Moving to Darlington

[AbdSY]

Hi everyone,

I recently got an intern offer in Darlington, So I am considering moving down there. I just want to know how is the town in general, are there racism? Is it diverse? What about the Muslim community, any halal food etc?

Could you please tell me if it's a good town to go to for a couple of months of work experience?

Thank you so much!

It's probably the most diverse town in County Durham with a significant muslim community, mosque, and a number of Halal stores particularly around the centre and North Road area (worked in Darlington for years).

This is true and great - but sorry op, Darlington has to be one of the most depressing places ever.

Is there not somewhere else?

Thank you very much for the valuable information. Very helpful!

I have got 7 locations, including:
Doncaster, Darlington, Swansea, Rugeley, Dunfermline, Derby, and Mansfield.

So now I must go with 1 location for 4 months of work experience. I have never been to any of these cities/towns. I don’t really have a crazy lifestyle, as I can always come back home whenever I want to. But ye hopefully no red flags in Darlington because I am going to email recruiter tomorrow about it. If you have any tips or advice I am very grateful!
thanks for replying.

This is true and great - but sorry op, Darlington has to be one of the most depressing places ever.

I'd agree. Although I wouldn't be that keen to spend four months in any of the places on that list.

Saying Darlingtin is the most diverse place in Country Durham isn't saying much - it is a very white place.
Darlington would be fine. Derby is pretty diverse.
For 4 months, I'd go where ever is closest to home.

I used to work in Darlington whilst living in York. York is only 30 mins away in the train and I would suggest living there and commuting. Darlington has some nice areas, but in the whole is not a nice town.

I would choose Derby or Swansea on that list, university towns, a bit more going on.

@CatOnTheChair you're sadly right - it is a very white place, and has some significant social issues in the area (but is still alarmingly more culturally diverse than Durham city or other surrounding villages/towns).
Overall (as other posters have said), it's not a very nice town. I didn't want to go in heavy handed and say that right off the bat but to the OP, if you've got alternatives, I would consider those.

Hello,

I'm also considering moving to Darlington- is it really that depressing?

Have you visited it? What one person may find depressing, another won't. I'm assuming you're not moving there without having at least spent some time there?!

No, I'm planning a trip to the NE later this year. As well as Darlington, I'm considering Cramlington, parts of Newcastle and North Shields. Unfortunately I'm priced out of Alnwick, Hexham, Corbridge and Morpeth, which I really like...My priorities are good transport links and easy access to countryside. Any thoughts would be gratefully received.

I've lived in Hackney, Bethnal Green, New Cross and Handsworth, so Darlington looks a lot more appealing!

Cramlington has got excellent transport links and easy access to country side. Look up Northumberlandia in Cramlington.

Well I'm also moving up that way so following the thread.

My friend lives in Cramlington and she loves it!!

I've just come back and can rule out some areas but other areas are surprisingly lovely and definitely diverse.

I did-it's great, isn't it? All those cycle tracks are a selling point, as I hate traffic! And one goes all the way to Blyth beach...

I’m from Darlington originally and I don’t think it’s depressing but it entirely depends where you’re going to live. If you’ve got the budget then look for something in the West End. On a lower budget the West Park area is fairly nice and quiet area. Avoid Red Hall, the Denes, Firthmoor.

County Durham isn't a diverse area by any stretch of the imagination. Darlington probably more so but as others have said it is pretty depressing, run down etc. There are more upmarket parts of it however. Transport links to York, Newcastle and London are good though.
If you are only there for a couple of months I would say don't worry too much but agree with PP that Derby would be better option due to being a university town.

No it's not depressing at all

Darlington is fine, not depressing at all. I come from around there and have nothing but happy memories about Darlo.

Aren't a lot of government offices being moved there soon? I think it's in for a big change.

It's not depressing. People tar "oop norff" with a vision from the 70s.

It isn't like that anymore. There are pockets of trouble everywhere the UK. I live in Devon which people romanticise as a country cottages, cream teas and cathedrals. 😂

OP I've been typing in locations on Instagram and seeing what recent photos have been uploaded. I found area was just naked women with their baps out and another area was mainly cute spaniels and Barbour coats.

Fact: parts of Devon are very rough and parts of the NE are lovely. And visa versa

Just like everywhere else.

Yeah, a lot of Treasury jobs. The town is definitely on the up.

Very helpful, thanks!