you’re moving for work, study, or a fresh start, Dundee has much to offer its residents.
If you’re ready to make the move, Moray Firth Moving & Storage can help ensure your relocation to Dundee is seamless and stress-free.
Our experienced team has all the local knowledge required to make your move as easy as possible and will guide you through every step of the process, offering competitively priced removal services and storage solutions to ensure your move is a success.
Contact us today to discover how we can assist with your move.
