Trendy South Side is no longer our best- kept secret

When it comes to living in Glasgow, there’s no shortage of amazing places to choose from, whether it’s being in the heart of the city or the trendy West End.

But have you considered the South Side? Once dubbed an “up and coming” area, it’s now one of the most sought- after places to stay. With traditional sandstone tenements to new build developments, the range of property styles is vast and suitable for all budgets.

Not only are there great places to live, but there is an amazing social scene, packed with restaurants, bars and cafes, independent shops, too many parks to count and a strong community spirit.

The South Side is packed with little pockets of different areas, varying on property styles and prices so we’ve put together a little guide over two parts.

Part one: Shawlands to King’s Park

When people think of the South Side, Shawlands is probably the first name that pops in their head.

Right next to Queen’s Park, this is where you’ll find great prices on traditional tenement flats with huge rooms, high ceilings and lots of character and original features. As always, prices can depend on the condition of the property, but you could bag yourself a one bedroom flat for around the £ 130- 140,000 mark and a two bedroom for over £ 160,000.

You won’t be short on places to eat and drink, as Shawlands is one of the hottest spots in Glasgow.

For coffee, brunch or lunch, visit Café Strange Brew, Gnom or Gusto and Relish. If a wee sweet or savoury treat to take away is more your thing, you can’t go wrong with the Deanston Bakery – buns of dreams. For dinner and drinks, you’re spoiled for choice, our personal favourites are McMillans, Julies Kopitiam, and Salt & Vinegar for a classic chippy.

The Allison Arms and The Shed wins for nightlife, a staple visit for anyone living in or visiting Shawlands on a night out. Don’t forget to visit Aume for all your home interior shopping, the perfect place to pick up a new housewarming gift for you, or a friend.

A bit closer to town, you’ll find Govanhill, recently depicted by CN Traveller as one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the UK, as they state definitely ‘ not without grit’, but home to some of our favourite wee restaurants come takeaways.

We’re sure Nanika and Little Hoi An, need no introduction to Glasgow’s foodies, but if you’ve not had the pleasure, simply go. Once you’ve tried them and just need to be in walking distance, you’ll be repaid with an abundance of creativity, community spirit and low- cost living with flat prices starting at just £ 50,000. For now, as it’s an area on the up.

Just a short distance away you’ll find Battlefield and Mount Florida, similar tenement style flats but also a new build development with 3- 4- bedroom houses. Again, not short of places to eat and drink.

Don’t forget another icon of the southside, the Battlefield Rest located next to the New Victoria Hospital and a short walk from Langside College. They offer amazing full- time, part- time and evening courses. Plus, there’s a great little hot yoga place across the road! Battlefield insiders also rave about The Big Bear Bakery, tucked away on a residential street, but hard to miss with the queues for their baked goodness.

Jump off the train at Mount Florida and you’re hit with plenty of little cafes, shops and places to eat. Pop into Market for a quick coffee and sweet pastries, hit up HOOKED for a nice chippy or if you fancy something stronger, Clockwork is great for a pint. If you keep heading beyond Mount Florida area and into Langside you’re getting close to Hampden Park.

If you’re looking for a property under the £ 100k mark or even a great buy- to- let opportunity, then upper and lower cottage style flats are extremely popular around the King’s Park area. You could bag yourself a three bedroom for under £ 90,000 but you may need to compromise on the size of kitchen as they are notoriously small in these types of flats. The South Side is also well connected with railway lines.

Join us next week for part two when we explore Giffnock and Newton Mearns.