r/Glasgow Tools

Grew up here, moved abroad for a few years (study, work) and settled back.

There's aspects I really dislike about parts of the city: The general gritiness/dirtiness of much (though not all) of the city; transport isn't all joined up under one system so can become expensive/ isn't as intuitive as it could be; there's a sort of pervasive downbeat/gloominess bordering on fatalism from many older folks; the weather, which might partly explain the last point...

Besides that though, I do feel fairly lucky to have grown up in this city. It's a legit big city, whether in UK or European terms. Not on par with Paris, London, Berlin etc, but definitely competes with most other major metropolises in terms of what it offers.

Culture/arts/events-wise, Glasgow punches well above its weight and size. As the biggest city in Scotland, nearly all major international touring acts stop here, big and small. We have an absolutely fantastic local music scene, possibly best in the UK. Pubs, bars and affordable good quality restaurants galore.

We've got two massive football clubs, and loads of smaller ones. City run sports and gym venues are all around. Fantastic range of (free) museums. Huge student population (4 unis and several colleges in and around Glasgow). It's really a very lively, fun cosmopolitan city, with a lot going on.

Also just a short journey (1hr by train/car) to Loch Lomond and the start of the Highlands. Less than an hour away from Edinburgh too. Great selection of parks and nature walks/trips just outside the city too. If the hustle and bustle and general hard edgeness of the city centre gets too much, the West End (Where Glasgow Uni is) is almost like an entirely different city within a city.

So yeah, on balance I do feel quite fortunate to live here, the main positives being the vibrancy and variety of the city as a whole.