s1homes introduces the fifth of six blog posts, to find out what it’s like to live in some of the best places across Scotland.
City living, village feel. That’s the deal if you opt to live in Inverness, capital of the Highlands.
Quality of life is a phrase often cited when referring to life here. That’s because Inverness boasts relatively low rates of unemployment as well as the lowest level of pollution and has stunning natural scenery in every direction.
Dalneigh is a popular residential area in the west of Inverness, which sits between the River Ness and the Caledonian Canal. It is handy for the centre which is just a 15-minute walk away, although it is also well-served by buses if you like to read on the way to work. The area has a range of housing, all different in style and budget, and much of which was constructed in the 1950s on farmland.
In common with many housing developments of this era, it is characterised by well-planned, wide streets, offering very generously-sized terraced and semi-detached properties.
The neighbourhood is home to Inverness High School, as well as a clutch of primary schools. Being so close to the city centre and all its amenities, the area is predominantly residential but benefits from two handy supermarkets near by. Just to the south of Dalneigh is the popular Whin Park, which is always a winner with young families.
A miniature railway for kids to hitch a ride on? Check. Boating pond? Check. Ducks to feed? Check. Awesome playpark? Check. Open all year round and with free parking and a coffee shop on site, you say? What’s not to love about this park?
Also nearby is the Eden Court complex, which boasts two theatres, two cinemas and a restaurant and bar. As you would expect in a tourist destination, there are plenty of things to do. Other fun attractions on hand include the River Ness Islands, Inverness Ice Rink and Inverness Aquadrome.
In terms of house prices, Inverness offers far more bricks for your buck compared to either Glasgow or Edinburgh.
Within Inverness itself, Dalneigh has homes that will suit a wide range of budgets – homes currently on the market in the IV3 postcode area vary from £115,000 for a two-bedroomed terraced house to £299,000 for a traditional stone-built five-bedroomed end terrace.
In general, Dalneigh, offers great value for money and an attractive lifestyle.
With city facilities and the great outdoors both within easy reach, this a great place to get on the property ladder or secure a good-value family home.