What is Consett like?

[OneNotDone]

We (me, DH, DD3 and DS 3mo) are hoping to relocate from east anglia to the north east as soon as possible.

While we wait for our house to sell I have been perusing Rightmove. I keep finding really well priced houses in Consett (I appreciate the north east is very well priced but Consett seems particularly so), which seem to be well kept too.

So my question is, what is it like?

I’ve heard the horror stories about the weather, it doesn’t bother me too much as I despise the heat where we are now and would rather not be sweating all the time.

I guess I’m really asking what it’s like for a young family. Where we live now I can walk to a couple of parks, a little Tesco, an Aldi, a baby group, nursery. I can drive to soft play and role play centers, get the bus into town, etc. Is that kind of lifestyle possible in Consett? Any areas better than others?

(We will try and get up there for a look as soon as we can, just want to get an idea whether to consider some of these houses)

Any responses appreciated

I live very near to Consett.

Within walking distance are various shops and supermarket and there are convenience shops within the different areas. There is also a role play centre and swimming pool within walking distance and a soft-play and sensory play centre within a short drive (no more than 10 minutes). There is a larger park in Consett town centre and then small play parks scattered throughout the town. The theatre is good value for panto and cinema and we have various cafes, both chain and independent. Lots of easily accessible walks as well.

The weather can be changeable :) but if you'll well prepared and have the correct tyres on your cam you should be fine. We get gritted on main routes as a priority and lots of people work together if people are stuck.

Shirley Bridge is posher than other areas, but like all places you need to research.

I live in the North East in a village not far from Consett and would not recommend living there, it's generally known as a bit if a shithole.

I'd be looking more at Morpeth, Kingston Park, Great Park, Burnopfield, Wylam or Prudhoe type of places.

As for the weather I've lived here my whole life so it's just normal to us but it's no where near as bad as southerners would make out. Heat waves aren't as bad, rain is just rainy days, the odd s ow day in winter. I imagine you'd be pleasantly surprised.