Are you considering living in Inverness or simply curious about what life in the heart of the Scottish Highlands has to offer?
This vibrant yet peaceful city is an increasingly popular choice for those looking for a high-quality of life, breathtaking scenery, and a strong sense of community.
Relocating can create a mix of exciting and daunting emotions, especially when you do not know much about the new area you are considering moving to.
That is why we have put together this guide, to help you understand what makes Inverness such a fantastic place to live.
Whether you are drawn to its excellent schools, thriving job market, or the beauty of the surrounding Highlands, you will find everything you need to know right here.
We will explore the key reasons people choose to settle in Inverness, from its affordable housing and friendly atmosphere to its rich history and modern amenities.
By the end of this guide, you will have a clear picture of what life in this incredible city is really like, helping you decide whether it is the right place for you.
1. A Stunning Landscape with a Surprisingly Temperate Climate
Inverness is perfectly positioned in Scotland’s northern Highlands, surrounded by some of the country’s most breathtaking natural scenery.
Just a short 30-minute drive from the legendary Loch Ness, this city offers easy access to rugged mountains, picturesque glens, and pristine coastlines, all waiting to be explored.
The climate in Inverness is temperate, making it ideal for those who prefer a moderate environment year-round.
While summers are mild and pleasant, winters can be chilly but not extreme.
July is typically the warmest month, with average highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C, perfect for enjoying the city’s scenic outdoor spaces.
On the other hand, January is the coldest month, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 6°C.
Thanks to its northern location, Inverness also enjoys long daylight hours in summer, with extended evenings perfect for outdoor adventures.
If you love nature, fresh air, and a climate that offers an authentic taste of all four seasons, Inverness is an excellent place to call home.
2. Career Prospects in Inverness
Inverness boasts a robust job market with an employment rate of 76.0% among residents aged 16 to 64, surpassing the Scottish average of 74.7%.
Key industries include tourism, renewable energy, healthcare, and life sciences, which attract multinational companies and foster economic growth.
The average salary in Inverness is approximately £31,000, reflecting competitive compensation across sectors.
The town’s excellent transport links also allow locals to commute to work via road and rail to other towns and cities across the region.
Overall, Inverness provides diverse employment opportunities within a thriving economy.
3. Diverse Housing Options to Suit Every Lifestyle
Inverness offers various housing options, catering to various preferences, be it urban living, countryside serenity, or coastal charm.
The city’s property market is notably affordable. As of March 2025, the average house price in the Inverness area stood at £233,000, reflecting a 6% increase from the previous year.
One-bedroom properties are for sale from £85,000, while 3-bedroom family-sized properties start at £130,000.
4. Notable Neighbourhoods in Inverness
The town offers a range of extremely popular neighbourhoods, some close to in-demand schools and others ideal for retirees.
Here are some of the most sought-after areas in Inverness.
- Crown: Situated in the city’s heart, Crown is renowned for its Victorian and Edwardian architecture. It offers a historic ambiance with modern conveniences.
- Ballifeary: This area boasts charming stone-built homes that are highly sought after by buyers seeking character and tradition.
- Holm: For those interested in contemporary living, Holm provides modern residences amidst scenic surroundings.
- Black Isle Peninsula: If you prefer coastal vistas, the Black Isle peninsula offers properties with stunning sea views, combining natural beauty with community living.
With a robust selection of properties on the market, finding your ideal home in the right location in Inverness is achievable and reasonably priced.
5. Quality Education for All Ages
Inverness offers a diverse range of educational institutions, ensuring families have access to quality schooling options for children of all ages.
Here is an overview of some notable schools in the area:
Primary Schools:
- Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis: Scotland’s first purpose-built Gaelic-medium primary school, offering immersive education in the Gaelic language.
- St Joseph’s RC Primary School: Provides a nurturing environment with a focus on academic excellence and personal development.
Secondary Schools:
- Inverness Royal Academy: A comprehensive secondary school with a rich history dating back to 1792, offering a broad curriculum and modern facilities.
- Culloden Academy: Located just east of Inverness, this large secondary school has nearly 1,200 pupils and offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular activities.
- Millburn Academy: This six-year secondary school serves the eastern part of Inverness and emphasises academic achievement alongside personal growth.
- Charleston Academy: Established in 1978, this school serves the western areas of Inverness and surrounding rural communities, offering diverse programs to support student development.
Specialised Institutions – Drummond School
- Located in Inverness, Drummond School specialises in educating pupils with additional support needs. It offers nursery, primary, and secondary education.
The school boasts facilities such as a swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, sensory rooms, and a soft play area, all designed to create a safe and engaging learning atmosphere.
No matter your child’s age or stage in their education, Inverness offers a variety of excellent schools to support their academic growth and development.
6. Comprehensive Medical Services
Inverness offers residents a robust healthcare system, ensuring access to comprehensive medical services.
The city’s primary medical facility is Raigmore Hospital, a district general hospital managed by NHS Highland.
Raigmore Hospital provides a wide range of services, including a 24-hour accident and emergency department, serving both Inverness and the broader Highland region.
Residents also benefit from numerous GP surgeries and medical practices throughout Inverness, ensuring accessible primary care. Here are some notable practices:
- Crown Medical Practice: Offers general medical services to the community.
- Burnfield Medical Practice: Provides comprehensive healthcare services, including chronic disease management.
- Southside Road Surgery: Delivers personalized medical care focusing on patient well-being.
These facilities collectively contribute to Inverness’s high healthcare standards.
According to Numbeo’s Health Care Index, Inverness scores 64.44, reflecting high satisfaction with medical services.
7. Comprehensive Transport Connections in Inverness
Inverness boasts a well-developed transportation network, facilitating both local and long-distance travel.
Serving as Scotland’s longest road, the A9 connects Inverness to major cities such as Perth, Edinburgh, and Glasgow to the south and extends northward to Thurso. This 273-mile route offers travellers breathtaking scenery and is integral to the nation’s infrastructure.
The A96 Road, a vital corridor linking Inverness to Aberdeen, passes through towns like Nairn and Elgin. Plans are underway to upgrade the A96 to a dual carriageway, enhancing safety and reducing travel times between these significant urban centres.
Inverness Railway Station provides rail services. Centrally located, this station offers regular services to Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen.
The Caledonian Sleeper offers overnight journeys to London, allowing passengers to travel comfortably between the Scottish Highlands and the capital.
The Highland Main Line connects Inverness to Perth. This scenic route traverses the central Highlands, linking small towns and villages along the way.
Services on this line facilitate connections to Edinburgh and Glasgow, with journey times averaging around three and a half hours.
Inverness Airport is located approximately 9 miles northeast of the city.
It offers flights to various UK destinations, including London, Manchester, and Belfast, as well as select European and international locations.
In summary, Inverness’s comprehensive transport infrastructure ensures residents and visitors can easily navigate the city and beyond, making it a well-connected and accessible destination.
8. Best Things to do in Inverness
If you are not already aware, there are some great things to do in the area and here are five top attractions to consider:
1. Explore Inverness Castle. Perched overlooking the River Ness, Inverness Castle is a historic landmark that, while not open to the public, offers stunning views and a rich history dating back to 1836. The surrounding grounds provide scenic walks and photo opportunities. [
2. Cruise Loch Ness. Embark on a boat tour of the legendary Loch Ness, famed for its elusive monster, Nessie. These cruises offer breathtaking views of the Highlands and often include a visit to the historic Urquhart Castle.
3. Visit Culloden Battlefield. Step back in time at the Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last pitched battle on British soil in 1746. The visitor centre provides immersive exhibits detailing this pivotal event in Scottish history. https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/culloden
4. Stroll Through the Inverness Botanic Gardens. Escape to the tranquil Inverness Botanic Gardens, featuring a diverse range of plants, a tropical house, and a cactus house. It is a peaceful retreat within the city, perfect for nature enthusiasts. [
5. Walk the Great Glen Way. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Great Glen Way offers a long-distance trail stretching from Inverness to Fort William, highlighting some of Scotland’s most stunning landscapes.
Ready to Start Living in Inverness?
Relocating to a new location can be overwhelming, but your move to Inverness can be smooth and hassle-free with the right support.
Whether you’re moving from another part of Scotland or further afield, Moray Firth Moving & Storage is here to help every step of the way.
With years of experience in home and business removals across Scotland and the UK, our expert team ensures your move is fast, efficient, and stress-free.
We handle everything from packing and transportation to storage solutions, allowing you to focus on settling into your new home.
As a proud member of the British Association of Removers (BAR), we adhere to the highest industry standards, giving you peace of mind that your belongings are safe.
For a seamless relocation to Inverness, contact Moray Firth Moving & Storage today at 01309 580 030, or fill out our quick and easy contact form here.
Our friendly team is ready to help make your move a success!
