I really don't know anything about housing associations, maybe it would be a good idea to contact Glasgow city council for information? As for good areas, I think your partner should broaden her horizons. I'd recommend anywhere in the West end which is where I really look back on as being one of the best places I have ever lived. Sure it's a student area but that's really no bad thing in my opinion. Byres Road is like a town within Glasgow with great bars and restaurants and a safe and friendly atmosphere. If you do look into renting it's comparatively cheap compared with other cities; maybe you can receive housing support to tide you over until money is more fluid. There's a lot of rented accommodation (have a look on gumtree for an idea) and it's mostly big spacious tenement flats which I love, though they can be a pain to heat (investing in lined curtains is a great idea because the windows are big and drafty).Hey, no offense taken, we're not paying off any car, the purchase was made a few months ago, prior to knowing that we we're pregnant, plus there are other financial and personal reasons why our cash flow, as in savings, are low.
I'd still appreciate any advice on areas, housing associations, or any other random tips and thoughts.
Although the missus has said no to Motherwell, and no to pretty much anywhere other than the North Western parts of Glasgow. Basically she wants to stay close to her family, and at the end of the day, you try arguing with a Glaswegian lass!
All this talk of knife culture really is over the top offered to someone moving to a new city with his expectant partner. The problem is there are a lot of large housing estates surrounding Glasgow, many of a very, very poor standard. Unfortunately this is why you hear of so much poverty and gang violence, but really the problem is in general contained to these areas. I genuinely believe that outside London, Glasgow has the best nightlife and best shopping. People from all over Scotland and the North of England travel there, it has a huge pull and catchment area as a centre of culture and shopping.
As well as that the people are amazingly warm and friendly. I remember once getting lost traveling from Edinburgh to Hampden Stadium. I jumped out of the car while waiting at traffic lights and asked the car in front for directions, the guy and his wife told us to follow them and led us there, even showing us a good place to park. When we parked they even came to check we knew where we were going. This is a common comparison with Edinburgh. There you'll be lucky if people stop walking as they wave their hand in a general direction.
So anyway. I can't help a lot with housing advice, but I can say you should feel very positive about moving to Glasgow. I am not Glaswegian and have no bias other than warm reflection. Let me know if I can help at all.
