Where to move to in the north?

[DamnUserName21]

Posting for info.
Single parent (1 DC Y8), work in healthcare, renting a one bed in SE. Cost of living ridiculous.
I'll never afford a mortgage in SE and renting is just getting more and more expensive.
I'm considering moving north but I don't even know where to start.
I don't drive so this place needs to have good transport links, a bit of culture, good secondaries, safe neighbourhoods, affordable rents, and near a beach!
Any ideas??

to all for the tips.

@Incywinceyspider

I've lived in both the North East and Wirral. My DM lives on the sunderland coast. IMO the beaches are better in the North East. Wirral beaches are good for dog walks but not paddling/sandcastles. However in terms of culture/transport/opportunities for young people give me the North West any day. Wirral still has the grammar school system, which you may want to bear in mind.

Wirral beaches are JUST FINE for sandcastles and paddling, I've lived here for over thirty five years and it's wonderful. Beaches, woodlands, common heathland, country parks, lots of different villages and towns. Reasonable bus and rail networks too. Quite a few hospitals as well, there should be job opportunities available somewhere. House costs vary substantially depending on where you look, the Wales side of Wirral is more expensive than the Liverpool side.

This house has a video in the listing that shows drone footage of one area of beach, we have walked there from West Kirby many times, it's fantastic. The views across to North Wales are lovely.