Considering a move to the Granite City? Then look no further. In this article, we’re discussing everything you need to know about living in Aberdeen, including the pros, the cons and everything in between. Rest assured, we’re leaving no stone unturned in this one.
As with any city, some factors make it unique, while other issues can make you think twice about whether or not the city is for you.
With that said, let’s get started with what Aberdeen has to offer;
What is the quality of life in Aberdeen?
If you’re looking to move to Aberdeen, you’ll be interested in how well it stacks up in terms of the quality of life. You’ll be pleased to know that Aberdeen scores relatively high. Aberdeen has been explicitly recognised for this, including being one of the best cities to live and work in. With that said, let’s break down what a good quality of life actually means.
Nowadays, housing access and affordability are high on most people’s priority lists. If properties cost too much, many feel the financial strain, which results in a lower quality of life. However, this is where Aberdeen really shines. The city has also received recognition for being one of the cheapest places in the UK to buy a home. In fact, at the time of writing, the average price of property hovers around £185,000, which is still quite affordable considering how high property prices have risen elsewhere in the country.
Comparing Aberdeen to nearby cities
Another critical factor is the cost of living in Aberdeen vs cities like Glasgow or Edinburgh. As we’ve mentioned, housing costs are cheaper in Aberdeen than in other popular cities in Scotland. This includes both in terms of buying or renting a property. Additional expenses, such as groceries, are generally cheaper in Aberdeen. Other significant cities experience higher markups due to higher demand; however, Aberdeen has a population size of less than 200,000 and has less footfall resulting from tourists.
Besides affordability, access to transport is another important factor for many. The city is well connected by road, rail, and even air through the city’s airport. This will set any fears of being isolated to bed as Aberdeen provides fantastic transport options.
Aberdeen also has plenty of green spaces, beaches, and scenic views. This is definitely a plus when it comes to quality of life. However, the weather and general greyness of the city (hence the name Granite City) can be gloomy and isn’t for everyone.
Let’s look at affordability, access to recreation, safety, and sociability factors. Aberdeen is a great contender in all of those. So, there is a good quality of life in the city.
Is it worth living in Aberdeen?
Now that we’ve considered the quality of life, is it still worth living in Aberdeen? The answer is it depends. While Aberdeen offers many positives, there is one thing that it definitely lacks. That is an opportunity, especially for professionals. Aberdeen has always been renowned for its oil and gas sector, and that is what initially drew many people to the city. Unfortunately, there isn’t much on offer for those working in other sectors and industries, so you would need to work elsewhere. So, in terms of having career opportunities on your doorstep, that isn’t likely for everyone.
For those who may be looking for fewer career moves and instead access to beautiful hills, beaches, and even castles, Aberdeen is for you. The city has a smaller population size than others, which results in a more friendly, sociable environment.
Where not to live in Aberdeen?
Although Aberdeen has less crime than many other cities, this doesn’t mean it is entirely crime-free. Additionally, as with any other city, crime is usually centred in certain areas, and those areas become generally known as the areas to avoid if looking for somewhere to live.
The following areas are where recent reports have shown the most amount of crime:
- Ashgrove
- Torry East
- Midstocket
- Cove North
So, if you’re looking to avoid areas that attract crime, then you should definitely avoid the above.
Are Aberdeen people friendly?
As with any Scottish city, the people are always friendly, and Aberdeen is no different. As Aberdeen has a smaller population size compared to other conventional cities, people tend to be more sociable and know each other. This definitely helps create a much friendlier atmosphere compared to other cities. You can definitely expect to be greeted by others while you’re out and about in the city.
What is crime like in Aberdeen?
As mentioned earlier, Aberdeen isn’t crime-free. In fact, from the data available for last year, Aberdeen had the third highest rate of crime, with 651 crimes recorded per 10,000 population. Now, the average for Scotland as a whole was 528, suggesting Aberdeen does have a higher-than-average rate of crime.
Why do people move to Aberdeen?
People who move to Aberdeen are drawn by its scenic beauty, which provides opportunities to live somewhere quieter with an active lifestyle. Many professionals are also drawn to the opportunities from the oil and gas sector and, more recently, the renewable energy field. Beyond this, Aberdeen is also home to a student population who study at the local University of Aberdeen, which results in a constant stream of students each year.
With all of that considered, here are the pros and cons of living in Aberdeen:
Aberdeen Pros:
Affordable housing
Firstly, it’s much more affordable to buy a house in Aberdeen than many other towns and cities in the UK. It may seem unusual to many that a home in a city can be so affordable. However, this is a definite positive to living in Aberdeen.
Job opportunities
Living in Aberdeen is a no-brainer if you’re in the energy field. Many of the largest companies in the sector have an operating presence in the city, so finding a job and progressing shouldn’t be too difficult. If you
City perks but more peaceful
Many assume cities to be a non-stop barrage of “city life”, yet Aberdeen is quite the opposite. It can be as busy or as relaxed as you’d like. There are plenty of amenities associated with other larger cities; however, it also provides access to beaches and other outdoor activities.
Aberdeen Cons:
Limited job opportunities
Yes, we’ve also listed this as a con, but for good reason. Aberdeen may provide opportunities in the energy industry. Still, it can be quite difficult for others to get the same level of opportunities. This may limit some people’s hopes and aspirations, especially if they seek jobs at larger corporate companies.
The winter months
In Aberdeen, you will experience the winter unlike anywhere else. It’ll be cold and rainy; expect plenty of wind and snow, too! Not only that, but by 3:30 PM, the sun will have gone, so a day at work will make you feel like all you see is darkness.
Difficult to move
Because of this, selling a property in Aberdeen can be difficult. It takes a lot of time to find a buyer. In fact, at the time of writing, the average time on the market for a property is 467 days. That is a decrease from the previous year! So, if you’re looking to move to another property, either in Aberdeen or elsewhere, you may struggle. You can use the service of cash house buyers like us to help sell your property much more quickly.
For those who may be looking for fewer career moves and instead access to beautiful hills, beaches, and even Castle Aberdeen, it would definitely be for you. The city has a smaller population size than others, which results in a more friendly, sociable environment.
Aberdeen is a unique city with a charm that is hard to find elsewhere. It may not be suitable for everybody, but for those who enjoy smaller cities, Aberdeen is definitely for you.
