Area Guide: Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne, often called Newcastle, is the most populated city in the north. It sits on the River Tyne and is in the county of Tyne and Wear. If you want to move to Newcastle, but prefer not to live in the city center, there are many smaller towns and villages around. These places have good bus and train services that connect you to the city centre. There are over 45 developments in and around the city, so you're sure to find your dream home.

Job prospects in Newcastle

Newcastle has a diverse economy which contributes £13 billion to the UK each year. Key sectors include education, healthcare, digital technology, and retail. The city has seen significant growth in its tech sector, particularly in fintech, greentech, and cybersecurity in recent years. With most salaries above the regional average, the city is an attractive place to live and work. Education and health services are major employers, and Newcastle’s economic growth and innovation make it a dynamic hub with promising opportunities in traditional and emerging industries.

Newcastle has plenty of housing options

There are many properties available in Newcastle. You can find 1-bedroom apartments and 5-bedroom homes. There is something for everyone, including first-time buyers and large families. There is a varied selection of home buying schemes available to people looking to buy a new build in Newcastle.

Eating and drinking in Newcastle

Newcastle boasts a vibrant culinary scene, with an array of restaurants and bars to suit all tastes. The city centre is a dining hotspot with eateries including Michelin-recognised establishments and charming pubs. The historic Grainger Market houses a variety of local businesses, from vegan Indian street food to fresh oysters. The Quayside area is renowned for its lively nightlife, with a range of bars and restaurants offering picturesque views of the River Tyne. Additionally, Newcastle’s ‘pink triangle’ around Times Square is known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife.

Culture and landmarks

Newcastle is rich in cultural heritage and landmarks. The iconic Tyne Bridge and Gateshead Millennium Bridge span the River Tyne, connecting the city to Gateshead. Historic sites include Newcastle Castle and the Theatre Royal on Grey Street. Cultural venues such as the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and Sage Gateshead contribute to the city’s vibrant arts scene. The Angel of the North, located nearby, is a renowned sculpture which symbolises the region’s industrial heritage.

The transport network in Newcastle

Newcastle’s comprehensive transport network includes the Tyne and Wear Metro, a light rail system, which connects key areas, including Newcastle Airport. Bus services operated by Arriva, Go North East, and Stagecoach provide coverage throughout the city and surrounding regions. Newcastle Airport, 8 miles from the city centre, offers domestic and international flight routes. The city’s road network includes major routes like the A1 and A19 and the Shields Ferry provides passenger services across the River Tyne.

Other popular areas to live near Newcastle upon Tyne

South Shields is a coastal town in South Tyneside, boasting gorgeous beaches and sand dunes. The town is well-known for the Arbeia Roman Fort. This fort once protected the main sea route to Hadrian's Wall. As well as many popular family attractions, South Shields has a wide variety of independent shopping and dining options. Adding the appeal of the area, especially for growing families, there is a fantastic choice of rated educational institutions. This also includes South Tyneside College, one of the leading maritime training centres in the UK.

East of the city centre is Wallsend, historically known for its coal mining and shipbuilding. The town's name derives from its position as the wall's end of Hadrian's Wall. Whilst the town is small, they do have a thriving high street, locally known as Wallsend Forum. The town is making continuous improvements. Plans exist for a new skate and BMX park. They also want to build better pathways and rebuild the Duffy Memorial Fountain.

Another major shipbuilding location was Hebburn. While it has a rich industrial history, you can now find many modern amenities. This includes a convenient transport system with its own metro station and reliable bus network. Conveniently located just East of Newcastle upon Tyne, many choose to commute into the city centre for work. However, there are many job opportunities available within Hebburn. These include retail, care and construction but there are endless possibilities thanks to public transport.

South East of Newcastle city centre, is Sunderland. A popular port town, located at the mouth of the River Wear. Once called 'the largest shipbuilding town in the world', the city has changed a lot. New shopping centres, multiplex cinema and casino have all opened in recent years. The city has an array of attractions, including the award-winning Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens. Alongside many family friendly attractions, the city comes alive at night with cocktail bars, eateries and nightclubs.