Living in Charing Cross

There is something extra special about living in the centre of a city, and that's why properties in Charing Cross tend to be in great demand throughout the year. With so much to see and do right on your doorstep, the chances are there will never be a dull day to be had. This is a location that will appeal to anyone who seeks everything that a metropolis has to offer.

There is a wonderful choice of flats to rent in Glasgow, of course, but there won't be many which are as conveniently sited as those in Charing Cross. Local residents who work in the city's business district will often be within walking distance of the office, and that can be a major boost to the wellbeing, and of course to the family finances as well.

Glasgow's Charing Cross railway station offers a two-minute train journey to Glasgow Central, and to the east there are direct trains to Edinburgh Waverley. In addition to overground travel, the city's excellent Subway network, which operates on a 15-station loop, can be accessed nearby at Buchanan Street and Cowcaddens to the east and St George's Cross to the north.

Thanks to the proximity of the M8 motorway's junctions 18 and 19, it's possible for motorists to get into and out of the city with ease. The M8 runs between Edinburgh and Bishopton, and it offers a speedy route to Glasgow's international airport. It also allows for easy access to other motorways in Scotland, such as the M74, the M73 and the M80.

Retail therapy that's just outside your front door

One of the more pleasing aspects of living in Merchant City, Charing Cross and other locations close to the city centre is the opportunity to indulge in some enjoyable high end shopping. Glasgow is rightly regarded as a magnet for fashionistas, and it has the widest selection of top quality stores in the UK outside of London. Retail therapy is a serious matter here, and it has to be sampled to be believed.

Charing Cross is understandably an urbanised area, although it should be remembered that peace and quiet is always available nearby. There are some excellent walks to be had on both the northern and southern banks of the River Clyde, for example, and Glasgow Green to the south-east is a must-visit. To the west of the neighbourhood you can get away from it all amid the scenery and the greenery of Kelvingrove Park.

This is a city that is jam-packed with cultural landmarks, and many of them are extremely close to Charing Cross. The rightly revered Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is within walking distance, as is the elegantly laid out George Square. The Gallery of Modern Art in Royal Exchange Square is nearby, and to the south-west are the Glasgow Science Centre and the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre.

Many newcomers who are seeking houses to rent in Glasgow are students who have recently enrolled at the University of Glasgow. For them, an opportunity to live in Charing Cross should be grabbed with both hands. This area represents a golden opportunity to soak up the unique atmosphere of the city centre while having just a one-mile walk through Kelvingrove Park to get to lectures.

Excellent schools for pupils of all ages

There are a number of excellent schools which are easily accessible from the centre of Glasgow. They include Hillhead Primary, as well as Pollokshields Primary to the south. For the older children, Hyndland Secondary and Hillhead High School are both to be found to the west of Charing Cross. Strathclyde University Architecture Building and the Glasgow School of Art are also located nearby.

A city centre location is always useful when you need to find a local hospital, so Charing Cross residents will never be far away from a healthcare facility. The nearest establishments include Glasgow Royal Infirmary in Castle Street, the West Glasgow Ambulatory Care Hospital in Dalnair Street and, just to the south of the Clyde, the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

Glasgow offers locals plenty of opportunities to get fit, and those who live in the city centre will be within a short walk from a number of state of the art gyms and health clubs. The local streets are popular with joggers and cyclists, perhaps because of the proximity of the River Clyde and several highly attractive parks and open spaces. If you're looking to remain healthy, you will surely love to live nearby.

As you might expect from a neighbourhood which has so much to offer, the property scene in Charing Cross is an extremely busy one. If you have been thinking about a move to this iconic, exciting area, your next step should be to make a call to Citylets and to have a friendly chat about the many plus points. We look forward to hearing from you.