Any advice on Seaham (North East).

[MySassyCyanOtter]

Hi guys.

I'm wondering if any kind souls could offer up some local advice on Seaham. There's a potential house I've seen that sits inbetween Dalton Heights and Deneside. I've actually been looking to move to Chester le street but pretty much out priced now so need to branch further afield. (I work from home so location no problem).

Anyway, a house has come up in Seaham but I don't know the area at all. The Internet doesn't give it the 'greatest' of reviews. I'm not really a coast person but getting fed up of house hunting. I'm living down south and do find some places in the NE a bit remote and lacking in amenities (I do not mean that in an offensive way at all). I've read Seaham hasn't always been over welcoming to people down south but I've read that with a few places and obviously no idea how true that is. It's obviously not that far from Durham, Sunderland etc but im just not sure. I was told to go 'west of durham' I appreciate Seaham is east of Durham 😂.

Its really the crime and potential problems in the area I'm worried about (and trying to save myself a 7 hour journey if not suitable). Is the area safe?

I just wanted what the general consensus of the area is from people who live in the North East or have visited / moved there?

Also, ive looked on alltrials and most walks seem to be coastal....are there any local inland walks at all?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

There are quite a few amenities Dalton Park retail park on the outskirts. Then Asda, Home Bargains and smaller shops, cafes and the like in the ‘old’ bit of Seaham. The sea front is nice enough and beaches OK. There are plenty of walks of both types I would say. It’s not actually that near to Durham City if that’s what you want (same distance as Sunderland).But honestly my advice would be don’t do it. It’s a very very strange place and I say that as someone who only moved there from Sunderland! I moved to a brand new estate. I thought everyone being a new home owner on a new estate would mean the start of a new nice community. Instead it was full of horribly insular, rude and anti social people who had moved in from other parts of Seaham! I also had the worst neighbours of my life there. They made my life a misery for six months. I have lived in Newcastle, Sunderland, Gateshead, Jarrow, Hebburn and South Shields sometimes not in the best of neighbourhoods but quite happily. I believe crime particularly burglary and anti social behaviour have also increased there since I got out. West of Durham is probably decent advice to be honest. Or there’s Seaburn, Fullwell, Roker or Whitburn in Sunderland. Being a University City I always found it pretty friendly. All the big stores have gone from the City Centre though. A lot of the North East is in decline unfortunately. There’s South Shields which I always liked but I don’t really know what it’s like now. If you are not bothered by the coast East or West Boldon or some of the Washington Villages might suit. Be careful though as they can be variable. Not sure about walking in those areas though. If it’s walking you are after what about North Yorkshire? Good luck!

Avoid! Generally East of A1 is more deprived than West of A1. Obviously there are exceptions to that but Hartlepool/Teesside etc aren't pleasant. Seaham is included in that.
Loads of nicer places west of Durham for similar price. The more you get towards Weardale, the more expensive it gets but generally the area is still pretty reasonable in terms of house prices.

Thank you. This is really helpful advice. I'm sorry to hear of your bad experience, doesn't sound very nice. Thanks for your tips on other places! I will look into them!

Ah this is very helpful thank you!

It's pretty grotty

Hmm this was my worry...thank you. Inwas trying to see past grotty....but assume it comes with its problems....😬

I liked the sea glass on the beach
but other than that,
utter shit hole

I’m really surprised by the ‘grotty’ and ‘shithole’ comments as that’s not my experience at all. My DM has lived there for 30+ years so I’ve spent a lot of time in Seaham. It’s a former pit ‘village’ so yes, some parts are run down but that’s no different to many areas in the north east. The area around the coast is lovely - nice sheltered beach, coastal walks, decent number of cafes, pub’s & restaurants to choose from. It’s on the train line to Sunderland & Newcastle plus plenty of housing stock, some decent schools and amenities. I’d actually say there’s a good community spirit and people are generally friendly. Re crime and antisocial behaviour, in 30 years the most my mum’s had to deal with is entitled school parents blocking her drive at pick up / drop off. My family has owned a business in Seaham for 50+ years, again with no issues.

I second the advice to go west, especially if you like walking but aren't too fond of the coast. Seaham is a bit more buoyant and less insular than some of the more deprived eastern villages but, still, I would feel a little apprehensive about 'fitting in' there. (I'm a southerner living in Durham City). There is a sense of defensive isolation baked into the community values of villages that have born the brunt on industrial decline. Also a lot of crime and anti-social behaviour in some areas. ).

It is nice for a day trip. The beach is interesting and has lots of history. But basically the seasides in County Durham aren't lovely. You need to go up to Northumberland for coastal loveliness.

There are so many lovely towns and villages west of Durham, in Weardale. And wonderful walking.

Thank you for sharing your experience

Thank you!

Chester and Seaham are 2 very different places!

If you tell us your budget, and what you want in a house, maybe we could suggest locations where you might be able to find a house in good walking country.

Thanks for your reply!

Ah really, as in Seaham is a lot worse than Chester? Budgets only around 170k (2 bed house) but looking for somewhere that's not in the middle of nowhere so has some shops and amenities and just a nice country park or walking spot locally. Did look at Cramlington also nothing available at the moment.

We live just near Hamsterley Forest and a 170K budget would buy you a decent 2 bed. House prices are fairly reasonable still.
Sedgefield is nice and lots of places to walk plus shops and 5 mins from A1

Ah OK, thank you! I'll take a look

Wolsingham is nice and has shops, walking etc. It is about 25 mins west of Durham. Further west than Wolsinghsm though you are properly in wearable and everything is more remote.

It’s not great. Have you looked towards Weardale. Much nicer.

Hi Op

Do you have particular requirements for a two bed house? I'm also looking to move to the NE (from Greater London). I've visited a few times but, of course, can't claim any real knowledge.

From skimming rightmove there seem to be decent options in both Chester and Cramlington for £170k. Is it less positive when you view properties?

Plenty of 2 beds under £170K, and good local amenities and walking country around my part of S/W Yorkshire.

Nice example of a house in your budget

If you want to be 20-30 minutes from Durham, try West Gateshead (Rowlands Gill, Whickham, Sunniside) or the north part of county Durham like Stanley?

Stanley isn't nice and much nicer places than Whickham/Sunniside

Sunderland has a lovely coastline. So you don't have to go up to Northumberland!
We have recently won seaside awards for both Roker and Seaburn as well as 'blue flag' awards.

Seaham is a ok place, nice 'front ' Loads of new builds added to to the town years ago. Will have it's problem areas like every place does in the UK.

There are 36 houses in cramlington available for 170 or less - that’s hardly “nothing”

@MySassyCyanOtter Lanchester is nice. 10 min drive to Durham but semi rural with lots of local shops

Thanks. Yesterday evening there were 18 properties in cramlington under 170k, currently nothing suitable for my needs I should have added.