Used to live in Knightswood just south of Garscadden Railway Station, which is the nicer end next to Scotstounhill. Area was fine, but there’s nothing really within walking distance and there are some of the neighbouring areas are a bit rougher.
Been house-hunting recently ourselves and would suggest Bishopbriggs would suit your criteria. Looked at a couple up there, but as we both work south of the river, we’ve decided on Shawlands. Alternatively, if you didn’t mind being further out of the city and getting a bit more bang for you buck, there’s a few villages just North, like Strathblane.
Just a heads up, if you’re moving from England you should make sure you understand the Scottish buying process. We’ve seen a few houses go for up to 20% over the “offers over” list price, which was 10% over the valuation, so would have needed an extra £20K laying about! Bit of a seller’s market at the moment.
Biking wise, you’ve got Mugdock, Cathkin Braes and Carron Valley for a quick muck around in the evenings. Kilpatrick Hills have a few routes too. Within an hours drive, you’ve got both Aberfoyle and Ardgarten. Glentress is less than 2 hours too.