Housing
Housing
Popular residential areas

North East England is a region rich in contemporary culture, historical attractions, World Heritage Sites and dramatic landscapes, all easily accessible from Newcastle International Airport.
The region contains the urban centres of Tyneside, Wearside and Teesside, and is noted for the rich natural beauty of its coastline, Northumberland National Park, and the section of the Pennines that includes Teesdale and Weardale.
The North East offers a wide variety of housing, which is still amongst the most affordable in Britain.
Jesmond
Jesmond
Jesmond is one of Newcastle's oldest and finest suburbs, which has grown increasingly popular among foodies, socialites, students and young professionals.
The stylish suburb is home to a lively bar scene and excellent restaurants, as well as a range of boutique shops and quaint cafes including dog-friendly Caffe 1901, which is a must-visit for big brunches. Jesmond Dene, located in the heart of Jesmond, is known for its outstanding beauty, and is a great spot for picnics, family days out to Pet’s Corner and chance to get some fresh air surrounded by luscious green scenery. Nestled at the heart of the Dene you will find Jesmond Dene House, a luxurious restaurant and hotel that was once home to industrial pioneer Lord Armstrong and now famed for its indulgent afternoon teas.
During the day, explore the boutiques, independent retailers and Oliver Bonas - a fashion and lifestyle favourite all found along Acorn Road. Settle down for a cuppa and slice of cake on Brentwood Avenue which is a short but perfectly formed street packed with trendy cafes like Arlo Bistro and Cake Stories as well as The Aviary contemporary art gallery and boutique shops.
Those who enjoy a good night out should definitely experience the buzzing atmosphere of nightlife in Jesmond. Osborne Road is the perfect spot for a night out, playing host to some of Newcastle's best bars and restaurants including Sohe, Fat Hippo and Francesca's. Check out As You Like It and nearby Holy Hobo, which regularly host live music and provide a top menu of innovative cocktails. Both are within walking distance of Newcastle city centre, so you can continue your night out on the Toon with ease.
There are plenty of things to do in Jesmond, and it is the perfect place to stay when visiting Newcastle thanks to its excellent travel links and the myriad of accommodation options available. This includes the Georgian style Caledonian Hotel and contemporary and comfortable Holiday Inn Newcastle. Jesmond is easily accessible via Metro from both the city centre, airport and the coast, which means that you can just hop on at any of the three stations nearby to travel around the region.
Gosforth
Gosforth
Gosforth is an affluent, well-established area of Newcastle upon Tyne, England, situated to the north of the city centre.
With Gosforth’s mix of urban and part rural theme, there is a good choice of properties to buy or rent. The more popular areas in Central and South Gosforth offer Victorian and Edwardian homes, many with original features. Further out you will find post-war housing, set around the parks. Experienced local letting agents can make arrangements for you to view a variety of different properties such as:
- detached houses
- semi-detached houses
- terraced dwellings
- flats
- apartments
- period homes
Properties here, whether to buy or to rent, are highly sought after. It is easy to see why Gosforth’s reputation as the place to live in Newcastle keeps growing.
Gosforth can be found in one of Newcastle’s northern districts. With its quirky character and green spaces, it is a very popular residential area. Gosforth has become a firm favourite among families, young professionals as well as students.
When it comes to transport links, Gosforth ticks all the right boxes. Spanning the Great North Road, it is around two miles to the city centre, ideal for commuting into town and Tyne and Wear. Gosforth Metro Station offers easy access while there are frequent bus services and excellent road links. If you are after global travel, Newcastle International Airport is just over five miles away.
There are plenty of things to do in Gosforth. For lovers of the great outdoors, there is Gosforth Central Park. Popular with families it has tennis courts, a basketball court, a bowling green and playgrounds for the kids. Many residents walk their dogs along the park’s small, woodland trail. Next to Newcastle Race Course, you will find Gosforth Park Nature Reserve. The reserve has a lake and a private patch of land, which is accessible for members and to the public on open days. There is lots of wildlife to see here too, from badgers to red squirrels, roe deer and otters. For those who like a flutter, Newcastle Race Course has been hosting horseracing since 1881. It is a Grade I National Hunt Track, which hosts approximately 62 racing fixtures each year.
Brunton Park is a neighbouring estate to the Newcastle Great Park. The oldest parts in the estate have existed since the early 1930s. The rest of the estate was built during the 1940s and 1950s. It contains a number of local convenience shops. One of the newest expansions of Newcastle is the Great Park to the north of Gosforth.
Gosforth is a popular affluent area with good local amenities, a reputation for good state schools and is relatively close to the city centre. This means developers are always looking for opportunities.
Northumberland
Northumberland
A beautiful coastline, amazing scenery, history, and culture can all be found in one of the country’s finest counties. The country attracts many tourists who come to enjoy the many attributes of the county.
Northumberland has a culture which is unique in many aspects, but also shares many aspects with lowland Scotland, for example, the local word bairn, meaning child. Northumberland is primarily rural with a very low population density. The education system within Northumberland is comprehensive with 15 state schools, one independent school, and two academies.
Learn more about each of the five most popular places to move to in Northumberland below:
Newcastle City Centre
Newcastle City Centre
Newcastle City Centre is the city centre of Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Newcastle city centre is the historical heart of the city and the main cultural and commercial centre of North East England. Along with nearby Gateshead town centre, which lies on the opposite side of the River Tyne, the city centre forms the central core of the Tyneside conurbation.
The area may be divided into the areas of Haymarket, Quayside, Central station, Grainger Town, Monument, Gallowgate, and Chinatown, it is more expensive, but plenty to choose from in the Manors and Quayside areas. The Quayside is the more modern part of Newcastle city centre known for its bars and restaurants.
There are Four bridges across the River Tyne at the Quayside: The High Level Bridge, the Swing Bridge, the Tyne Bridge and the Gateshead Millennium Bridge. The path along the river forms part of the cycle network eastwards towards North Shields and Tynemouth and westwards to Hexham.
Grainger Town is the streets between, and encompassing, Pilgrim Street, Clayton Street and Blackett Street. It was built in the mid-19th century and, today, is an area centred on shopping, nightlife and most notable neo-classical architecture. The Theatre Royal is situated on Grey Street. The Grainger Market is a covered market built to house the traders displaced during the re-modelling of the city.
Gallowgate is a small area surrounding St James' Park, the stadium of Newcastle United F. C, and St James Metro station, named after the main road running through the area.
Chinatown is on the western edge of the city centre centred on Stowell Street with a number of Chinese restaurants and the rear entrance to The Gate.
Spital Tongues
Spital TonguesOriginally, some way from the centre of Newcastle, Spital Tongues was considered to be a beautiful place, surrounded by the large open spaces of the Town Moor and Castle Leazes. Over the last fifty years, new development has nibbled away at these green spaces, much of it related to the expansion of Newcastle University and the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) to the south and east.
Nevertheless, for a place located less than one mile (2 km) from the present-day city centre, Spital Tongues retains a remarkable sense of separation and distinctiveness. Together, Hunters Moor, Nuns Moor, the Town Moor and Castle Leazes provide an effective buffer on three sides between Spital Tongues and the surrounding area, helping to maintain the area's village feel. Indeed, many older residents continue to refer to Spital Tongues as "the village", a sense of identity both reflected in and perpetuated by names such as the 'Village Chippy'.
Another feature adding to Spital Tongue's erstwhile attractiveness was the existence of its own water supply. The Pandon Burn came out of the ground at a spring in what is now Fountain Row, before running its course to the Tyne. This route crossed the road at what is now Barras Bridge, near St. Thomas' Church in the city centre. The bridge arch is still extant beneath the modern road, while the river is now culverted for the entire length of its journey between Spital Tongues and the Tyne.
Spital Tongues' rural feel was further enhanced by the presence of an orchard on the site now occupied by Burnside and Wallace Street, and by the grazing of cattle on the Town Moor – a practice that continues to this day. The continued expansion of Newcastle University remains a challenge, with more than 2,000 students already living in University-owned accommodation in Spital Tongues, Castle Leazes Halls, off Belle Grove West and Richardson Road flats, between the Dental Hospital and Wallace Street.
While many local residents believe that Spital Tongues' student population has reached saturation point, there is no doubt that the student presence helps to support local shops, pubs and services that may not otherwise be viable. However, the insatiable demand for housing in Spital Tongues is testament to its continued popularity as a place to live, combining relative proximity to the city centre with a unique, semi-rural atmosphere.
Fenham
FenhamFenham is an area of the west-end of Newcastle upon Tyne, England. It lies to the west of the city centre, and is bounded on the north and east by a large area of open land known as the Town Moor. To the south lies Benwell, whilst West Denton lies to the west, Blakelaw and Cowgate to the north, and Arthur's Hill and Spital Tongues to the east. The area has an ethnically mixed population, and is also home to many students.
As of 2018, the area covers two wards of Newcastle: Wingrove Ward, and West Fenham Ward. Fenham grew up as a separate township from Newcastle, lying on the western outskirts of the city. Much of the land originally belonged to religious charitable institutions, and there are covenant restrictions on the building of any licensed premises.
Today Fenham is best known in the local area for its large Asian community, with many of the businesses in the area being Asian-owned and including many specialty stores such as a halal butchers and Asian jewellery and clothing stores. There are many ethnic minority groups living side by side in Fenham, with a significant number of people being of South East Asian heritage.
Tyne Valley
Tyne Valley
Picturesque villages provide an alternative to city life, with railway for easy commuting. It is no surprise that a host of Northumberland towns are regularly featured in the national press when it comes to naming the best places to live in the UK.
One such town, which has been frequently featured in these lists, is Hexham in West Northumberland. Hexham has been the choice of The Guardian, The Sunday Times and Country Life to name a few.
Located within the beautiful Tyne Valley, Hexham lies approximately 22 miles West of Newcastle and one of the key attractions is the ability to commute into Newcastle City Centre in under 30 mins via the A69 dual carriageway. To be able to live in such a beautiful location and make a 22-mile commute to the centre of a major UK city, is as refreshing as it is rare. Do not forget that the Tyne Valley also has its own rail network, which provides regular services to stations at Corbridge, Wylam, Stocksfield and Hexham.
Although it is a historic market town with a beautiful 12th Century Abbey and an excellent farmers market, Hexham boasts a great range of amenities including a cinema and leisure centre. With a Waitrose, Tesco, Aldi and M&S, the town has a fantastic range of food shopping options and a choice of pubs and restaurants to match.
Such amenities help support many surrounding villages and hamlets within the Tyne Valley. With an excellent network of schools, the highly regarded Queen Elizabeth High School in Hexham is the destination for most pupils, although the proximity to Newcastle does open up numerous other options. Together with access to Northumberland National Park, Hadrian’s Wall and the Lake District, it is difficult to imagine a better place to raise a family in the UK today.
Matfen Hall Hotel, boasts its own 27-hole golf course, luxury spa and gym as well as fine dining restaurants. It is also just six miles from the village of Corbridge, with a regular bus service so you can explore its fabulous pubs and shops, as well as the very popular Brocksbushes farm shop and café.
You also have the lovely Prudhoe which is about 11 miles west of the city of Newcastle and just South of the River Tyne. The town is on a steep hill in the Tyne Valley and nearby to Ovingham, Ovington, Crawcrook, Hedley on the Hill and Mickley which have all become a commuter town for nearby Newcastle.
Tyne and Wear
Tyne and Wear
Gateshead
Gateshead is a large town in Tyne and Wear on the southern bank of the River Tyne opposite Newcastle. They are both joined by several bridges across the tyne including the Millenium Bridge. Known for its architecture, including the Sage Gateshead, the Angel of the North and Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art.
Local to Gateshead are other areas like Hebburn, Washington, Low Fell, Birtley and Whickham, the main built up area with nearby villages. Other local communities more within the Green Belt and more rural include Chopwell, Greenside, High Spen, Kibblesworth, Rowlands Gill, Ryton and Sunniside.
Sunderland
Sunderland is a port city and situated at the mouth of the River Wear, approximately 10 miles south-east of Newcastle and roughly 12 miles north-east of Durham.
Bede, sometimes called the father of English history, began his monastic career at Monkwearmouth monastery in Sunderland, before moving to the newly founded Jarrow monastery in 685 (these monasteries together formed the dual Monkwearmouth-Jarrow Abbey
The three road bridges connecting the north and south portions of the city are the Queen Alexandra Bridge at Pallion, the Wearmouth Bridge just to the north of the city centre and most recently the Northern Spire Bridge between Castletown and Pallion.
Some areas to live in Sunderland include Farringdon, Hylton Castle, Grindon, Moorside, Pennywell, Red House, Springwell and Southwick.
South Tyneside
South Tyneside is bordered by three other boroughs - Gateshead to the west, Sunderland to the south and North Tyneside to the north. The main and largest town is South Shields. Other riverside towns are Jarrow and Hebburn, while the villages of Cleadon, Whitburn and The Boldons, border the South Tyneside green belt, with Wearside to the south at Sunderland.
South Shields town centre and riverside are undergoing significant regeneration, with new housing, business, retail and leisure uses replacing old industrial sites. The town centre offers high street shopping, a regular market by the Grade I listed old town hall, a new library and exhibition space called The Word. In addition is the head post office, museum & art gallery, a new bus/Metro interchange which opened in 2019, cross-river pedestrian ferry to North Shields, Harton Quays office development and promenade, the town hall and civic offices.
The Great North Run is the world's biggest half marathon and takes place every September/October, starting in Newcastle and finishing on The Leas at South Shields.
Jarrow is home to St. Paul's Monastery, Bede's World museum, Jarrow Hall, the Viking Shopping Centre and J Barbour factory outlet.
Hebburn riverside has open views of the renewable and offshore-related industries across-river at Wallsend. The town centre has undergone redevelopment with new residential building and civic and leisure facilities.
The suburban villages of Cleadon, East and West Boldon, Harton, Monkton, Westoe and Whitburn have traditional pubs, historic buildings and independent boutiques. There is an athletics track at Monkton and cricket grounds at Westoe and Whitburn.
Author Lewis Carroll was inspired to write 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' and 'Through the Looking-Glass' by local residents he met when staying in Whitburn. Singer Joe McElderry who won the 2009 X Factor also comes from the area as well as two members of 2011 X Factor winners Little Mix, Jade Thirlwall and Perrie Edwards. South Shields is the only town to have two X Factor winners from its area.
North Tyneside
North Tyneside is bordered by Newcastle upon Tyne to the west, the North Sea to the east, the River Tyne to the south and Northumberland to the north. Within its bounds are the towns of Wallsend, North Shields, Killingworth and Whitley Bay, which form a continuously built-up area contiguous with Newcastle.
There are lots of places located in North Tyneside some of the main ones being Benton, Forest Hall, Earsdon, Killingworth, Longbenton, Monkseaton, North Shields, Percy Main, Shiremoor, Wallsend, West Moor and Willington Quay.
- Segedunum Roman fort is in Wallsend (at the end of Hadrian's wall)
- The Stephenson Railway Museum in New York, named after George Stephenson and Robert Stephenson who hailed from Tyneside and lived in West Moor in North Tyneside 1802–1824
- North Shields Fish Quay, Clifford's Fort and the High and Low Lights of North Shields
County Durham
County Durham
County Durham is a large county with a wide range of settlements and landscapes. Continued investment and the arrival of a range of new hi-tech businesses including telecommunications, advanced electronics, pharmaceutical and biotech companies have helped industry to diversify and grow in the county. Businesses in County Durham are adding to the success of the economy not only within the county but also in the North East of England and the rest of the country.
Durham City is home to one of the most recognisable landmarks in the UK, majestic Durham Cathedral. Together with adjacent Durham Castle, this UNESCO World Heritage Site forms one of the most stunning city panoramas in Europe.
Step back in time at fascinating heritage attractions including Beamish, the Living Museum of the North, and see history come to life at Kynren - the must-see open air spectacular that takes place in Bishop Auckland every summer.
Seek out hidden gems in market towns and villages in the Durham Dales, relax and enjoy peace and tranquillity on the Durham Coast, or get outdoors and active with walking and cycling routes revealing unforgettable views across the county. And when it is time to refuel you will be spoilt for choice with award-winning eateries and delicious local produce.
Whitley Bay
Whitley Bay
Whitley Bay is a seaside town on the north east coast of England. Historically in Northumberland, Whitley Bay Beach, a golden sand Blue Flag award winning beach, stretches fromWhitley Bay North towards St Mary's Lighthouse. It is a popular place for recreation and is regularly used by walkers.
The promenade and The Links have wonderful walks with the beach as a magnificent backdrop. An annual sandcastle competition is held on the beach every summer, which is popular with locals and visitors - especially children. There are plenty of places to get refreshments including a range of Café’s.
It became a popular coastal destination in the late Victorian period and its seafront still boasts plenty of classic Victorian touches, including a promenade. Key to its popularity is its position in the Tyne and Wear area. In less than half an hour, you can be in the centre of Newcastle, making it an attractive base if you are a commuter.
Tynemouth Priory and Castle, one of the largest fortified areas in England, is a 10-minute drive away. Learn about its 2,000-year history, which includes a 13th-century chapel and a 20th-century gun battery built into the cliffs, and on a clear day, enjoy wide views over the River Tyne and the North Sea. Cross the short causeway to St Mary’s Island to see the late Victorian lighthouse. It was completed in 1898 and remained operational until 1984. Admire views from the top of the lighthouse or discover rock pools filled with fish and crabs in the surrounding nature reserve.
Tynemouth
Tynemouth
Tynemouth is a large town and a historic county borough in Tyne and Wear, England, at the mouth of the River Tyne, 8 miles (13 km) east-northeast of Newcastle upon Tyne. The headland towering over the mouth of the River Tyne has been settled since the Iron Age. In the 7th century, a monastery was built in Tynemouth and later fortified. In the late 18th century, sea bathing from Tynemouth's east-facing beaches became fashionable. King Edward's Bay and Tynemouth Longsands are very popular with locals and tourists alike.
Tynemouth village is a popular place for people from far and wide to come for a variety of reasons. It is steeped in history, has some fabulous attractions, great shopping and a vibrant nightlife. A perfect destination for a day trip, the charming village has something to offer everyone. The dramatic Tynemouth Priory & Castle dominates the headland. The site dates back centuries and is the burial place of Saints and Kings of the old Kingdom of Northumbria.
The village has strong maritime history connections, the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade was the first of its kind in the world and its unique story is told in a small museum. The magnificent monument to Lord Collingwood looking across the river is in honour of the local born Admiral who took over from Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar. There are some truly breath-taking walks to take round Tynemouth, the walk along the seafront is stunning and is rewarded with views of golden sandy beaches. The promenade takes you to the historic North Shields Fish Quay. A short stroll in and around the village reveals some interesting buildings, many with Blue Plaques.
Tynemouth Longsands is a mile long beach of golden sands popular for walking, relaxing, games and is a nationally recognised water sports hub. Tynemouth Aquarium provides fun for all the family with some fantastic exhibits on display of marine life of all different shapes, colours and sizes including otters, seals and even a colony of monkeys!
Tynemouth Park has a dinosaur themed mini golf course and has pedalo boats to hire on its boating lake. Front Street and Percy Park Road both have a mix of shops well worth browsing and traditional pubs, cafes and bistros offering anything from a cup of coffee to a la carte dining. The village's Metro Station has recently been restored to its Victorian splendour. It has huge weekend markets. Each year, Tynemouth is home to events including the Mouth of the Tyne Festival and the Tynemouth Food Festival.
Cullercoats
Cullercoats
Cullercoats has a variety of housing at the coast (20-30 minutes Metro journey away) from Newcastle City Centre. Cullercoats is a sandy bay enclosed by small piers and as such is ideal for families. There is a semi-circular sandy beach with cliffs and six caves. The village has been popular with generations of visitors with its secluded bay the highlight. The beach has a Seaside Award and is ideal for bathing. The south of the bay is used as a launch site for recreational crafts.
Cullercoats had a thriving fishing industry in the 1800s and small fishing boats-cobles-can still be seen in and around the bay today. Dove Marine Laboratory, on the bay itself, is an important research centre for Newcastle University's School of Marine Science. The Victorian RNLI Lifeboat Station is still active today. At the top of the north bank is Cullercoats Watch House. In the 19th Century, Cullercoats developed a reputation as a popular artists' colony with the everyday lives of the fishing folk often used as subjects. The famous American artist Winslow Homer spent 18 months living and working in Cullercoats.
Two interpretation panels on the seafront (overlooking the bay and further to the North, just after the Watch House) explain the fascinating art history of Cullercoats. Cullercoats is the perfect place to stop for some refreshments, especially if you are enjoying the coastal walk between Tynemouth and Whitley Bay. You are spoiled for choice with fish and chips, a pub lunch, a coffee and cake or an ice cream all on the menu.
Useful Links
Useful LinksEstate Agent Finder
Average house price information on a particular area is on Zoopla.
Accommodation
We have a limited amount of accommodation in University-owned properties. We may be able to offer a range of options depending on availability and length of stay.