Living in Newcastle

Considering Newcastle as a place to live? This electric Tyneside city combines rich industrial heritage, legendary nightlife and passionate sporting culture with stunning architecture and surprisingly affordable living costs.

Where is Newcastle?

Newcastle upon Tyne sits on the north bank of the River Tyne in North East England, around 280 miles north of London. The city is well connected via the A1(M) and A19, with Durham 15 miles to the south and the Scottish border just 50 miles north.

Newcastle is made up of diverse neighbourhoods that include the elegant Georgian townhouses of Jesmond, the cultural hub of Ouseburn, student-friendly Heaton and family-oriented suburbs such as Gosforth and Ponteland.

The Quayside area has been transformed into a cultural quarter, while Gateshead sits directly across the Tyne, connected by iconic bridges.

Is Newcastle a nice place to live?

Newcastle consistently ranks among the UK’s most popular cities and is known for its distinctive character and welcoming atmosphere.

The Geordie warmth and famous sense of humour create an immediate sense of belonging for newcomers, while the city’s compact nature means everything from theatres to parks is within easy reach.

From students at its two major universities to young professionals drawn by the thriving digital and life sciences sectors, plus families and retirees who appreciate its affordability and cultural richness, Newcastle is called home by a huge variety of people. The legendary nightlife, passionate football culture and year-round festivals create an energetic social scene, while extensive green spaces and proximity to the coast make it a well-rounded place to live.

What is Newcastle famous for?

Newcastle’s identity is inseparable from the River Tyne and its iconic bridges. The Tyne Bridge, completed in 1928, dominates the skyline alongside the striking Gateshead Millennium Bridge – a tilting pedestrian bridge that has become an architectural icon since opening in 2001.

The city’s industrial heritage shaped the modern world. Newcastle Central Station, opened in 1850, is the world’s first covered train station and remains an architectural masterpiece designed by John Dobson. The region’s shipbuilding legacy produced vessels that sailed globally, while the invention of the steam turbine by Charles Parsons revolutionised marine engineering.

Newcastle United Football Club generates passionate support that brings the city alive, with St James’ Park an unescapable part of the landscape. The Geordie dialect, distinctive accent and cultural traditions including the iconic Blaydon Races folk song contribute to a strong regional identity.

Things to do in Newcastle

Newcastle’s cultural quarter centres on the revitalised Quayside and Gateshead, home to BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art in a converted flour mill, Sage Gateshead’s world-class music venue, and the iconic Angel of the North sculpture just outside the city.

Grey Street, often named among Britain’s finest streets, leads to the Theatre Royal, while Northumberland Street is great for high street shopping. The Grainger Market, opened in 1835, houses independent traders selling everything from fresh produce to vintage clothing.

For families, the Life Science Centre offers interactive exhibitions, while Jesmond Dene provides a peaceful wooded valley just minutes from the city centre. The regenerated Ouseburn Valley has emerged as a creative hub with galleries, music venues, breweries and the Seven Stories children’s literature centre. Elsewhere, the Coast Road provides quick access to Tynemouth’s beaches, surfing and Victorian market.

Newcastle’s nightlife reputation needs little introduction. The Diamond Strip and Quayside areas buzz with bars and clubs, while the city’s thriving independent food scene ranges from authentic Italian trattorias in Little Italy to innovative fine dining.

What is the transport like in Newcastle?

Newcastle Central Station serves as a major rail hub with direct services to London King’s Cross (around three hours), Edinburgh (1.5 hours), Leeds, Manchester and regional destinations. The East Coast Main Line provides regular high-speed connections throughout the day.

The Tyne and Wear Metro, Britain’s first modern light rail system that opened in 1980, connects Newcastle with Gateshead, Sunderland, South Shields and Newcastle Airport. The system provides reliable connections across the region with frequent services throughout the day, and has just been upgraded with new trains.

By road, the A1(M) provides direct access north to Scotland and south through Yorkshire, while the A19 connects to Teesside and the A69 runs west to Cumbria and Carlisle. Newcastle International Airport, around 15 minutes from the city centre by Metro, offers services to major European destinations and some long-haul routes.

Local transport includes extensive bus networks operated primarily by Go North East, Arriva and Stagecoach. The city has invested in cycling infrastructure, with the Hadrian’s Way route providing traffic-free cycling alongside the Tyne.

Schools in Newcastle

Newcastle offers extensive educational choice across state and independent sectors. The city has numerous schools rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, with popular areas for families including Gosforth, Jesmond and Ponteland, which are home to well-regarded schools.

Newcastle University is a prestigious Russell Group institution and consistently ranked among the UK’s top universities, while Northumbria University is one of the largest universities in the country. Both attract students nationally and internationally.

Is Newcastle safe?

Newcastle is policed by Northumbria Police. The city has a crime rate of around 113 crimes per 1,000 people. Detailed local crime statistics are available on police.uk for those wanting to review specific data.

What are the average property prices in Newcastle?

House prices in Newcastle upon Tyne averaged £236,144 over the last year. The majority of properties sold were terraced properties, which fetched an average price of £221,620. Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £235,091, with flats averaging £153,545.

Overall, sold prices in Newcastle upon Tyne over the last year were similar to the previous year and the 2022 peak of £235,677. Property prices remain significantly lower than national averages and offer excellent value, particularly when compared to major cities in southern England.

FAQs

• How far is Newcastle from London?
  Newcastle is around 280 miles north of London, with trains taking around three hours to reach King’s Cross.
• Is Newcastle good for commuters?
  The Tyne and Wear Metro connects Newcastle with surrounding areas including Gateshead, Sunderland and the coast. Rail services provide regular connections to regional cities like Edinburgh, Leeds and Manchester, while road networks serve the wider North East.
• Is Newcastle good for families?
  Yes. The city offers excellent schools, extensive green spaces including Town Moor and Jesmond Dene, family attractions and diverse residential areas from leafy Gosforth to suburban neighbourhoods.
• Is Newcastle good for students?
  Yes. Newcastle is one of the UK’s most popular student cities and home to two major universities with vibrant student communities. Areas like Jesmond and Heaton are particularly popular with students, while the city’s affordability, nightlife, compact centre and welcoming atmosphere make it an attractive choice for university and postgraduate life.
• Is Newcastle affordable?
  With average house prices of £236,144, Newcastle is significantly more affordable than most major UK cities.