Your Move Dumfries Local Area Guide

Why move to Dumfries and Galloway?

The first thing that you notice about Dumfries & Galloway is just how beautiful this part of lowland Scotland is, with an undulating coastline of rocky shoreline and sandy beaches, whilst inland, there are acres of forest and green spaces.

Do you want the rush of flying through woodland trails on a mountain bike? Or why not make a splash as you try windsurfing or yachting? With lots of activities on offer, Dumfries & Galloway is pretty much one big adventure playground, but there are plenty of options for gentle walks or cycles too. And when it comes to culture, this region knows how to pack a punch. Each year kicks off with the vibrant Big Burns Supper in January, and the months after are peppered with dedicated celebrations for arts & crafts, performing arts, literature and sport, not to mention some of Scotland's coolest music festivals.

Dumfries is also home to The University of South West Scotland, one of the smallest but most unique, multi-institutional facility located within the beautiful Crichton Estate – a historic 85-acre parkland estate just two miles from the centre of Dumfries. Dumfries itself has a rich history going back over 800 years as a Royal Burgh (1186). The county is full of interesting landmarks and historical attractions, including Castles, Kaghu Samye Ling and the ;world famous Gretna Green.

Dumfries and Galloway remains a sought after area with its diverse properties and desirable locations throughout the almost 2500 miles squared landscape. From student flats in the main towns, stunning period homes, wonderful coastal properties around the Solway Coast to various modern developments, Dumfries and Galloway has everything to offer for all areas of the market.

Dumfries and Galloway is a beautiful area in the south of Scotland and is full of tradition and history.

Dumfries is home to The University of South West Scotland, one of the smallest but most unique, multi-institutional facility located within the beautiful Crichton Estate – a historic 85-acre parkland estate just two miles from the centre of Dumfries. Dumfries itself has a rich history going back over 800 years as a Royal Burgh (1186). The county is full of interesting landmarks and historical attractions, including Castles, Kaghu Samye Ling and the world famous Gretna Green, but there are many more reasons why people from all over the world come to Scotland to visit Dumfries and Galloway.

The Local Market

There are a mix of residents ranging from people that have lived and worked here all their lives to students who may only be here for a short time. The M74 and main railway links run through Lockerbie, a short drive from the county capital Dumfries - this makes ;for easy commuting up and down the country. Many who arrive in the area on what was originally a short term basis fall in love with this beautiful part of the world and decide to stay.

Location

There are a mix of residents ranging from people that have lived and worked here all their lives to students who may only be here for a short time. The M74 and main railway links run through Lockerbie, a short drive from the county capital Dumfries - this makes for easy commuting up and down the country. Many who arrive in the area on what was originally a short term basis fall in love with this beautiful part of the world and decide to stay.

History and Sport

You can travel back more than 700 years and experience the story of Robert the Bruce by following a trail which visits ruins, caves and locations which played a pivotal role in his and Scotland’s history.

Dumfries and Galloway still boasts a number of castles where battles were played out in a turbulent era. The aforementioned Caerlaverock Castle still has it's moat, gatehouse and battlements, it can not be mistaken due to it's unique triangular shape. Another fortress worth visiting would be Threave Castle, built by Archibald the Grim in the late 14th century and it is still standing enormously tall now.

Move forward to the 18th century and we find Bonnie Prince Charlie in the region, staying with his army in Dumfries while the Duke of Cumberland approached from the south. Only three decades later it was a more peaceful man, Robert Burns, who would move to Dumfriesshire and become the darling of, not only the region, but the nation.

Robert Burns House, now a museum, is where he spent the last years of his life, dying in 1796 at the age of just 37. The house gives a picture of how the poet and his family lived in the late 18th century and is a place of pilgrimage for Burns enthusiasts. This just highlights the amount of history you can explore in the region.

There is a wide range of sporting activities that you can partake in, with various lochs in the region all water sports are covered. The 7 Stanes are world-class mountain biking centres, five of which span across D&G. Their award-winning trails offer some of the best mountain biking in the country and attract riders from all over the UK and beyond. You don’t have to be an experienced mountain biker to enjoy these famous trails: there are a wide range of routes to suit beginners, families and experts. Plus, many of the centres have skills areas for you to practise your technique. Those are just a taste of what sports ;we have on offer, as well as Cricket Clubs, Rugby Clubs and Football Clubs just to name a few for all ages.

Development

Outside of the main towns are quirky coastal cottages, traditional homes and farm houses, but over the years more modern developers have changed the landscape. Some major developers have brought their popular designs and made modern, affordable homes for young families in the area. As well as that, there are some luxury conversions and smaller developments which have left their mark throughout our region.

Properties

Your Move in Dumfries has been at the heart of the town for many years and remains one of the market leaders every year. We offer properties from £40,000 up to and over £500,000, covering from Gretna, Moffat, Langholm and Kirkconnel all the way to Stranraer. The most popular area of the region is Dumfries itself, which comes as no surprise because it is the capital of the County. Dumfries offers fantastic schooling for all ages and a great mixture of public houses, restaurants, leisure and medical facilities as well as a range of shopping facilities throughout. Whether you are starting out, downsizing or looking for a large family home we will be able to find you your dream home.

If you are moving for a shorter period of time or wish to look for a rental property that fits your desired needs we have you covered. We offer a wide range of options within the rental market from a one bedroom flat for around £350 per calendar month to a more bespoke family home that you may expect to pay £1000 for monthly. With large employers such as the hospital and local authority there is always a steady stream of families coming and going.

Restaurants and Shopping

There are a mix of shopping facilities and restaurants in the area, predominantly in towns and villages but there are also plentiful rural eating spots, nestled within breathtaking views. As well as the large chain retailers in the area, there are numerous small, locally owned businesses not to be missed.

Whether you are dining out at a delicious restaurant, calling into a cosy pub or looking for somewhere to have a spot of Afternoon Tea, Dumfries and Galloway has you covered. The region has a major agriculture sector and local produce can be found at any of our various farm shops and farmers markets.