Any advice on moving long distance / across the UK?

[Yorkyyorkyork]

We have decided to move long distance (South East to North East). It's so exciting but before we embark on the house hunt....how do we know / what steps can we take to ensure we end up on a half decent road?

Obviously we can't nip out and drive around at different hours and we won't know anyone local who can offer advice on the street / area.

I know I can check out crime stats per street - but is that all I can do? 😊

Rent first?
Go for a weeks holiday in the area you wat to live in, so you can have a look at several different times of day?

Go for a weeks holiday in the area you wat to live in, so you can have a look at several different times of day? that's a good idea! We've just come back from a week there but didn't look around any specific areas. Although we have ruled a few out 😂

Would you be willing to share the location you want to move to? You might get more insider knowledge from people who live there or have links there. My ILs live in Sunderland and there are lovely places to live there. I honestly don't understand why it gets such bad rep; yes there are some rough parts but there are so many lovely places too and so much fascinating history. Transport links are great and Newcastle, Durham are a stone's throw away. Also, SO. MUCH. GREEN and the beach! My DH would never want to move back but if I compared where we live now in the SE to the lovely parts of Sunderland, I'd move in a heartbeat.

Stay in the area for a week if poss, definitely over a weekend. Drive around in the evenings. Look at local shops — do they look run down. Litter in the streets, number of police in town centre.
Check crime in the area https://www.adt.co.uk/crime-in-my-area
Local school Ofsted reports.