Living in Forres – The Ultimate Moving Guide

Are you thinking of living in Forres but want to know a little more about the area before making your final decision?

If you are looking for a move that promises a peaceful, culturally rich environment, the Morayshire town of Forres might just be your ideal new home. Known for its stunning scenery, arts scene, award-winning parks, and a strong sense of community, this town has long attracted both families and retirees seeking a balanced lifestyle.

With its proximity to the Moray Coast and the Cairngorms, outdoor enthusiasts can revel in hiking, cycling, and coastal adventures.

Forres is also a haven for history buffs, boasting ancient structures like Sueno’s Stone, the striking Nelson’s Tower, and impressive floral displays at Grant Park.

But beyond the picturesque setting, Forres offers practical benefits including reputable schools, strong transport links, and an increasingly dynamic local economy. Our ultimate moving guide will walk you through everything you need to know before relocating, from housing and education to local amenities, so you are fully armed with all the information you need about this wonderful location.

Find Your New Home in Forres

From historic stone cottages to energy-efficient new builds, the Forres property market offers diverse options for every budget.

The housing market in Forres is wonderfully diverse, catering to a wide range of budgets and preferences.

From charming historic stone cottages brimming with character to sleek, modern family homes equipped with all the latest amenities, there is something to suit everyone’s taste.

Many properties come with spacious gardens and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

House prices in Forres remain significantly more affordable than those in larger Scottish cities like Edinburgh or Aberdeen, and considerably lower than comparable homes south of the border.

According to the latest Land Registry data, the average sold price in Forres stood at around £205,000 in April 2026, representing a steady 1.5% rise over the preceding twelve months. Entry-level properties start well below £100,000, while the current market ranges up to £770,000 for larger character homes, offering exceptional value at prices that would be impossible to match in most parts of the UK.

New-build developments are also actively coming to market, with housebuilders including Springfield bringing fresh stock to Forres in 2026, giving buyers a choice between established character properties and modern energy-efficient homes.

The town’s quiet, safe neighbourhoods are ideal for families and retirees alike. For those seeking rental options, Forres provides a good range of well-maintained flats and family homes.

To explore what is available, local estate agents R&R Urquhart Property are the leading local specialists, with an extensive portfolio across the town and the surrounding area.

Grigor & Young in nearby Elgin also cover the wider Moray market.

Education in Forres

Quality schooling is at the heart of the community, with plans for a brand-new Forres Academy targeted to open in 2028.

For families, access to quality education is essential, and Forres delivers on this front with some genuinely exciting developments on the horizon.

Forres Academy serves as the main secondary school and is well-regarded for its broad curriculum, modern facilities, and dedicated teaching staff.

In a major step forward for the town, Moray Council approved plans in early 2026 to relocate Forres Academy to a brand new, purpose-built school on Orchard Road, adjacent to Applegrove Primary School.

The new school is targeted to open by autumn 2028, and Education Scotland has independently identified clear educational benefits for pupils. For families considering a move, this represents a substantial and forward-thinking investment in the town’s future.

The area is also home to notable primary schools, including Anderson’s Primary School and Applegrove Primary School, both of which foster a nurturing environment and a holistic educational approach.

Early childhood education is available at various local nurseries, ensuring young children are well prepared for their school journey.

Enrolling your child into a Scottish school is handled through Moray Council’s Education pages, which guide parents through the registration process.

It is worth noting that the Scottish education system differs from the rest of the UK, and the Kings Education website has a helpful overview of the key differences for those moving from England, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

Local Amenities and Shopping

Local Amenities and Shopping

Forres proudly offers a rich array of local amenities and a vibrant shopping scene.

The town’s High Street is home to independent shops, cosy cafes, artisan bakeries, and essential services, creating a welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.

The town’s commercial health is notably strong. In 2024 and into 2025, Forres welcomed eleven new businesses to its town centre, contributing to 76 open businesses along the High Street with only seven vacancies.

That is a remarkably healthy occupancy rate by any standard, reflecting genuine confidence in the local economy.

For everyday essentials, major supermarkets including Tesco and Lidl are conveniently located within the town.

Forres also hosts a regular farmers’ market where you can purchase fresh, locally sourced produce and handcrafted goods. For a wider range of shopping options, Elgin is just a short drive away, home to larger retail parks and high-street brands.

Looking further ahead, the Forres Conservation and Heritage Scheme is set to invest over £3.3 million in town centre regeneration, funded through a combination of Historic Environment Scotland and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Plans include a new heritage interpretation trail, improved public spaces, increased landscaping along the High Street, and a shopfront improvement scheme to enhance the character of the historic town centre.

Outdoor and Recreational Activities

A thriving High Street boasting a 90% occupancy rate and a delightful mix of independent shops and major supermarkets.

Forres is a genuine haven for outdoor lovers, with a wealth of recreational activities that appeal to all ages, budgets, and abilities.

Grant Park, renowned for its award-winning floral displays and a multiple winner of the Scotland in Bloom competition, serves as a hub for community events and leisurely walks.

The nearby Findhorn Bay is perfect for kayaking, birdwatching, and scenic beach strolls.

Hiking enthusiasts can explore the Dava Way, a serene 24-mile path connecting Forres to Grantown-on-Spey through stunning Highland scenery.

For cyclists, the National Cycle Network offers well-maintained routes through the surrounding countryside.

History and whisky enthusiasts are well catered for too. Dallas Dhu Distillery, maintained in working order by Historic Environment Scotland, sits just south of the town, while the active Benromach Distillery with its visitor centre is a firm local favourite.

Brodie Castle, managed by the National Trust for Scotland, also adds a wonderful cultural dimension to life in the area.

Forres also supports a range of sports clubs, including Forres Mechanics Football Club and Forres Harriers for running enthusiasts, ensuring residents of all ages lead an active and fulfilling lifestyle.

Transport Links

Transport Links

Despite its rural charm, Forres is well-connected through a robust network of transport options.

Forres railway station offers regular ScotRail services to Inverness and Aberdeen, making it a very practical base for those commuting to larger urban centres.

For road travel, the A96 connects Forres directly to Inverness to the west and Aberdeen to the east.

Following a comprehensive corridor review and public consultation, full dualling of the A96 remains the Scottish Government’s favoured option as of 2026, with a final decision anticipated shortly. You can follow progress on the Transport Scotland website.

Completion of this project would significantly cut journey times for Forres residents.

Bus services are reliable, with routes serving both local and regional destinations.

Inverness Airport, located approximately 30 minutes by car, provides domestic flights and some international connections, making Forres surprisingly well-connected for a town of its size.

Culture and Community

A true haven for nature lovers, featuring the award-winning Grant Park and the serene 24-mile Dava Way trail.

Forres has a rich cultural heritage and an active community spirit, making it more than just a place to live.

The town boasts an active arts scene, highlighted by The Tolbooth, which hosts concerts, art exhibitions, and cultural workshops throughout the year.

The community calendar is packed with annual events, including the Forres Highland Games and the Findhorn Bay Festival, bringing locals together to celebrate their heritage and creativity.

The MacMoray Festival has also grown into Moray’s biggest music event, attracting large crowds to the area each summer.

Forres also has a long-standing connection to the internationally known Findhorn Foundation, an intentional community and eco-village just a short distance from the town, which adds a distinctive creative dimension to the wider community.

With numerous clubs and societies covering interests from gardening to historical reenactment, newcomers can quickly build connections and feel genuinely at home.

Employment and Job Opportunities

Perfectly positioned for commuters, with regular rail services to Inverness and Aberdeen and easy access to the A96.

Employment opportunities in Forres are becoming increasingly diverse, with the local economy showing real momentum heading into 2026.

The traditional pillars remain strong. RAF Lossiemouth and nearby Kinloss Barracks provide civilian roles and contractor positions, with the base employing over 2,200 personnel and having received significant Ministry of Defence investment in recent years.

Tourism, retail, and local government also continue to offer steady employment across the area.

What makes Forres particularly compelling for remote workers and those in creative or knowledge industries is the growing presence of world-class institutions on the doorstep.

The Glasgow School of Art’s Highlands and Islands campus, based at the Altyre Estate just outside Forres, launched GSA Rural Lab in April 2025, a pioneering interdisciplinary research centre exploring sustainable economies, cultural heritage, and place-driven innovation.

In 2025 the GSA also secured major UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council funding to establish a seven-year doctoral programme focused on Scotland’s rural creative economy, with the first cohort of PhD researchers beginning in September 2026.

This growing academic and innovation ecosystem is attracting talent and creating opportunities across design, digital health, bioscience, and sustainable enterprise.

Current vacancies across the area are advertised on S1 Jobs and Indeed, covering roles in healthcare, logistics, hospitality, and public services. Moray Council also publishes its own vacancies on MyJobScotland.

For those seeking broader opportunities, Inverness and Elgin are both within comfortable commuting distance, offering expanded options in healthcare, education, finance, and technology.

Healthcare and Wellness

A town rich in heritage and spirit, home to the famous Findhorn Foundation and the annual Forres Highland Games.

Forres offers quality healthcare facilities to support residents’ well-being, covering both medical and wellness needs.

The town’s main facility, Forres Health and Care Centre, offers a wide range of NHS services including GP appointments, dental care, and nursing support.

For hospital care, the nearby city of Elgin is home to Dr Gray’s Hospital, which serves the wider Moray area with a full range of inpatient and outpatient services.

Complementing traditional healthcare, Forres has a variety of wellness centres and fitness studios, including Kula Wellness for yoga and holistic health practices.

The Moray Leisure network provides further gym, swimming, and fitness facilities across the region, ensuring residents have everything they need to stay active and healthy.

Are You Interested in Moving to Forres?

With its charm, active investment programme, growing economy, and endless ways to get involved, Forres is one of the most exciting places to relocate to in Scotland right now.

We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights into life in the town and helped you feel prepared and excited about your new chapter.

Moving home is a significant undertaking, and before you can make Forres your new home, you will need a removal company you can trust.

Make sure you find one with the credentials, testimonials, and industry backing to prove it is reliable and careful with your belongings.

At White and Company Forres, we cover all these essential points and more. With over 150 years of experience, we are proud members of BAR (the British Association of Removers), and we have helped thousands of people relocate to and from the Highlands, across the UK, throughout Europe, and internationally.

After an in-person or virtual survey, we will provide a tailored, no-obligation quote to meet your individual needs. Give us a call today, and our friendly team will be happy to help.

Frequently Asked Questions: Moving to Forres

How affordable is the property market in Forres? As of April 2026, the average sold price for a home in Forres is approximately £205,000. While the town has seen a steady 1.5% rise in property values over the last twelve months, entry-level homes still start well below £100,000. Larger character properties can reach up to £770,000, which offers significant value compared to prices in major Scottish cities or the south of the UK.

Are there new schools being built in the area? Yes, major investments are currently underway for the town’s educational future. Plans were approved in early 2026 to relocate Forres Academy to a brand-new, purpose-built facility on Orchard Road. This new secondary school is targeted to open by autumn 2028.

What are the transport links like for commuters? Forres is very well-connected for those working in nearby urban centres. The local railway station provides regular ScotRail services to both Inverness and Aberdeen. For those travelling further afield, Inverness Airport is conveniently located approximately 30 minutes away by car.

What kind of employment opportunities can I expect? The local job market is increasingly diverse, supported by RAF Lossiemouth and Kinloss Barracks, which employ thousands of personnel. Additionally, Forres is becoming a hub for creative and knowledge industries, bolstered by the Glasgow School of Art’s GSA Rural Lab at Altyre Estate.

Is the local high street thriving? The town’s commercial health is remarkably strong, with a high street occupancy rate of roughly 90%. In 2024 and 2025 alone, eleven new businesses moved into the town centre. Residents have access to a mix of independent shops, artisan bakeries, and major supermarkets like Tesco and Lidl.

Max Peterson

Max is a seasoned writer and blogger in the real estate and home moving sectors, as well as a knowledgeable source of information for expatriates living and working abroad. His detailed insights have helped thousands of people move and live abroad with greater simplicity and ease.