If you’re in need of a change of scenery or wondering where the best city spots, towns and villages are right now for you and your family, look no further.
Muddy Stilettos, a leading luxury lifestyle magazine, has done the heavy lifting and compiled a comprehensive list of the top UK neighbourhoods to live in next year, with intel on with the best schools, shopping and pubs to make note of in each.
The guide features eight charming Scottish locations, which offer everything from buzzing town high streets packed with culture to neighbourhoods nestled in Scotland’s breath-taking scenery.
Scroll through our gallery to discover where you should be looking to move in 2026.
5. St Andrews
No stranger to praise, the coastal town of St Andrews in Fife is of course famous for its golf, and for its world-class ancient university where Prince William met Kate. But it's a great place to live too, described by Muddy as a "coastal town that punches well above its weight". While international golfers and students give the bustling town a liveliness for many months of the year, there's fantastic places to eat, drink, shop and explore all year round. It has a great selection of high street shops including Fat Face, White Stuff and Joules, as well as some quality independent bookshops, galleries and gift shops. And it's no surprise the town is home to some pretty special seafood restaurants, often with great views. According to Rightmove, house prices in St. Andrews have an overall average of £469,966 over the last year | Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images
6. Milngavie
Muddy describes the vibe of Milngavie as "village charm meets city cool", with its leafy walks, array of independent shops and a thriving food scene. It's got great amenities, including schools and gyms, and its only a short trip to beauty spots such as Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. It also marks the starting point of the West Highland Way, making it a top destination for walking and cycling. According to Rightmove, house prices in Milngavie have an overall average of £329,295 over the last year | Maritxu22 / Adobe Stock
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7. Bridge of Allan
You'll find the lovely Bridge of Allan on the outskirts of Stirling. It boasts grand Victorian architecture and a close proximity to the Ochil Hills. The University of Stirling is on the doorstep, which Muddy says gives this "otherwise sleepy neighbourhood a young, cool vibe". Restaurants, cafés and bars are aplenty on the town's main street, and there's some upmarket boutiques and galleries to browse as well. Easy access to motorways north and south make it an ideal commuter location. According to Rightmove, house prices in Bridge Of Allan have an overall average of £379,071 over the last year | Canva/Getty Images
8. Inverness
Inverness is a busy hub in the Scottish Highlands, with easy access to Scotland's most jaw-dropping scenery. The city itself is picturesque city, with lovely old stone buildings and the River Ness running through it and close by. It's less overwhelming than Scotland's other cities but there's enough shops, restaurants, cafés and bars to give it life. But its main selling point is of course its proximity to everything the Highlands has to offer, from iconic castles to majestic mountains, and the vast expanse of Loch Ness. According to Rightmove, house prices in Inverness have an overall average of £234,616 over the last year | Universal Images Group via Getty