Moving to Middlesbrough?!

[Bexyla]

Hi all,
Due to my husband’s job,we may be relocating from the Midlands to the Middlesbrough area.My father lived in Hartlepool so I know a little about the area,but I’m panicking as I really don’t know enough and have no family/ friends at all nearby!
Really hoping some local Mums might be able to help with some questions please :)

• I’m pregnant and consultant-led.What would be a good hospital to have the baby at (preferably with the option of a water birth)?
• I also have a 2.5-year-old son.What are some good nurseries?
• What Mum and baby/ toddler groups are there nearby?And similarly,what places nearby could I take my son for a day out?
• Maybe controversial!But where would be a good place to live in terms of schools/facilities/local area etc?Are there any places that are best avoided with a young family?We’ll be renting at first and I think our budget could be reasonably high,so we’re very happy to look at places that might be a little quieter/ outside of the main towns.
• I’m not sure if this is allowed,but are there any FB groups for Mums in the local area?I tried to post these questions in a couple of local community groups and they got declined.Feeling a little deflated and concerned that people don’t want to help me!

Thanks in advance,looking forward to hearing from you :)

I think you need to narrow down the area before you start looking at nursery etc. As I'm sure you are aware, it is a massively diverse region.

Are you wedded to 'Boro? Or might you move out of the city a bit? There are some lovely towns and villages to the East, South and West. How urban do you want to be? And equally, what is your budget, to get what?

2 major hospitals. University of North Tees (Stockton) and James Cook (Boro) for consultant lead.

Days out with toddlers: saltburn, Newham grange farm, soft play everywhere, swimming at various places (Splash used to be the best for Littlies, but think there is a good one in Darlo that might be shut currently), Preston park.
Toddler groups all over - narrow it down once you have an area.

Thanks for your reply :) I think narrowing down the area is the bit that’s causing the issue!We just don’t know as we don’t know much about the region.We’re looking for places anywhere up to 20 miles (ish) from Middlesbrough.
our budget would be from £700-1200 pcm for a 3+ bedroom house,with the intent to buy somewhere once we’re more settled.I guess it probably goes without saying,but we’re keen to avoid any areas of high crime/ neglected community spaces etc.
Thank you for the suggestions of activities too :) it’s nice to know there’s plenty there!
He’s really into trains,rides and nature (forest walks and anything with animals) at the moment,so we’d love to visit anything like that.