Living in Glasgow City Centre

There are some people who like to put down roots in the suburbs, and to savour a quiet life among the tranquil cul-de-sacs. There are others, however, who simply have to be where the action is, and that means finding a place to live in the very centre of the city. Luckily for those who choose Glasgow, there's plenty of excitement to be found in a metropolis that has something for everyone.

The first thing you notice about the centre of the city is its relative compactness when compared to other major conurbations. The vast majority of the local entertainment centres, live music venues, tourist attractions and cultural landmarks are within an area that's quite small. Getting to and from anywhere here is a piece of cake, so there's no need to spend too much time on the move.

A significant number of students look for flats to rent in Glasgow city centre, and part of the reason for this is the proximity of the university. The main campus is located at Gilmorehill, and it's just a short and pleasant walk through Kelvingrove Park for anyone who lives close to Charing Cross station. The student experience for those who choose Glasgow is an extremely pleasant one.

All roads lead to George Square

While the location of the very centre of Glasgow is a matter of occasional debate, it's generally accepted these days that it lies in or around George Square. The surrounding streets are laid out in a grid system, which makes it easy even for newcomers to find their way around. Several of the more popular roads are pedestrianised.

If you're a fan of retail therapy, you will love the city centre. There are a great many department stores, fashion emporiums and arts and crafts shops to be found here, not to mention just about every familiar high street name you could think of. A shopping trip that takes in Argyle Street, George Square, Sauchiehall Street and Buchanan Galleries will hit the spot for even the most demanding of shopaholics.

Whether you're living in Kelvinbridge, Gilmorehill or in the very epicentre of Glasgow, you will never be far away from a celebrated art gallery or a world-renowned museum. This is a city that has earned a reputation for a cultural scene that incorporates an impressive combination of the contemporary and the traditional, and it has become an important tourist destination over the decades.

Become a culture vulture in the heart Glasgow

Perhaps the most popular cultural landmark of all is the superb Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum on Argyle Street. It receives well over a million visitors a year, and it's home to an impressive collection of exhibits and artworks. Other popular attractions include the Centre for Contemporary Arts in Sauchiehall Street and the Riverside Museum in Pointhouse Road.

If you're keen to stay fit and healthy, you'll be spoilt for choice in the centre of the city. There are several highly rated gyms and health clubs here, many of them featuring the very latest state of the art equipment. The city centre has a number of excellent jogging routes, some of which make their way through Kelvingrove Park and south to the River Clyde, where the views across the water are wonderfully picturesque.

One of the most pleasing things about living in the centre of a city is the choice of live music venues that are open to you, and Glasgow is no exception. A great range of iconic venues can be enjoyed here, including the famous King Tut's Wah Wah Hut in St Vincent Street, the O2 ABC Glasgow in Sauchiehall Street and, just up the road, the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

While many landmarks will be within walking distance for anyone living in houses to rent in Glasgow city centre, it's worth noting that the local public transport network is extremely user-friendly. The 15-station loop of the city's Subway system is very useful, and nearby stations include Buchanan Street, Kelvinbridge and, just across the river, Bridge Street.

The city has two main overground rail termini, both of which are right here in the centre. Glasgow Central is the larger of the two, with 17 platforms and direct rail connections with stations as far away as Birmingham, London and Plymouth. Glasgow Queen Street, though smaller, still manages to handle around 17 million passenger movements on an annual basis.

One of the major advantages of living in the city centre is the ease of access to the various amenities that can be found here. Glasgow is home to an excellent range of hospitals, all of which are within reach of the centre. Glasgow Royal Infirmary in Castle Street is very close, and establishments such as Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Stobhill Hospital and West Glasgow Ambulatory Care Hospital are all just a short distance away.

Amenities that are right on your doorstep

While life in the city centre will no doubt focus on the many benefits of the built-up areas, it's worth remembering that many green spaces are also close by. This is a city that offers plenty of opportunities to breathe some fresh, clean air, so be sure to check out the parks and gardens that can be found here, including Kelvingrove Park and, for something a little more unconventional, the famous Glasgow Necropolis.

And yet more peace and tranquillity, not to mention stunning vistas, can be enjoyed along the banks of the River Clyde. A pleasant walk from the confluence of the Clyde and Kelvin rivers will take you eastwards towards Glasgow Green and beyond. As well as playing host to walkers throughout the year, it's also a popular route for cyclists. It offers a peaceful escape for all, and is accompanied by some spectacular views.

If you're looking to start a new life in the centre of Glasgow, you should have a friendly chat with our experts as soon as possible. This city has something to suit all tastes, so give Citylets a call today.