Living in Blyth or Ashington, Northumberland

[SandieJ]

Hi everyone,
Me and my OH are considering a move to the coast not too far from Newcastle and I'd like to know what Blyth and Ashington are like. Does anyone live there or have family there that could tell us a little about the area? Things like the best areas or areas to avoid.
Thank you 😊

Cramlington is slightly more upmarket ?

I'd chose blyth over ashington

Bedlington also an option ?

Def Blyth over Ashington, gets nicer further up the coast, Amble, Alnwick and the villages in between all very nice places to live. Cram has nicer bits- lots of new estates and roundabouts. Feel free to link to specific houses for advice. Generally Ashington is cheap for a reason, town centre is bleak.

I would say they are both quite deprived areas, I've worked in both. Blyth was historically a shipping town and Ashington mining, both industries went into decline and the towns did too.

What attracts you to the area, house prices? There are some really great houses in both areas but i always felt both areas were a bit depressing and sad. Blyth has developed part of its shore line which is nice.

Blyth is easy into Newcastle for work and the beach area is lovely and the people nice even if it's not a wealthy area

Rough. Both of them.

If you can, try to go a little further north. South Northumberland is pretty deprived and has the various associated issues you'd expect.

Maybe look at Newbiggin as well

I can't say this strongly enough, STAY AWAY FROM ASHINGTON. It's a complete shithole.

Northumberland local here but not near either. I would not move to Ashington if they gave me a free house.

Blyth definitely has some nice bits but it's still quite deprived.

Why have you narrowed it down to blyth and Ashington particularly?

What is your budget like for housing?

Not Ashington! Highest crime for any Northumberland town. Run down now as well.
Blyth is better but I’d go north if you can.

Both absolute shit holes! I wouldn't live in either if you paid me

Why Blythe and Ashington?

Whitley Bay, Cramlington, North Shields (parts of), or slightly south, South Shields, Boldon (village). All nicer.

Blyth and Ashington are not the best regarded locally, they can be a bit rough. Blyth has more nice bits than Ashington.

Looking at affordable areas, Cramlington is alright- not the most beautiful place but built around lots of green areas and cycle paths which is actually really nice. Good primary schools and a decent secondary. Well connected transport wise

If you’re open to villages, Pegswood is just outside Morpeth (slightly “posher” market town) and is nice, you also have the potential of sending kids to the high school in Morpeth which is rated outstanding iirc.

As others have said, I’d avoid Ashington like the plague. Some of the new house estates in Blyth are okay, but the town centre isn’t great. What’s your budget and what are you looking for - we might be able to suggest some other places?

Blyth if you must but cramlington would be better. Crossing into north Tyneside would be the best move.

Does anyone know what Northumberland College at Ashington is like? Is it rough as well?

Why there?

What's your budget?

Blyth was/is the heroin capital of England

Probably was because In the 1980s something like 25% unemployed- it was tough
But that was a long time ago

It hasn't changed. Stand still long enough and they'll nick the laces from your shoes

Well that's not my experience, - I always feel safe there and the family who live there are very happy

I've covered most of Northumberland in my work, I'd not live in either Blyth or Ashington if you paid me. Ashington is often referred to as Ashganistan

Gawd help you if you ever meet me then

Lock up yer valuables and watch out for my drug induced rages

I find the attitude to blyth rather offensive and ignorant

Yes Morpeth might be nicer - well richer - more expensive and drugs follow the money

Yeh you have nailed the attitude of the people that live there. Avoid at all costs OP

Blyth very much on the up and has some lovely bits. The area is getting the railway line reopened, trains into Newcastle in minutes. Lovely beaches nearby. Newbiggin by the Sea is charming and unspoiled.