Moving to North East

[stef2024]

Hi everyone,

We are looking for our forever home in the North East. Ideally, 4 bed detached with a budget of 350k max. Since we don't know the areas very well we've done some viewings and we tend to explore the neighbourhood afterwards.

We are considering to make offers on few properties and wanted to ask for experience on areas in terms of schooling (we dont expect superb schools, we are average family so everything average ia good) safety and having other families around.

One house is in Ouston, which seems like a nice area but there is nothing going on there, didnt even find a playground. How is the area in terms of raising a child there into adulthood considering that is in close proximity to Birtley which at first look doean't seem great but I believe secondary school is in a catchment area?

Next is south west of Chester-le-street (the very edge of the town). Town centre looks ok-ish. What is everyone else's opinion?

Third is Mount Pleasant area, which I believe is part of Washington. Looking at the deprivation map it seems to be ok but Washington seems to be hit and miss. Any ideas?

How about Prudhoe and Ryton? In Newcastle city Killingworth or Benton seems to be somewhat affordable.

Havrnt heard of the village, will check it out, thank you.

How about Houghton-le-Spring?

I wouldn't. I'm sure parts are lovely but I wouldn't move there.

You could look at the Doxford/East Herrington area of Sunderland. It's on the south west of the city, houses can be quite pricey but there are a lot of new-builds going up which may match your budget. It's right on the A19 so easy to get into Newcastle/Durham city centres, there's lots of lovely parkland and woodland on the doorstep and very good primary schools (secondary schools less so, but anticipate that may turn around over the coming years).

I love north tyneside - Whitley bay, Monkseaton etc. Love the coast and so many nice independents around

I live in Low Fell and love it for these reasons:

• great community, lots of really friendly people
• generally safe, I would be quite happy to walk around alone at night
• nice high street that’s continually improving, we’ve had some lovely independent businesses join in the last few years. It’s also a nice night out, good places to eat and drink and no trouble.
• lots of young families and good schools (secondaries aren’t the best but primaries are good)
• close to Newcastle and a decent travelling distance to the majority of places you’d want to visit
• saltwell park!

I'm currently sat on the beach in Whitley Bay. It's sunny with barely a cloud in the sky. There is a bit of a street food festival going on by Spanish City and some rather good live music. There is a holiday vibe and a lovely atmosphere.

@RampantIvy I spent the afternoon on the beach in South Shields; also lovely!