Moving ideas - potentially North East

[Talkischeap1005]

Nervous buyer here whose spent 18 months trying to find a house with little success so wondered if anyone could assist before I lose my marbles altogether.

I will keep it short as possible.

I have been looking to buy a 2/3 bed in the North East (not mid terrace) but I am struggling with my requirements and don't really know the areas well enough. My budget is only £170 max (lower if possible) which is the issue and for that I could only afford painting / carpets etc (wouldn't be able to do up any kitchens / bathrooms).

So my requirements were:
No big cities / towns (so not Newcastle / Stockton etc).
And no very small isolated villages.
So small / medium sized towns.
Inland as opposed to coast.
Having a long couple of dog walks available without a drive for his walks.
Reasonably near a supermarket (which I guess wouldn't be a problem in a town) maybe potential decent gym.

My budget does hit areas of higher crimes which being a nervous person does worry me but im realising I may just have to accept that.

I keep coming back to Chester le Street and do like the newer build areas near Waldridge fell which would tick my boxes (problem is I can't afford it).

I went on a wander around area Urpeth (not sure if it's ouston as well). I like the look off the area and asked some locals about it and they said they have been struggling with anti social behaviour and their which put me off but I've looked at the crime rates and they are lower than surrounding areas so unsure.

I like Whickham but again can't afford it.

Someone directed me to Stanley but that seems a bit out the way, might be too small and online has some bad press.

I haven't been to Bishops / spennymoor or Darlington so can't vouch for these areas. Mainly couldnt pick up many local walks but looking at spennymoor there does 'seem' to be some walks near Tudhoe potentially but looking today, it's slightly out of price range In Tudhoe.

So I feel I'm back to the drawing board.

Daughter has finished school so schools aren't an issue. I work from home so employment not an issue.

I feel not really knowing the areas is difficult and I guess you never really know an area until you live there. But I'm wondering if I need a reality check and my budget just can't afford what I'm looking for.

Does anyone have any knowledge on the above areas or any different areas?

Thanks for your help!

Crook?
Wolsingham? (Nice walks, no supermarkets, not sure about house prices)
Bishop is OK in parts
Spennymoor is mostly not OK imo, Tudhoe is nice but indeed pricier.
Witton Gilbert and Langley Park might be out of your price range but are generally nice

Good luck

How close would be too close to the coast?

Ah thank you.

This is helpful. I haven't looked at Sedgefield or Woodham in Newton Aycliffe. I will have a look online now. Thank you!

I just didnt want to be right on the coast. When I looked at some of the coastal areas, although they looked nice, the only walks were coastal walks and I don't love a windy coastal walk if I'm honest. But maybe I shouldn't discount it if there was a nice area?

What's your budget?

Have you considered Morpeth?

170k max

For what size property

I have....I do like Morpeth but unfortunately it appears out of budget, I will relook on rightmove tho. Just incase ...

2 or 3 bed, semi detached or end terrace (not mid terrace)

Alnwick.

I think if you are struggling with your budget then maybe rethink if you could consider a mid terrace.

Look at Northallerton, lovely town with everything you've mentioned

There are some 2 beds in Yarm and Middleton St George.

Where are you from?

I'm from Darlington (moved away now) but personally wouldn't move to bishop area..

Probably not Darlington either as it's quite a bit town tbh..

Id say Eaglescliff area.. big supermarket, nice walks, it's near Yarm (walkable) .. which is probably out of budget but nice vibe.. good train links too!

Lovely area with the river tees and Preston park near by!

I'm wondering if somewhere like Ryton might work for you in terms of budget etc. I don't know it that well. Other PPs have suggested others that came to mind, eg Morpeth.
www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/153172856

Ah just remembered you don't want mid terrace....

I think Morpeth will be out of your price range. Pegswood is right next to Morpeth and much more affordable. Likewise Widdrington Station. Parts of Bedlington are fine. Cramlington may suit too. Seghill also in the same sort of area.

Thanks, I looked at Yarm but couldn't really see any decent walks from the area. Unless I overlooked them

Yes, I have been thinking that myself.....😊

I’m surprised but the outskirts of durham is within your budget. There’s a few 2-3 beds around Pity Me and Framwellgate Moor - a short bus ride into the city centre and train station, big Sainsburys and pure gym at the retail park, fields on the doorstep…..

I'm slightly surprised stockton is too city like, but darlington is being contemplated.

Guisbrough?
Great Ayton (tho not a great supermarket)

Yes to Sedgefield and Northallerton.
I don't know Middleton St George, but know people who are happy there.
I think Yarm will be stretching your budget, but Eaglescliffe could work if you were prepared to walk over the river for yarm high street.