The annual league table, compiled by Scotland’s largest independent buying agents Garrington Property Finders, ranks Scotland’s 160 best cities, towns and villages according to 12 separate key criteria.
And Annan ended up eighth overall in the rankings, with top scores in the natural beauty and wellbeing categories.
Criteria looked at included proximity to National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, air quality, crime figures, availability of high-paying jobs, transport and broadband connections
In other categories Annan was not as high up the list, with its employment and connectivity ranking coming in at 105 and its value being 73rd in the list.
However, average property prices were found to increase by just 0.5 per cent in the last year, with the average price being £166,690.
Annan Community Council chairman Allan Weild helps to run community Facebook page Annan Online where he says people regularly praise the town.
Commenting on the ranking, he said: “Even to be in the top 20 I think it’s great. Very regularly there’s somebody asking (on Annan Online) – what’s going on in Annan?
“People will say – we are moving to Annan or thinking about moving to Annan.
“And they get replies saying – we have moved here six months ago and it’s a fantastic place with lots to see and do.”
Allan added: “The people are friendly here, people move from the big cities and here there’s a real community feel about the place. I think people enjoy that.
“Over the years it’s changed and I think it’s improved. We have got to give credit to all the individuals and groups out there. They all want to make the place better and they all do great jobs. They make the place better and that attracts people.”
Meanwhile, Bridge of Allan, a spa town nestled at the foot of the Ochil Hills that’s home to the University of Stirling, topped the list.
Commenting on the results, Jonathan Hopper, CEO of Garrington Property Finders, said: “All of the 161 Scottish cities, towns and villages selected for our 2025 ranking score well in at least one category, and you can use our fun, interactive tool to find places that offer more of the things that matter most to you.”
The interactive league table is available at garringtonscotland.co.uk/best-places-to-live-in-scotland-2025/. It is free to use.
