Hi i never noticed how old the post was, but i live just outside edinburgh,and know the area where stevenstons is, if i were you i would look into getting a flat or maybe even a house in either Broxburn, Uphall, West Calder, Uphall station, or Currie these are all nice surrounding villages a much nicer place to stay than the ones you mentioned and you should find somthing for £500 hope this helps