Advice on moving to Durham

[Shivva]

Hello everyone,

I don’t have kids but have been told this is a great place to get information.

I moved to the uk from Ireland almost four years ago for a job in Romford. Sadly the job has come to an end and now I’m considering moving up north (Durham) for cheaper housing as it’s so expensive down here. But I’m really nervous & unsure whether it’s the right move or not! I’ve been for a week to Durham it seems like a friendly place.

My main questions would the people of Durham be friendly to outsiders? I’m not being rude asking this question, but unfortunately people aren’t always nice to outside people. So would like to know before going down route of buying something as it’s a lengthy process and I’m moving by myself.

Also what’s the nicest & safest areas to buy in for a single person with a dog?

Thanks in advance

Does it have to be Durham? I love the city and lived in the centre as a student but it does have a bit of an 'us and them' vibe in some places. I think Teesside is very lovely and friendly. Saltburn is fab for walks and the coast is beautiful along here.

Durham and the North East are great but varied, where to go completely depends on what you want, city, coast, country, suburb? Presumably commuting distance might come into it too.

The north east is noticeably more friendly than the south, IMO. People say hello and chat at the bus stop. There was a thread on here recently about areas in Durham to avoid. You could probably afford Newcastle if you wanted somewhere more urban. My mum lives about 2 miles from the city centre in a huge 3 bed house, 100ft garden in a good area near the top schools, her house is only worth £260K on a good day.

Does it have to be Durham? Loads of nice places to live in NE (inc parts of Durham).

Half the population of Durham City is outsiders as the university and hospital are the main employers. So long as you avoid Sherburn road and some of the heavily student areas, you can't go wrong within the city and immediate surroundings.

I moved to Nw Durham a couple of years ago, I love it. Lots of friends and a wonderful sense of community.

I have family in Durham and absolutely love it there; if we were to return to England that's where we'd go (and we'd definitely be outsiders).

To reference the 'us and them' mentioned by a PP, I have heard of this from family but only in context to uni students, of whom a minority aren't always as respectful of their host city and its residents as they might be. Sadly the few bad apples give the whole barrel a bad name.

My main questions would the people of Durham be friendly to outsiders? I’m not being rude asking this question, but unfortunately people aren’t always nice to outside people.

I think that statement alone means that you’re buying into the stereotype of an insular north east and not the international city that it is.
Do you really think everyone who works and studies at durham university is from durham? Or the people who work at the hospitals? Or the science parks?

I think durham is a friendly place but obviously there is not as much on as in Newcastle. It s also quite expensive compared to other places in the north east.

Generally speaking it's friendly up north OP!

Are you looking to rent or buy? Do you have a budget in mind because then I’m sure we can suggest areas that may be suitable.

@growinggreyer it doesn’t have to be right in Durham or Durham at all actually it’s just that someone suggested it to me as a cheaper option for housing

@OakleyStreetisnotinChelsea I like a bit of everything I like to be close enough to an airport too I drive so don’t mind travelling one of my main concerns would be my dog I want a safe place for him while I have to work.

@Cherrysoup that sounds lovely where your mum is and love the sound of her garden. Sadly though way out of my price range I wish I could afford that then would probably stay down here as an easy option instead of having to move so far

@BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz No it doesn’t have to be Durham suggestions are very much welcomed 🙂

@PickAChew ok thanks.

@Gilead thanks

@ImInStealthMode to be honest I’m more so referring to the locals and where I’m coming from is back home there are some old schoolers that are quite rude and in accepting of new comers. I would hate to move to a place like that so I suppose I’m trying to find out if the locals would be accepting to outsiders or not. Even though it’s a uni city.

@PotteringAlong I wouldn’t say I’m buying into a stereotype I’m more so trying to decide if I’m making the right choice or not as it’s a big mistake to make if it turns out to be one. I don’t know much about the NE that’s why I’m looking for advice all I know is the house prices are cheaper. You can get a beautiful house & garden up that way for the same price as a 1 bed flat down here.

Think I’ve answered everyone if not sorry but thanks for feedback

Main questions

1. What areas should I avoid cause everywhere has them?
2. Main areas to consider?
3. Best places for animals?
4. Is it easy enough to find work?

What's your budget?

We moved to a village in Durham where most of the people have lived for their whole lives. It’s the friendliest place we have ever lived. Neighbours are just fantastic. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Durham.

If you want to be within public transport to an airport I'd suggest Chester le Street or Thornaby.

What’s your budget?
Do you want to live in the town, country or coast? If you don’t drive then living on the metro system would make sense.
What work do you want to do?

Darlington. Green spaces, good transport links.

Budget: I would like to if possible keep it under 150.000

I do drive and don’t mind driving to see or explore other areas.

I would like to be close enough to countryside & parks while being close enough to drive to at least one beach as I love the beach. Would like to be close enough to a city but not right in middle of it

Places I’ve been looking at are pity me, Carrville, framwellgatemore, Belmont

I would suggest the outer west of Newcastle, loads of affordable housing, close to the city centre but also right on the edge of Northumberland and masses of countryside. Close to the airport, 10 minute taxi ride. Easy access to the coast, and to the A1.

I think whilst Durham City is historically and architecturally stunning it doesn't offer much else, the shopping in particular is abysmal. The North East is generally very friendly but there are better places than Durham.

Apols I think I started the rumour you didn't drive

Prospect Terrace, Eighton Banks, NE9
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-85461046.html

Eighton Banks is nice - close to the A1, about 15 mins from newcastle, 20 mins from durham and 25 mins from the beach.

£150k will not go far in places like Fram!

We are relocating to the north east.
Low fell and other areas west of Newcastle are affordable. Darlington, Sunderland, seaham all seem affordable too.

Consett is a growing town near Durham with a not-great name, but there are good parts to it and some stunning views. This is the view from mine this Winter and my house is 3 bed with a huge garage conversion and cost 117k. There are decent schools (Primary and Secondary) nearby and the Metro Centre is fairly close for decent shopping. The town centre itself is fairly run down and dead but overall a nice enough place to live and your money will go quite far.