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!

Yes there are walks. Grounds here for example are dog friendly https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/washington-old-hall
AnnieSnap will know more I'm sure.

Actually just read pp and indeed heddon May work well but may also be out of budget.

Yeah maybe not. I'm not a walker but I think there are some nice parks, and a quick Google brought up a few examples eg Fatfield circular

With your budget and requirements I'd look at seaton sluice or seaton delaval. Seaton sluice is on the coast but not your only option for walks - lovely walks inland along the burn, Holywell dene and the waggonways. And not too isolated - close to Whitley and in easy reach of Newcastle

Would recommend Normanby a suberb of Middlesbrough.

Ticks all the boxes and a close drive to North Yorkshire which is just amazing.

It's safe.

I'm wondering if Birtley might be worth a look for you

You'd get Wallsend at that price, but not a hope in hells chance of Monkseaton at 170k.

Miles apart wrt property prices and desirable locations.

Well my dog would walk all day but I can't 🤣. I think just some nice quiet local walk for the week. Then at the weekend I can drive out places. He's scared of childern (🤣) so very built up parks aren't a great option for him. Where I use to live there were long walks (could walk for miles) but realistically just did 1.5hrs round the nature reserve morning and evening. It was really quiet and nice for us both.

I would look at the suburbs of Newcastle, ive just never been so would have to do my research to see if I could get a little bit of peace.

Is wallsend an OK location? Sorry I don't know it at all?

Kibblesworth
Lady Park
Lamesley

Might be worth a look too although I think Lamesley will be over budget

Thank you for your help. My budget and what I'm looking for are a bit of a mismatch. But areas you've mentioned are helpful (I keep going round in circles so value any input).

Thank you. I was warned off Birtley based on its reputation (as im nervous about crime) but haven't been to the area personally. When I went to Ouston people were saying there's much higher crime in Birtley and Pelton compared to Ouston so feel I may struggle there a little bit. But will have a look.

OK, this is helpful. I will look into these. Thank you!

Yes, that's what I'm thinking....thank you

OK thank you. Let me look into this! Thanks!

Yes lovely area. Can't afford it unfortunately. Also probably a bit too far out for me at this stage. But very nice to visit.

Personally, Wallsend would be a no for me.

I live near Monkseaton and my DD goes to school there. You're looking at 250k plus, though.

Seaton Delaval is definitely an option, as already mentioned. I used to live in Holywell village which is next to Seaton Delaval. Fits the brief as others have said re: close to coast, places to walk.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/152081783#/?channel=RES_BUY

I haven't been that far up north yet but will look into these areas. Thank you very much!

Someone already said Stanley I think. Look at this https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/151203062?utm_campaign=property-details&utm_content=new-homes&utm_medium=sharing&utm_source=copytoclipboard#/&channel=RES_NEW
You can spend your life walking round Beamish or Causey Arch, amazing places nearby

Where are you going to need to commute to? These areas are a long way apart.

Exactly this!

Thank you. The house needs more work than I could afford but will keep an eye on the area. Thank you

I work from home so don't need to worry about commuting.