A guide to living in Inverness

Located in the north of Scotland, at the mouth of the River Ness, Inverness offers an irresistible blend of modern city comforts and the rugged charm of the Highlands. 

What is Inverness like?

Known as the “Capital of the Highlands”, Inverness is the largest city in the Highland region, acting as a bridge between the rugged and scenic landscapes to the west and north, and Scotland’s major urban cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow to the south. 

The city has beautiful riverside views (the River Ness runs through it), cobbled streets and stunning architecture. Its historical old town sector - where you’ll find Inverness Castle, the Old High Church and the Victorian Market - contrasts nicely with the more modern areas of the city, which are full of shops, cosy cafes and excellent restaurants.

Inverness has a warm and welcoming community, making it a great place to settle or visit. For a small city, it is vibrant and brimming with culture, featuring live music, arts festivals and events throughout the year. There’s also a strong sense of tradition here, especially in its love for Highland culture - think ceilidh dancing, piping and Highland Games. 

Popular areas to live in Inverness

Known for its Victorian and Edwardian period houses and tree-lined streets, Crown‌ is one of the city’s most sought-after neighbourhoods, combining charm, convenience and character. Located close to the city centre, it has a welcoming, village-like feel with an excellent selection of local shops, cafes and eateries.

Westhill is a peaceful suburb on the eastern side of Inverness, with superb views of the Moray Firth. Close to several well-regarded schools, as well as parks and playgrounds, shops and supermarkets, it appeals to families looking for a quieter environment without sacrificing modern amenities.

To the south of the city centre, Lochardil is a lovely residential area with a mix of traditional and modern homes. It’s ideal for families because of its quiet streets, nearby primary school and abundance of green spaces, including MacDonald Park and Lochardil Woods. 

What about transport links?

Inverness isn’t the largest city, so it’s actually easy to get to a lot of places on foot. There are also buses that operate around the city, as well as to destinations such as Thurso and Aberdeen. If you’re a cyclist, Inverness is becoming increasingly bike-friendly with new cycle paths popping up around the city.

The A9 connects Inverness to the rest of Scotland, making it relatively simple to travel south toward Perth, Edinburgh and Glasgow. The scenic North Coast 500 route also begins and ends in Inverness, offering one of the most beautiful road trips in the UK.

Inverness has regular rail services connecting it to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and further south. If you’re travelling down to London, the famous Caledonian Sleeper train is a popular way to travel in style.

Flying abroad? Inverness Airport offers flights to several UK cities and international destinations.

Is Inverness a good place for families?

Inverness is a great place to raise a family. It offers a relaxed pace of life, excellent schools (there are lots of primary schools and several secondary schools) and plenty of outdoor spaces. One of the big attractions of Inverness is the outdoor lifestyle. Families have access to beautiful natural surroundings like Loch Ness and the Cairngorms National Park, which are perfect for weekend hikes, bike rides, picnics and even the occasional spot of monster hunting! The area also has family-friendly attractions, such as Inverness Botanic Gardens, the Highland Wildlife Park and Inverness Leisure, a large sports and aquatics facility.

Thinking of moving to Inverness?

With breathtaking scenery, historic landmarks and a vibrant community, Inverness could be the perfect place for you to call home. 

Have you thought about a new build property? Tulloch Homes has nearly 100 years of experience building homes across the Highlands, and we currently have new build homes for sale at three fantastic developments in Inverness, as well as other locations across the Highland region and Moray.