Pros and Cons of Moving to Glasgow

Every city has its ups and downs, and Glasgow is no exception. A picturesque city with historic buildings around every corner, Glasgow has much to offer, but day-to-day reality can be entirely different from what new arrivals may expect once the daily grind kicks in.

Here are a few pros and cons of moving to Glasgow.

Lifestyle in Glasgow

+ PRO: Lots of green spaces

The word 'Glasgow' means 'dear green place' in Gaelic, and the city certainly lives up to its name. With public parks and gardens to be found all over, it's easy to find a place to escape the hustle and bustle.

+ PRO: Friendly locals

Glaswegians are famously friendly, and new arrivals can expect to be welcomed with open arms. Locals will generally be happy to help out with any information expats might need, and they enjoy getting to know others over a drink at the pub. Those with a well-developed sense of humour will find it pretty easy to settle into life in Glasgow.

Weather in Glasgow

- CON: Grey, windy and rainy

Glasgow's weather is not one of the city's strong suits. In the winter, temperatures are in the single digits (Celsius) and sometimes below freezing. Snow doesn't occur every year and is typically light when it does, but sleet and rain frequently appear.

Healthcare in Glasgow

+ PRO: Access to the NHS

The National Health Service (NHS) is considered by many to be a major advantage of moving to the UK, and Scotland’s branch of the NHS is highly rated. Expats on the NHS can access fully funded healthcare including appointments, prescriptions and hospital visits.

- CON: Long waiting times

Throughout the UK, waiting times for appointments via the NHS can be long, and the same is true of Glasgow. Waiting times can be sped up by choosing private treatment instead, but this is a pricey option. We recommend that expats who plan to use private healthcare invest in comprehensive health insurance.

Accommodation in Glasgow

+ PRO: Diverse range of areas

Glasgow's interesting and eclectic range of suburbs offers something to suit everyone. Whether expats are looking for a standalone home in a family-friendly neighbourhood or a high-end executive-style apartment in the centre of town, there are also areas well suited to artsy types, students, and singletons. 

+ PRO: Affordable housing

Accommodation in Glasgow is considered well priced, especially further out in the suburbs – though it's worth bearing in mind that public transport coverage in these areas gets correspondingly sparser. But even accommodation in the city centre is significantly cheaper than one would find in Edinburgh.

Education in Glasgow

+ PRO: Some International Baccalaureate schools

While there are no schools in Glasgow offering foreign curricula, some private schools do offer the option for children to study the globally respected International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, which culminates in the IB Diploma.

- CON: Catchment areas for public schools

As public schooling in Glasgow is based on catchment areas, children have priority admission to the school in their residential zone. Attending a school outside one’s catchment area is possible, but entry isn't guaranteed. For this reason, parents should research schools before moving and choose a neighbourhood with good schools nearby.

Getting around in Glasgow

+ PRO: Multiple modes of public transport

Most areas in Glasgow are covered by some form of public transport. The city centre is especially well connected, and those living nearby can pick between above-ground trains, buses and the subway.

- CON: Public transport can be inconvenient

Though it’s possible to get by without a car, most households in Scotland own at least one. Suburban areas don't have as many public transport options, and it's sometimes easier to just drive.

Glasgow’s temperamental weather can also make public transport an uncomfortable option, particularly when it’s time to leave the comfort of the heated train carriage and head back out into the freezing rain.

While delays on public transport aren't necessarily frequent, they occur occasionally and sometimes train passengers are redirected to buses if the delays are major.

Cost of living in Glasgow

+ PRO: One of the cheapest expat destinations in the UK

While Glasgow is more expensive than some of Scotland's smaller towns, it's still much cheaper than many other popular expat destinations in the UK, including Edinburgh and Aberdeen.