Glasgow is situated on the banks of River Clyde in West Central Scotland and is the largest city in the country. Formerly an industrial city with a strong shipbuilding heritage, Glasgow has reinvented itself and was named the European City of Culture in 1990, the UK City of Architecture and Design in 1999, and the host of the Commonwealth Games in 2014. Glasgow is a friendly and diverse city, with much to offer its residents, with outstanding access to green and open space, both within the city and nearby, combined with world-class culture and entertainment and a wide range of employment options that give the city varied appeal. Getting around Glasgow is a breeze, with an Underground service as well as buses, and rail services connecting the city with the rest of the UK and beyond are also good.
Much like the majority of Scotland, Glasgow is known to be a friendly place, where residents are happy to enjoy a nice chat with one another in the street. There is a large student population in Glasgow, where most are attending either the medieval University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde, or Glasgow Caledonian University. A large art and entertainment community is found within Glasgow as the city hosts the International Comedy Festival and an International Jazz Festival, among many others. Residents are treated to a wide array of small shops and markets in Glasgow that are mainly located in the West End, for those who like to support local independent businesses.
Although Glasgow has suffered from a reputation for high rates of violent crime in recent years, the crime rate has begun to decline in recent years, with a 39% reduction according to ‘Understanding Glasgow’. Still, the rate of overall crime in Glasgow is significantly higher than the Scottish average. The city is known for the rivalry between the Celtics and the Rangers, both of which are Glasgow football teams, and this can get very intense due to tensions that go centuries back.
Parking in Glasgow can be somewhat difficult, like in most cities, but there are a number of public car parks throughout. The percentage of households in Glasgow with access to at least one car is just under 50%, according to the 2011 Census. Road links in Glasgow are good, with the M8 running through the city and connecting it with the surrounding areas, however, this does create traffic congestion.
Glasgow has a range of entertainment options that include cultural offerings like free and celebrated museums and galleries, theatres, and cinemas as well as restaurants, bars, pubs, and clubs of all varieties. The large student population in Glasgow helps ensure the nightlife offerings will stay fresh whilst also offering a range of fun venues such as Club Tropicana & Venga, Kokomo Glasgow, Cathouse Rock Club and Bamboo.
Glasgow has a wide range of properties and plenty of choices for people looking for a family home, from Victorian mansions to modern semi-detached homes, this is a good place to house a family. The name Glasgow is said to derive from a Celtic phrase that means ‘the dear green place,’ and the city lives up to that name. There are 70 parks in Glasgow, and there is more green space per square mile here than in any other UK city. Surrounding the city are other renowned national parks, including Loch Lomond – the gateway to the Highlands. Sport grounds, golf courses, and sailing marinas are also easily found within a short distance from the city centre. There is a wide selection of good state primary and secondary schools in Glasgow, including religious schools and bilingual Gaelic schools. There are also top-performing private schools. Several schools in East Renfrewshire, just outside Glasgow city, are among the best in Scotland.
Property in Glasgow varies and includes plenty of homes that are suitable for pets, from spacious tenement flats to modern semis. The name Glasgow is said to derive from a Celtic phrase that means ‘the dear green place,’ and the city lives up to that name. There are 70 parks in Glasgow, and there is more green space per square mile here than in any other UK city. Surrounding the city are other renowned national parks, including Loch Lomond, the gateway to the Highlands, which is yet another reason why the city is suited to pet owners.
Glasgow has an Underground subway service, nicknamed the Clockwork Orange for its circular route, and a bus network for getting around the city itself. It also has an extensive rail network, with main stations including Glasgow Central and Queen Street, and additional stations at Argyle Street, High Street, and Charing Cross. Road links in Glasgow are good, with the M8 running through the city and connecting it with the surrounding areas, however, this does create traffic congestion. Glasgow has its own international airport which is reachable by bus, train or car. Buses also serve the area for local travel.