Glasgow area hailed as one of the best places to live in UK

The Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide 2024 has named Newlands as one of the most desirable postcodes in the country.

The Southside community scooped an “area winner” title, while North Berwick was crowned the best overall place in Britain.

We visited Newlands to ask residents why they think the area made the list.

Mairi from the Dandelion Cafe (Image: Sourced)

Mairi Darroch, 53, owner of The Dandelion Cafe, said: “I grew up in this area so I have always had an affinity with it.

“We opened the cafe nine years ago and now it is a social hub in the heart of Newlands.

“The full area is super friendly and laid back, most people tend to live here for quite a long time.

“It isn’t a congested area and has lots of green spaces. There is a real relaxed vibe with a gentler pace of life.”

Dave Miller loves living in Newlands (Image: Sourced)

Dog walker Dave Miller, 36, said: “I live in Newlands, it is a really nice place to stay.

“It is very quiet with lots of families and has lots of great places to walk the dog. It is a nice place to have a house.

“It isn’t surprising at all that it was voted on the list.”

Iain McBean grew up in Newlands (Image: Sourced)

Iain McBean, 80, said: “I have lived in Newlands for more than 30 years now.

“It is a really pleasant place to live, I come to the park a lot and also brought my dog, which I had until recently.

“You meet a lot of people here. It is a nice area, I am not surprised at all that it was voted a nice place to live.

“It is convenient for the town and for shopping, it is very good.”

Steph Stern with Daniel Stern and 10-month-old baby Hannah Stern (Image: Sourced)

Steph Stern, 39, was out walking with her 10-month-old baby Hannah Stern, along with Daniel Stern, 36, when she spoke to the Glasgow Times.

She said: “I live here and think Newlands is definitely worth being voted for.

“I am on maternity leave and I come to the park almost everyday.

“It has a great cafe and is just a great place to live, we love the Southside but especially Newlands.”

Brian Laidlaw likes Newlands because it is a social area (Image: Sourced)

Brian Laidlaw said: "The park is so nice and it is always well maintained.

"It is very handy and it feels safe here which means a lot.
"I live on my own now and I have a garden but I prefer coming to the park.

"I mostly just come out myself but you sometimes speak to people, or I come with friends occasionally."

George Carmichael loves Newlands (Image: Sourced)

George Carmichael, 71, works nearby at Fur’n’Feathers pet shop and said: “I am right next door to Newlands. It is a very nice area with a lovely public park.

“It is very well maintained, it is a nice area to live in and handy for the city centre.

“It has good public transport like trains and buses, as well as lovely housing.

“Everyone seems to be very happy there, I think it is one of the better parts of the city.”

Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, says: “These are all places where you can feel grounded as well as upwardly mobile: they have a mature sense of community, lively, supportive high streets and an eye to the future, whether that is eco-friendly measures, transport and regeneration, or imaginative inclusion of new housing.