Moving up to, down to, across to, or within the North East of England you will find plenty of useful information in this guide to moving to the North East.
With county, main city, and the largest town guides, you will be able to compare schools, find out how safe it is to live there, the average commuter times, what the job market is like, how good the local transport links are, what the average property prices are, and what the average rental costs are within the North East of England, everything that is important to know for a home move.
And at the end of this guide, you will find links to many useful websites giving you all the information you need for any location within the North East of England.
But first, you will want to know the pros and cons of moving to the North East.
The North East of England is attracting many people to move home there and it is easy to see why.
The Pros of Moving to the North East Of England
Investment and regeneration. In recent years there has been plenty of both, not just by local improvements such as better play areas, but real investment by some big-name companies. Many town and city centres are being modernised and new houses being built. Quaysides are being revamped into leisure hot spots with some very desirable apartments.
Jobs. To say there are no jobs in the North East would be inaccurate. In fact, many sectors of the digital industry are moving to, or have moved to, the North East. And companies such as Nissan have created tens of thousands of jobs in the North East. Scientific research, chemical processing, printable electronics, distribution, and of course tourism, are all major employers in the North East.
Stunning countryside. From the Northumberland Coast to the North Pennines, Keider Forest and Park, to Durham Heritage Coast, and Hadrians Wall, to Whitley Bay, there are some beautiful places to spend your leisure time.
House Prices. The North East of England has housing that caters to all budgets and has some of the cheapest property to be found anywhere in the UK.
The people. People from the North East are incredibly friendly and helpful. In fact, complete strangers will even talk to you, something that you may find strange and a little unsettling if you come from London. But the locals are rightfully incredibly proud of their heritage and culture and will welcome you with open arms if you make the effort to integrate into the local community.
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Cost of living. This is in the cons section because you will soon to get used to the lower prices than you would normally expect to pay in many parts of the UK. Wages generally may be lower, but the cost of living is too, and you may actually find that you have a disposable income at the end of each month. Having to decide what amazing attraction, beautiful coastal town, which huge shopping centre to visit next, or which critically acclaimed restaurant to spend that spare cash in could cause you undue stress.
OK, so the North East is colder and wetter than many parts of the UK. But now you will be able to afford quality winter weather clothing, so it will not be a problem. And if you are moving from certain parts of the UK to the North East, the weather may even be a pleasant change.
One of the drawbacks to moving to the North East is that the beaches are beautiful golden sand not pebbles like some in the South East of England for example. So it will be a nightmare getting your beach towel clean.
That’s it. There are thousands of negatives you can read about the North East on any number of websites. But you can apply many of those negatives to nearly every part of the UK. And just look at the date of some of those ‘worst place to live’ studies, they are years old. The North East can be a great place to live. One man’s rubbish is another man’s treasure as they say. The North East really does offer something for everyone from city centre living to remote rural farmhouses.
Picture postcard scenery, many villages within easy commuting distance of the large cities, and welcoming locals make Northumberland a very attractive place to move to.
A beautiful coastline, amazing scenery, history, and culture can all be found in one of the country’s finest counties. The country attracts many tourists who come to enjoy the many attributes of the county. Northumberland has a culture which is unique in many aspects, but also shares many aspects with lowland Scotland, for example, the local word bairn, meaning child. Northumberland is primarily rural with a very low population density. The education system within Northumberland is comprehensive with 15 state schools, 1 independent school, and 2 academies.
Learn more about each of the 5 most popular places to move to in Northumberland below:
Whether you are looking for a Victorian villa, an Edwardian terraced home, or a new build, Blyth has a good selection of homes to suit most tastes and budgets. Much of Blyth has been regenerated, with many new build homes, and a result of which is the Keel Row Shopping centre, whilst there are many more shops in the main shopping streets. There is a vast selection of places to eat and drink too, as well as a great park with a children’s play area and tennis courts. Blyth has a large stretch of sandy beach which is popular with surfers. There are 10 state primary schools, and 2 state secondary schools. Commuting to Newcastle is easy, and via the A189, Newcastle is only 15 miles away, whilst about 24 miles away is Sunderland. There are no passenger rail services from Blyth.
What are the average property prices in Blyth?
Detached houses: £209,866
Semi-detached houses: £122,702
Terraced homes: £106,302
What is the average property rental cost in Blyth?
1 bed £338
2 bed £417
3 bed £565
4 bed £600
Is it safe to live in Blyth? For the latest crime statistics in Blyth visit www.police.uk
Cramlington was designated as a new town back in the mid-1960s, although its history dates back to the 12th century. For commuters, Cramlington is under 10 miles from Newcastle, and about 19 miles from Gateshead and Sunderland. Cramlington train services will get you to Newcastle (on average taking 15 minutes) and Gateshead (average journey time of under 30 minutes) and Sunderland (about 50 minutes). Cramlington has a few large local industrial zones which are home to some major pharmaceutical companies who are major employers in the area. Cramlington has a leisure centre, a golf club, and a large cycle path network. Within Cramlington are 11 Primary schools and 6 secondary schools.
What are the average property prices in Cramlington?
Detached houses: £257,294
Semi-detached houses: £148,581
Terraced homes: £124,916
What is the average property rental cost in Cramlington?
1 bed £347
2 bed £465
3 bed £600
4 bed £550
Is it safe to live in Cramlington? For the latest crime statistics in Cramlington visit www.police.uk
Once known as the largest mining town in the world, Ashington is one of the largest towns in Northumberland, and a popular commuter town to Newcastle. There is a museum, a heritage trail, a leisure centre, and two country parks in Ashington, whilst the coast is only about 3 miles away. There is a great range of local shops and a market every Tuesday. The nearest rail station is 3 miles away in Pegswood with services to Newcastle, Morpeth, and Cramlington. The A189 connects Ashington with Blyth (8 miles away), North Tyneside (16 miles away) and Newcastle (18 miles away), whilst the A19 links to South Tyneside (21 miles) and the A1(M). Newcastle is the nearest international airport (18 miles away), whilst in Newcastle, you can also get a ferry to Norway or Rotterdam. There are 3 primary schools, 7 joint primary and secondary schools, 3 secondary schools, and Northumberland College provides further education in Ashington.
What are the average property prices in Ashington?
Detached houses: £197,519
Semi-detached houses: £111,589
Terraced homes: £72,151
What is the average property rental cost in Ashington?
1 bed £308
2 bed £395
3 bed £484
4 bed £608
Is it safe to live in Ashington? For the latest crime statistics in Ashingtion visit www.police.uk
Bedlington is just 22 miles from Sunderland, about 10 miles from Newcastle and about 5 miles from Morpeth. Bedlington has 2 secondary schools, 3 primary schools, and 2 first schools. Things to do in Bedlington include visits to Plessey Woods Country Park, and Gallagher Park, there is a golf club, a woodland art trail, indoor children’s play centre, and The Box Wood Tap is a great place to sample a range of beers. Regeneration of the town centre in Bedlington is scheduled to start soon which will provide a range of new stores and jobs for the local community.
What are the average property prices in Bedlington?
Detached houses: £228,773
Semi-detached houses: £124,247
Terraced homes: £87,761
What is the average property rental cost in Bedlington?
1 bed £355
2 bed £405
3 bed £515
4 bed £525
Is it safe to live in Bedlington? For the latest crime statistics in Bedlington visit www.police.uk
Morpeth is a historic market town with a fantastic range of independent shops along every cobbled street. Morpeth still holds a traditional market every Wednesday, and a farmers market once a month. Newcastle is just 16 miles away by car and about 20 minutes by train, whilst Sunderland is only 30 miles via the A19, or less than an hour by train. Newcastle International Airport is less than a half hours drive from Morpeth. In Morpeth, there is a bagpipe museum, an arts and crafts gallery, Carlisle Park in which to go boating, bowling or play tennis, or wander around the beautiful Turner Garden. Morpeth hosts the Northumberland Gathering which is a 3 day festival of concerts and events. The beautiful seven miles of sandy beach at Druridge Bay is only 20 minutes from Morpeth. Morpeth has several first schools and two middle schools.
What are the average property prices in Morpeth?
Detached houses: £341,336
Semi-detached houses: £171,182
Terraced homes: £188,053
What is the average property rental cost in Morpeth?
1 bed £487
2 bed £580
3 bed £726
4 bed £1,148
Is it safe to live in Morpeth? For the latest crime statistics in Morpeth visit www.police.uk
History, culture, great shopping and stunning scenery at every turn make County Durham a popular place to live.
County Durham will give you lots to explore in your free time. From the Durham Dales where you can wander around historic market towns and villages, to the beautiful Durham Coast, visits to Durham Castle, and Durham Cathedral, as well as the famous Beamish museum and North Pennines, you will find plenty to keep you occupied.
Darlington is a historic market town with a mainly pedestrianised town centre where you can find many independent stores and cafes down the numerous narrow side streets. There is much regeneration in Darlington which will not only restore many of the beautiful Victorian buildings, but provide a new multiplex cinema, many new homes, a college, and a university campus. Darlington has great road links with the A1(M) running close by. Newcastle is about 38 miles away, Sunderland 39 miles via the A1(M) and Middlesborough is just 17 miles away. There are regular rail services to many major towns and cities including Newcastle (35 minutes), Leeds (about 60 minutes) and London Kings Cross (about two and a half hours). Newcastle Airport is 43 miles away whilst Leeds Bradford Airport is just over 60 miles away. Darlington has about 30 primary schools, 8 secondary schools, and 2 colleges of further education.
What are the average property prices in Darlington?
Detached houses: £251,977
Semi-detached houses: £144,143
Terraced homes: £103,866
What is the average property rental cost in Darlington?
1 bed £410
2 bed £450
3 bed £542
4 bed £849
Is it safe to live in Darlington? For the latest crime statistics in Darlington visit www.police.uk
Hartlepool is 33 miles from Newcastle via the A19, just 17 miles from Sunderland, and 8 miles from Middlesborough. There are hourly train services to Newcastle (45 minutes), Sunderland (30 minutes) and Middlesborough (about 35 minutes). Trains to London take about three and a half hours. Hartlepool has 5 secondary schools, a college of further education, a Sixth Form College, and a campus of the Northern School of Art. There is a multiplex cinema and a large shopping centre with supermarkets and a number of major high street chain stores within Hartlepool. You will find plenty to do in Hartlepool, there is the National Museum of the Royal Navy, HMS Trincomalee, Hartlepool Quayside, The Teesmouth national nature reserve, and a beautiful sandy beach at Seaton Carew.
What are the average property prices in Hartlepool?
Detached houses: £230,837
Semi-detached houses: £130,655
Terraced homes: £77,497
What is the average property rental cost in Hartlepool?
1 bed £376
2 bed £406
3 bed £476
4 bed £577
Is it safe to live in Hartlepool? For the latest crime statistics in Hartlepool visit www.police.uk
Stockton is a market town with the widest high street in the UK, which is where you will find the largest outdoor market in the North East of England every Wednesday and Saturday. Additionally, there are two shopping centres and numerous independent shops within Stockton. Locally, Butterfly World is a must visit, as is Ropner Park, and Wynrad Woodland Park. Middlesborough is just 8 miles away via the A66, and Darlington is just 10 miles away from Stockton. Rail services to Middlesborough take about 15 minutes and Darlington 25 minutes. Within Stockton are 20 primary schools, 4 secondary schools, and two colleges of further education. There are major plans for regenerating the Tees Valley between Stockton and Middlesborough with the aim of bringing more businesses, homes, and shops to the area.
What are the average property prices in Stockton-on-Tees?
Detached houses: £206,056
Semi-detached houses: £134,168
Terraced homes: £98,270
What is the average property rental cost in Stockton-on-Tees?
1 bed £375
2 bed £457
3 bed £524
4 bed £621
Is it safe to live in Stockton-on-Tees? For the latest crime statistics in Stockton visit www.police.uk
The magnificent Durham Cathedral and world-class Durham University dominate this small, beautiful, historic city of cobbled streets. Aside from the historic buildings, there are plenty of unique shops to explore, two shopping centres, some great pubs and restaurants, and stunning countryside, as well as beautiful sandy beaches right on your doorstep. Durham has a good mix of housing types from new build family homes, to period townhouses, to terraced homes (although the majority of these are let to students at the university), to large detached homes, and even a few mansions. Durham is also surrounded by many beautiful villages such as Shincliffe and Newton Hall which are popular with commuters. Commuting to Newcastle by car via the A1(M) is about 19 miles, the train takes about 20 minutes. Sunderland via the A690 is about 14 miles away and about 40 minutes train journey time. Darlington is about 25 miles via the A1(M) whilst the train journey is less than 20 minutes. Durham University is the third oldest university in the UK and has an international reputation as an excellent place to study. There are also a couple of colleges, about 10 primary schools, 5 secondary schools and 3 independent schools in Durham.
What are the average property prices in Durham?
Detached houses: £264,361
Semi-detached houses: £156,353
Terraced homes: £131,328
What is the average property rental cost in Durham?
1 bed £618
2 bed £800
3 bed £740
4 bed £923
Is it safe to live in Durham? For the latest crime statistics in Durham visit www.police.uk
Chester-le-Street is a historic market town set amidst rugged countryside. Chester-le-Street is regarded as a very desirable place to live due to its good schools, the ease of access to Newcastle and Durham, a great range of local shops, and because the North Pennines, Durham Dales, and the Northumberland coast are within easy reach. Street markets are held every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday and there is a shopping centre with many high street brand stores. There are 7 primary schools and 2 secondary schools in Chester-le-Street. Durham is less than 8 miles from Chester-le-Street, and the train will get you there in around 7 minutes. Newcastle is 13 miles from Chester-le-Street and the average train journey to Newcastle is just 15 minutes. Trains to Sunderland take less than 50 minutes and by car, it is only 13 miles. In 2018 plans were revealed for the major redevelopment of the town centre to improve transport links, regenerate old buildings, provide more open spaces, and create a retail experience that will attract more visitors.
What are the average property prices in Chester-le-Street?
Detached houses: £306,913
Semi-detached houses: £154,475
Terraced homes: £113,577
What is the average property rental cost in Chester-le-Street?
1 bed £457
2 bed £494
3 bed £556
4 bed £625
Is it safe to live in Chester-le-Street? For the latest crime statistics in Chester visit www.police.uk
Tyne and Wear offers you the best of both worlds. Exciting city life or a quiet rural village.
Tyne and Wear has much to offer people looking to relocate there. From sandy beaches on the North Sea coast to the many sites of Roman history, to some stunning countryside, a variety of museums and galleries, and a vast array of shopping opportunities. Choose from living in a fisherman’s cottage in a small coastal village or in a modern apartment in a quayside warehouse development, there are options to suit every lifestyle and budget. The major towns all have great transport links so commuting is generally easy, enabling you to get to the largest employment centres in Tyne and Wear, such as Nissan in Sunderland, Gateshead College, and Sage Group in Newcastle. Tyne and Wear has access to an International Airport in Newcastle, train services to most of the main rail stations around the UK, as well as the A1 which runs from Edinburgh to London.
Newcastle offers you an unrivaled number of bars, clubs, and restaurants, with an incredibly vibrant nightlife catering to the huge number of students and visitors to Newcastle. And nearly everywhere in the city is within walking distance. But there is so much more to Newcastle, with a vast array of music venues, galleries, and museums, those looking for culture in their leisure time will not be left wanting. The range of shops and leisure facilities is some of the best in the country, whilst stunning beaches and beautiful countryside are within easy reach of Newcastle. Newcastle is well connected to the rest of the UK by rail and Newcastle has one of the busiest railway stations in the UK. From Newcastle, the A1 will take you to London and Edinburgh, the A19 to Sunderland, and the A69 to Carlisle. Newcastle International Airport is just 7 miles outside of Newcastle, whilst the ferry terminal has services to Amsterdam. Newcastle has 2 universities, 2 small colleges as well as the main Newcastle College, over 70 primary schools, around 20 secondary schools, and 7 independent schools.
What are the average property prices in Newcastle?
Detached houses: £337,345
Semi-detached houses: £183,099
Terraced homes: £174,965
What is the average property rental cost in Newcastle?
1 bed £575
2 bed £686
3 bed £832
4 bed £1,093
Is it safe to live in Newcastle? For the latest crime statistics in Newcastle visit www.police.uk
The River Wear courses through the centre of Sunderland splitting the city into two halves. The majority of people live in the southern half of the city, with most of the suburbs of Sunderland stretching out to the West. There are 3 road bridges that connect north and south Sunderland. Most locals choose to travel by the Metro which is a light railway that serves local transport needs via 60 stations in Newcastle, Sunderland, Gateshead, North Tyneside, and South Tyneside. The metro will get you from Sunderland to Newcastle in about half an hour. Sunderland has a railway station with services to many major towns and cities across the UK. The A19 from Sunderland joins with the A1 to Edinburgh, and southbound will connect you to the M1 motorway. Sunderland has about 5 Junior and infant schools, over 50 primary schools, 18 secondary schools, and a college of further education. There are certainly plenty of things to occupy your spare time in and around Sunderland. Roker and Seaburn Beaches are ideal for a lazy day on the beach, or a stroll along the promenade or cliff tops. Herrington Country Park offers a variety of walks, 3 lakes, a BMX track, children play area and a café. Sunderland also has a couple of museums, Hylton Castle, Penshaw Monument (which is a half-size replica of the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens), as well as many many other places to visit.
What are the average property prices in Sunderland?
Detached houses: £258,470
Semi-detached houses: £142,977
Terraced homes: £109,435
What is the average property rental cost in Sunderland?
1 bed £415
2 bed £507
3 bed £583
4 bed £603
Is it safe to live in Sunderland? For the latest crime statistics in Sunderland visit www.police.uk
Gateshead has predominately post war 3 and 4 bedroom homes, whilst the villages and outskirts tend to have more Edwardian and Victorian homes. If you are looking for apartments and penthouses then the quayside in Gateshead will give you plenty of choices. Just outside Gateshead on the A1, you will find the Metrocentre which is a shoppers paradise, although the city centre does have a range of stores too. Gateshead is connected to Sunderland via the A184 which runs through the city, as does the A1 which goes to Edinburgh and London. Sunderland is about 13 miles from Gateshead via the A184 and Newcastle is just 3 miles away via the A189. People tend to use the metro which links Gateshead to South Shields, Tynemouth, Sunderland (about 30 minutes), Newcastle (under 20 minutes) and Newcastle Airport (under 30 minutes). There are many primary schools in Gateshead, 10 secondary schools, 2 independent primary schools, an independent girls-only high school, an independent all-through school, and a college. Locally there are many things to do including Watergate Forest Park, the Baltic Centre of Contemporary Art, the Sage, Saltwell Park, and famously, Gateshead is home to the iconic Angel of the North.
What are the average property prices in Gateshead?
Flats: £108,561
Semi-detached houses: £152,573
Terraced homes: £138,428
What is the average property rental cost in Gateshead?
1 bed £586
2 bed £703
3 bed £847
4 bed £1,092
Is it safe to live in Gateshead? For the latest crime statistics in Gateshead visit www.police.uk
A favourite place to live because of the metro links to Newcastle just 12 miles away, the fact that South Shields is one of the most popular seaside towns, and that housing prices offer great value for money. South Shields has a sandy beach, a great range of chain stores and independent shops, numerous restaurants and pubs, and a weekly market. There is plenty to keep you occupied in South Shields, there are water sports, a couple of golf courses, a leisure centre, a Museum and Art Gallery, an extensive network of footpaths and cycle routes, and a number of traditional seaside resort attractions. There are over 20 primary schools, 4 secondary schools, and a college of further education in South Shields. Most commuters make use of the metro to Sunderland and Newcastle. By car, it is just under 9 miles to Sunderland via the A183, and 12 miles to Newcastle via the A184.
What are the average property prices in South Shields?
Flats: £109,495
Semi-detached houses: £158,036
Terraced homes: £123,966
What is the average property rental cost in South Shields?
1 bed £402
2 bed £491
3 bed £554
4 bed £750
Is it safe to live in South Shields? For the latest crime statistics in South Shields visit www.police.uk
Tynemouth is a charming seaside resort but retains a village atmosphere rather than the atmosphere of a highly popular resort that it is. Victorian architecture, long sandy beaches and a good range of independent stores attract many visitors. In recent years however it is the range of great places to eat that is attracting many people to the town, and the annual Tynemouth Food Festival reinforces this. From flats to terraces, to detached and semi-detached homes there is a good range of homes available within Tynemouth. Kings Priory School offers education for pupils aged 4 to 19. Via the A1058 Newcastle is under 10 miles away, and Sunderland is 14 miles via the A19. The Metro to Newcastle takes under 25 minutes.
What are the average property prices in Tynemouth?
Flats: £190,953
Semi-detached houses: £373,987
Terraced homes: £370,829
What is the average property rental cost in Tynemouth?
1 bed £511
2 bed £623
3 bed £778
4 bed £1,043
Is it safe to live in Tynemouth? For the latest crime statistics in Tynemouth visit www.police.uk
The average cost of living: What is the average cost of living in the North East? Visit www.expatistan.com where average prices for various everyday items are regularly updated.
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