Ever considered living in Forres? This historic town has a wealth of offerings.
Tucked away in the heart of Moray, Forres is one of Scotland’s best-kept secrets.
This small town offers an excellent balance between affordability and quality of life, making it a smart choice for anyone looking to relocate.
With lower property prices compared to larger cities, a friendly community spirit, and easy access to stunning landscapes, Forres is living proof that you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle.
Whether you’re moving for work, family, or simply a change of scenery, this historic town delivers charm and practicality in equal measure.
Read on to discover more about daily life in Forres.
A Town Steeped in History – Where Ancient Stories Meet Everyday Life
Forres is one of Scotland’s oldest towns, with roots dating back over a thousand years.
You’ll find heritage at every turn, from the impressive Sueno’s Stone, a remarkable Pictish monument, the largest surviving Pictish cross-slab in Scotland.
The Picts were an ancient people who lived in what’s now Scotland during the Late Iron Age and Early Medieval period.
The charming high street is lined with beautiful traditional buildings, adding to the ancient ambience of the town.
For literature lovers, Forres is famously mentioned in Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
Living here means being surrounded by stories of the past, which gives the town its distinct character.
In Forres, history blends seamlessly with daily life, offering newcomers a sense of belonging in a community proud of its heritage.
Affordable Living in Moray – Enjoy More for Less in Forres
One of the biggest draws to Forres is its low cost of living.
House prices here are often far more reasonable than in neighbouring Inverness or Aberdeen, making it an appealing option for families and first-time buyers.
Day-to-day expenses, such as shopping, eating out, and leisure activities, are also more affordable compared to those in bigger cities.
With supermarkets, local shops, and services readily available, you don’t have to compromise on convenience to enjoy a more affordable lifestyle.
In short, Forres proves you can stretch your money further while still enjoying a comfortable lifestyle.
Housing Costs in Forres – Homes to Suit Every Budget
Another huge advantage of moving to Forres is the affordability of housing.
Average property prices hover around the £210,000 mark, which is remarkably low compared to homes in other parts of the country.
For those looking for their first property, apartments sell for an average of £130,000, however, it is possible to purchase a home for as little as £70,000, a rare thing in todays booming housing market.
Whether you’re after a cosy stone cottage, a modern family home, or something more rural, there’s usually a good spread of choice.
Rental costs are equally reasonable, with many two- or three-bedroom houses available at far less than you’d expect in larger cities.
You can browse current listings on Rightmove or Zoopla.
If you prefer a personal touch, visiting a local estate agent has its benefits. They often hear about properties before they appear on online portals and can offer practical advice on neighbourhoods.
Three good places to start are:
Schools and Education – Learning Opportunities for Every Age
For families relocating to the area, Forres offers solid educational options.
If you are moving to this area from south of the border, you will find that education delivery differs from the rest of the UK.
For an outline of the key differences between the Scottish system and the English system, visit the King’s Education for Life website.
The Scottish Government, through the Education Directorate, sets national policy and curriculum standards (known as Curriculum for Excellence).
While Moray Council is responsible for running schools day-to-day, managing staff, maintaining buildings, and delivering education services in their areas.
Primary schools such as Applegrove Primary and Kinloss Primary provide welcoming environments for younger children.
Forres Academy caters to older students, serving the wider Moray area.
Being part of a smaller community means schools tend to feel more personal and connected, with strong support networks in place for both pupils and parents.
And with further education in Elgin and universities in Inverness and Aberdeen, opportunities for learning continue beyond school years.
Outdoor Lifestyle and Scenery – Nature on Your Doorstep
If you love the outdoors, Forres won’t disappoint.
Nestled close to the Moray Coast, residents can enjoy some of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches within minutes of their front door.
Inland, you’ll find gentle hills, woodlands, and trails perfect for walking, cycling, or simply unwinding in nature.
Grant Park, right in the heart of town, is a favourite local spot with gardens, play areas, and seasonal events.
Forres is the kind of place where spending time outside isn’t an occasional treat; it is woven into everyday life.
Transport and Connectivity – Well-Connected Without the Rush
For a relatively small town, Forres is well-connected.
The local railway station sits on the main line between Inverness and Aberdeen, offering regular services to both cities.
By road, the A96 provides straightforward access across the region.
Inverness Airport, less than 30 minutes away, makes domestic and international travel easy.
This level of connectivity means you can enjoy the peaceful pace of small-town living without feeling cut off from bigger urban hubs, ideal for commuters or anyone keen to balance work and leisure.
Local Attractions and Community – Festivals, Culture, and a Warm Welcome
Aside from the “great outdoors,” Forres is brimming with attractions that make it stand out.
The town is home to the Falconer Museum, which showcases the area’s history, and the vibrant Findhorn Foundation, renowned worldwide for its ecological and spiritual community projects.
Festivals and local events such as the Forres Highland Games bring people together throughout the year, reflecting the area’s strong sense of community.
With plenty of clubs, sports groups, and volunteer opportunities, newcomers quickly find ways to connect and feel at home.
The Visit Forres website is packed with all kinds of entertainment and attractions both within Forres and its surrounding areas, ensuring boredom is kept at bay.
Shopping and Everyday Convenience – Everything You Need, Close at Hand
Forres has a good mix of independent shops, national chains, and essential services.
The high street is home to unique boutiques, cafés, and bakeries, while supermarkets like Tesco and Lidl provide everyday essentials.
Nearby Elgin, just 12 miles away, offers larger retail outlets and shopping centres if you need more variety.
Between the two, you’ll find everything from healthcare services to banks and leisure facilities.
Living in Forres means having all the basics covered without the hustle and expense of a big city.
Move with Moray Firth Moving & Storage – Your Local Experts
Making the decision to move to Forres is exciting, but the logistics of getting there can be daunting.
That’s where Moray Firth Moving & Storage steps in.
With years of experience helping families and individuals relocate across Scotland and beyond, our team makes moving simple and stress-free.
Our depot, situated in Waterford Way, Forres, is as local as you can get, meaning we have an intimate knowledge of moving homes within the town and its outlying areas.
From your pre-move survey and no-obligation quotation to careful packing and secure storage options, every detail is handled with professionalism and care.
Choosing a local company means you’re working with people who know the area inside out, and that local knowledge can make all the difference when settling into your new Forres home.
For further assistance, take a look at our helpful blog entitled Moving House in Moray 11 Professional Tips for a Successful Move. Designed with movers in mind, offering advice and tips to anyone moving in the area, or further afield.
It is easy to contact us by telephone, email or interact with our online AI assistant – alternatively, just pop into our branch office.
We look forward to meeting you!
