Are you thinking of moving? In this article, we cover a selection of places to live in Tyne and Wear to help narrow your selection.
Living in the North East region offers so much! There is a mix of countryside, history, quaint towns, busy cities and beautiful coastal areas within an hour’s drive. Rightmove data shows a surge in buyer searches in the county of Tyne and Wear. Therefore we have selected the best places to live to help you consider a spot for your next home.
Sunderland
Sunderland is known by many as a hidden gem that Newcastle overshadows. But it’s also a fantastic place to live with a thriving community of Sunderland University students. It is located within the county of Tyne and Wear and provides the perfect fusion of city and seaside living.
The city is known for its smart infrastructure and investment in digital technology. Leading towards a greener and more sustainable future. With a focus on improving the skyline through investment. The city boasts a beautiful North East coastline and a busy city centre with plenty of bars, restaurants, attractions, and cultural and heritage sights to explore.
Sunderland has a diverse food and drink scene that caters to all tastes and budgets. The city boasts a mix of well-known chain restaurants and independent eateries that offer a variety of cuisines. So, if eating out and trying different foods is important to you, this is a great spot.
There is plenty to do in Sunderland. You can explore the National Glass Centre’s exhibitions and learn about history at the Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens. Or take a trip to Hylton Castle. Unwind in the evening by catching a show at the Sunderland Empire Theatre or enjoy live entertainment at the recently renovated Fire Station.
Considering its affordable housing, thriving centre and excellent transport system, Sunderland is a fantastic location to live in.
Whitley Bay
Named the best place to live in the North of England by The Sunday Times in its annual ‘Best Places to Live 2023′ campaign. A few reasons Whitley Bay won were its incredible coastline, tasteful regeneration, and attractions. The promenade offers beautiful walks, and the beach hosts an annual sandcastle competition every summer, which is extremely popular!
St Mary’s Lighthouse is a popular site of interest, offering incredible coastline views. Seaton Delaval Hall is a few minute’s drive from Whitley Bay. It offers a chance to explore its history, architecture, and exquisite gardens on-site. The famous Spanish City is also a must-visit. It is home to many fantastic attractions throughout the year, including a great range of award-winning restaurants.
Whitley Bay offers many housing options, from traditional Victorian homes to modern apartments with peaceful coastline views. It’s a diverse community with families, retirees, young couples, and single professionals all calling it home.
Gateshead
Often overlooked as an area, Gateshead sits on the southern bank of the River Tyne, opposite the more famous Newcastle. It’s much more than just a neighbouring town, and people who live in Gateshead are very passionate about the area. If you have taken the time to explore it, you will know that it has a really unique charm. There is plenty to do here, and lovely green spaces make it an excellent place to live.
If getting out and embracing local culture is important to you, Gateshead has a lively and varied cultural scene. The BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art is a perfect example of this. It has been a flour mill that has been transformed into an international centre for visual arts. The Glasshouse International Centre for Music is another with its unique stainless steel and glass structure. It is a wonderful venue for various musical events.
Gateshead boasts many parks and green spaces. Saltwell Park is a particular highlight. The park features a stately mansion, a boating lake, and beautiful gardens, making it the ideal relaxing place.
Gateshead offers affordable housing options, which allow residents to maintain a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. Due to its location, Gateshead is easily accessible from other parts of the UK. With the Tyne and Wear Metro, national railway links, and major roads such as the A1 providing easy access.
Washington
Washington is a lively town located within the city of Sunderland. It is a large town comprised of smaller villages that offers you a close-knit, community-oriented lifestyle with various property options. Historically, Washington was a part of County Durham and served as the ancestral settlement of the Washington family. Interestingly, the first President of the United States, George Washington, was a descendant of this family.
Transportation and travel are convenient here. Washington is centrally located between the major local cities of Durham, Newcastle upon Tyne, and Sunderland, with excellent road links available. The town is between the A1(M) and A19, making it ideal for commuters.
There are plenty of green spaces, such as The Princess Anne Park and James Steel Park, which feature woodland, open spaces, and farmland. Washington Wetland Centre (WWC) is home to various bird species, including swans, geese, ducks, and flamingos. There is also a popular Arts Centre and the North East Land Sea and Air Museum.
Tyne and Wear offers a diverse range of great places to live, each with its own benefits. From bustling city centres to peaceful coastal towns, there is something for everyone in this vibrant region. Many people are choosing to call this area home.