recommendations places to live with 15 miles of bishop auckland - £160,000

[auntiebetty]

Started this thread yesterday but in the midlands. My head is all over and now looking at north east.
suddenly found myself soon-to-be single with 2 dcs.
Am starting with a blank sheet and am looking for small town, large village, 3 beds, good primary and secondary schools for £150 to £170,000.
Any chance of nice areas to live that fit the bill?

thanks everyone I've taken a rest from the pc this afternoon and it was lovely to come back to so many replies.
Northallerton is too far away as I need my mum to pick up the dcs from school some days so I can work part time.
Loshad - was looking at staindrop area (saw a house online in gainford. Whats the area like? What secondary schools are good?
also looking at west end darlington, staindrop, heighinton, aycliffe-any opinions?

Don't think you could go far wrong with Darlington to be honest (I'm originally from Newton Aycliffe, DH from Darlington)Like anywhere it has better areas than some (nearer you can get to West End the better). However I think you'd find what you wanted for your budget, good choice of schools and amenities. Also has good road/rail links if you need to travel anywhere. Good luck with the move.

thanks milly - what do you think is the better area Bishop auckland, darlington, or aycliffe?

If I was to move back, I'd go for Darlington (I currently live in Thirsk). Aycliffe has a lot of new housing developments and you get more for your money perhaps, but it lacks facilities and shops. Tesco's arrived and all other shops left ! Also think you'll have more choice of employer in Darlington. I'll be honest I don't know a lot about Bishop Auckland and surrounding areas. I know from friends that a lot of new houses being built there but not sure it has anything else to attract people to live there.

Sorry only just spotted this and dont know if you are still looking at North East as poss. Ive got family in Darlington and have spent quite a bit of time there. Some of the local villages are really nice but if you are looking to start again then Darlington itself is probably the best place. Good primary school. really good local facilities like theatre / arts centre/ park / activities for children/ leisure centre. Easy to get to lots of places.