Durham

[confusedeffie]

Advice needed please. Currently live in The Toon - lived here all my life and have loved it but looking for a much slower pace. I am looking to sell up and move in with partner. I was looking at Durham. Any advice? I won’t get as much bang for my buck but I love it there. Any downsides?

Where in Durham? It makes a big difference.

City or county? City centre or suburbs?

What's your budget? Do you need to commute anywhere for work?

I would love move South Bailey/South Street/Crossgate area but think I’m going to struggle with the budget. Was hoping to keep partner’s property to let out for now. Our budget will be max £400 K and need 3 bedrooms. Will need to commute into Washington but we commute now so won’t be an issue.

South Bailey is almost 100% university or cathedral ownership. I imagine if something came up here it would be £1m+. I also think you will struggle with south street with your budget. Crossgate possibly. But would expect it to be ex HMO stock and likely need a lot to refurb. What about lower Gilesgate/ Claypath Or The Sands?

You can get close to those areas on your budget but it won't be the pretty houses.

Eg Crossgate Moor but a bungalow in need of serious work. bungalow

student central

Or as previous poster suggested, the lower part of Gilesgate. But this is also student central.Gilesgate house

I'm pretty sure my student friend actually lived in that house 20 odd years ago!

If you are wedded to living right in the centre in the pretty streets a short stroll to the castle and cathedral then you will be living in either extremely expensive houses above your budget or with students as your neighbours on either side, round the back and over the road.

Don't get me wrong I love the students and I am a Durham alumni so it would be hypocritical of me to blame them but over 20 years since my own student days I wouldn't want to lived next door to them!

What attracts you to Durham?

If you want to be close to the centre but also close to the A690 for commuting then Gilesgate could fit the bill.

If what you want is calm and easy access to woodland and the river then Shincliffe could be one to look at.

Or of you want the convenience of a high street of shops, access to the river and the old railway lines (now a network of cycle paths) while still being walkable to Durham centre then Langley Moor is worth a look.

I think I viewed it as a student. Also 20 odd years ago.

Thank you! We will look into it the places you’ve suggested.

If you're looking for a much slower pace of life then I wouldnt choose a city centre in the heart of student housing. If you've got a car then some of the villages around Durham are pretty and will be more affordable for you, and would match up to the slower pace of life too. Try Barnard Castle, Wolsingham, Brancepeth.