Relocating to the North-East

[Tralee]

We need to move from Berkshire to the North-East (DH now working in Gateshead). I'm very excited - the countryside is beautiful, there seems to be hardly any traffic compared with down south, and anyway I have itchy feet! My sons are recently fledged and launched so I don't need to consider toddler groups or schools, but although we've done a huge amount of driving around and quite a lot of house viewing I would really value insider knowledge on specific areas. I'm used to needing my car (or bicycle) for even a pint of milk and all my friends here are a car ride away so I don't imagine myself living in the heart of a settlement, but I don't want to find we've bought a house close to a village that is going to make it difficult to sell in the future, should we need to. (Sorry this is so long, by the way!) Any suggestions where to avoid in the region about 20 miles south and west of Gateshead? Any help would be much appreciated!

Yes the gosforth travel lodge isn't really in gosforth it's right on the edge by the road junction - it's a bit of a trek from regents centre metro station I'm afraid. Straight up the great north road tho so head due north and you can't really miss it

I have lived all over the north east - currently in Prudhoe. Second everyones comments about Low Fell / Whickham. In terms of further out, what about Hexham / Corbridge way? Might be a tad far out but lovely villagey feels.

Also, Whitley Bay is gorgeous - On the sea front, near countryside and on the metro too. Tynemouth / Cullercoats are next villages over to Whitley Bay and also fab - as are some parts of North Shields.

You will get much more for your budget up here, so enjoy looking :)

ps hello other northern bods!

That is helpful thanks. Will carry on to the airport metro and get a taxi. Don't fancy pulling my suitcase up the A1.

Ooh yeah I'd second that about Hexham, Corbridge and Wylam - all totally gorgeous if you don't mind being further out.

Thanks for all the information coming through - much appreciated!

Would agree about the isolation of some of the villages - we had a lot of snow last year for a very long time and people who lived out in the wilds were very cut off!

Hello fellow north-easterners. I'm in North Shields and love it, but it would mean a trip through the tunnel on a commute. And if you want a garden and garage on the coast you really have to head for Whitley Bay or Monkseaton. Both/all on the metro so that'd be another option for commuting, about 40 minutes to Gateshead I guess. Your budget would get you a reasonable amount round here.

Thanks for all the information coming through. Very helpful. If there are any other Yuk places (!) please do let me know, and please feel free to PM me if you want to avoid giving offence. So useful to have local advice!

Hi Tralee, I think I am in the same position as you , relocating from South Wales, Children have flown the nest, husband has a new job based in Jarrow, will be travelling up in two weeks have rented a holiday cottage for the initial period but are looking to rent for six months then possibly buy, also at around 350K. I fell in love with Durham when we visited about a month ago but want to travel around the area to have a feel for the place before commiting. initially staying in the Chester le Street area. If you fancy a companion to do some exploring with whilst the husbands are at awork please DM me!