The Best Coastal Towns to Live in Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire. Scotland’s northern gem. It has everything you could want: natural beauty, economic opportunity, and a rich quality of life. It’s a perfect place to call home.

What’s more, Aberdeenshire is right on the coast. Coastal living brings numerous benefits to your life. You can breathe in the fresh, salty air, full of negative ions that reduce stress and boost energy. It offers stunning vistas for walking, a calm soundtrack from the waves, and, in Aberdeenshire, you’re never far away from the basic amenities either.

With so many benefits, could the Aberdeenshire coast be the place to call home? The only issue is that there are so many coastal towns to choose from! To help narrow down your options, here are some of the best coastal towns to consider when thinking about living by the sea.

Stonehaven

Stonehaven is one of the most popular coastal towns in Aberdeenshire, and for good reason. Located just south of Aberdeen, it offers excellent transport links while retaining a strong seaside-town feel.

The town is known for its harbour, beaches, and proximity to Dunnottar Castle. Stonehaven has good schools, independent shops, cafés, and a strong community spirit, making it ideal for families and commuters alike.

However, Stonehaven has the highest average house price on this list. At roughly £235,000, this may not be the most accessible option for everyone. But if you can afford it, Stonehaven is a magical place to call home.

Portsoy

Portsoy is a picturesque historic harbour town with a strong sense of tradition. It can be found to the northwest of Aberdeen city, nestled between Buckie and Banff.

Famous for its 17th-century harbour and annual Scottish Traditional Boat Festival, Portsoy offers charm, history, and stunning coastal scenery. It’s quieter than larger towns, making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle. The only downside is that public transport is limited and journeys to Aberdeen can take over an hour.

Portsoy’s average house price is roughly £180,000. This offers relatively good value for a coastal location, particularly when compared to more popular commuter towns closer to the city.

Fraserburgh

Directly north of Aberdeen is the town of Fraserburgh. It’s roughly an hour’s drive from the northern city and has a population of 13,000.

The town boasts beautiful beaches, coastal walking routes, and a range of local amenities. It’s ideal for golfers, birdwatchers, walkers, and water sports enthusiasts. You’re sure to find a healthy lifestyle in this town!

Property prices can be more affordable here compared to other coastal areas, sitting at around £150,000. This makes it attractive to first-time buyers or those seeking more space near the sea.

Pennan

Pennan is a small but iconic coastal village, best known for its appearance in the film Local Hero. It’s found between Fraserburgh and Portsoy, with a commute time of an hour to Aberdeen.

While very quiet, Pennan offers dramatic cliffside views and a truly tranquil way of life. Pennan suits those looking to escape busy environments and embrace a slower pace of living in a stunning setting.

The only downside to Pennan is that the property there is limited. It’s in high demand and can often exceed area averages. However, that doesn’t mean living here is impossible. If you’ve got your heart set on Pennan, you might just have to wait a little longer than other areas.

Montrose

Lastly is the town of Montrose. Montrose can be found to the very south of Aberdeen, bordering on Angus. It has a population of around 11-12,000, giving it an intimate community feel.

The town offers long sandy beaches, a thriving high street, good schools, and strong transport links. Montrose combines coastal beauty with town convenience, making it a popular choice for families and retirees who still want easy access to the north-east of Scotland.

The average house price here is around £160,000. This is a decent amount for first-time buyers, meaning you could start anew in the fresh sea air. If you’re interested in what Montrose has to offer, make sure to check out local property listings.

Find the perfect home next to the sea

The five towns mentioned in this blog are only a select few of the coastal gems Aberdeenshire can offer. Its coast is dotted with countless opportunities – all you have to do is find them!

It’s important you do your own research when looking for a new place to stay. Visiting towns, exploring neighbourhoods, and considering factors such as employment, schools, and transport will help ensure the right fit. Coastal living means different things to different people, so finding a place that suits your lifestyle, needs, and long-term goals is key to making the most of life by the sea.

So, get out there and find it!