Tynemouth, Whitley Bay or Monkseaton?

[Thatswatshesaid]

We are moving to the northeast and are currently thinking of the coast. We have a 10 year old and a 7 year old. We have a budget of around 800 thousand. Our priorities are-
Good, nurturing, happy secondary school
Safe friendly neighbourhood
Transport links
Decent semi with a garage
Local culture and a artsy community vibe
If you were us where would you buy?

Tynemouth or Whitley bay are right on the coast, tynemouth more expensive but both have good schools and you’ll get a decent house with your healthy budget, more likely a detached.

Ouseburn? Gosforth? The coast is amazing and you could get the house you want with that budget but arty vibe is not how I would describe any of the coastal areas. The playhouse in Whitley Bay is more touring tribute acts, probably not what you're after!
Transport to Newcastle is faster from Tynemouth. Tbh, I don't think you can go too far wrong if you find a house you like and are willing to compromise on the arty vibe.

No decent secondary’s near ousburn but we will definitely frequent it for a pint and a sandwich!
Gosforth is an option but I’ve heard even thought the secondary performs well it’s not nurturing and they have some issues.

My DD is too young for me to have looked at secondary schools in any detail. You could try joining a couple of the local parents Facebook groups for more insight, they are a very friendly bunch. It's a three tier system in North Tyneside which people seem to like. I think there are three high schools serving the coast.

Schools aside you could buy a bigger house away from Tynemouth, but there are plenty of nice places within you budget in Tynemouth. Its busier down that end especially in summer, but there's surfing and plenty of bars. North get quieter and Whitley Bay has more 'proper shops' and is getting slowly renovated so there are some sad looking streets but on the whole the centre has everything you need. And an ice rink.

Whitley Bay. There’s not actually a lot to do in Tynemouth besides eating or drinking. Whitley Bay is attracting more and more independent shops and cafes and is becoming much more interesting and gentrified.

This one is right on the sea front in Whitely Bay and well under your budget www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/74793261#/

Forgot to add, that I would definitely choose Whitley Bay for a family.

@Random63638 It's not 3 tier in all of north Tyneside, just the coastal areas.

That house is very overlooked. Is the garden dank and dark or is that just me? I think you’d get far better slightly away from the actual coast road, which is pretty bonkers in summer.

Whitley Bay for a family. Tynemouth would be better for a couple than a family.

North Tyneside still have fixed catchment areas so I would look at the map on the council website to see if you are in your desired school catchment. Whitley Bay High (from y9) is well regarded locally.
There are streets between Whitley High and Valley Gardens Middle School close to Monkseaton metro and walkable to sea front and town centre without the issues that throws up. I have a friend who lives just off the sea front and on nice days her street gets ridiculously parked up.
I wouldn't describe the area as having an arty vibe but it's close to Newcastle.

Whitley Bay

@ExiledinIslington

North Tyneside still have fixed catchment areas so I would look at the map on the council website to see if you are in your desired school catchment. Whitley Bay High (from y9) is well regarded locally. There are streets between Whitley High and Valley Gardens Middle School close to Monkseaton metro and walkable to sea front and town centre without the issues that throws up. I have a friend who lives just off the sea front and on nice days her street gets ridiculously parked up. I wouldn't describe the area as having an arty vibe but it's close to Newcastle.

Thank you this is very useful!

Looking like we will probably go for Whitley Bay. The main issue now is the schools are over subscribed so may be hard to get in mid year.

We’ve lived in Whitley Bay for 15 years. Agree it is a lovely place for a family. DH describes Tynemouth as “twee” and Whitley as somewhere for living. certainly good for a family. I’ve DC in year 6 and 8 and a huge fan of the schools. you’ll struggle to find a bad first school in Whitley. They feed into 4 middle schools ( catchment system ) and 2 high schools. Starting mid term Marine is a lovely first school, but 3 class entry so a bit more churn than some of the others. Valley and Marden are the bigger middles and again more likely to have spaces midterm. Most of the kids there will be heading to Whitley High which is the preferred high school. No direct experience of WBHS yet but only heard good things.
They certainly can’t be many places much better than Whitley Bay to have been locked down in I reckon.