Is Newcastle a good place to live?

Newcastle Upon Tyne, commonly known as Newcastle, offers an appealing alternative to those seeking more affordable living options compared to the often prohibitively expensive inner cities like London.

The cost of living is significantly lower, with more affordable housing, whether one is looking to rent or buy. This makes it particularly attractive to young professionals, families, and students who are often constrained by tiger budgets. 

Additionally, the city’s robust public transportation system, including extensive bus and metro networks, ensures that residents can easily get around the city and commute to work without the heavy financial burden of owning a car. 

In this article we will cover whether Newcastle is a good place to live, if it has a good quality of life and the pros and cons of living in Newcastle.

Does Newcastle have a good quality of life?

Newcastle is renowned for its high quality of life. In 2021, it was celebrated as one of the happiest places to live in the UK, largely because it offers a more affordable lifestyle compared to many other cities. Residents can enjoy reasonable housing prices and affordable social activities, like going out for a pint.

Recent studies highlight that 56% of Newcastle’s residents reported being “very satisfied” with their lives, making it the 10th highest area for life satisfaction in the UK.

The North East, with Newcastle at its heart, is a vibrant hub of culture, ideal for those seeking a high quality of life. The city excels in leisure, entertainment, arts, and shopping, catering to residents, tourists, and students alike.

Newcastle boasts more affordable housing, utilities, and childcare than most other large UK cities, with housing prices up to 85% cheaper than in London. Everyday essentials, like milk, are also cheaper.

Culinary enthusiasts will find a variety of quality restaurants in Newcastle, offering everything from fine dining to the local favourite, Chicken Parmo. The Grainger Market is a must-visit, featuring an eclectic mix of artisan bakeries, craft brewers, coffee roasters, and butchers. 

The city centre is compact and walkable, making it easy to get around. Additionally, there are numerous public transport options, including buses, the metro, rail, and eclectic scooters, providing convenient alternatives for longer journeys.

Pros of living in Newcastle

As you can probably tell, Newcastle is a great place to call home as it offers an amazing balance of affordability, warmth and opportunity. It is a very attractive destination for young professionals, students and families seeking a fulfilling lifestyle. Here are some of the pros of living in Newcastle:

Affordable living

Newcastle boasts significantly lower house prices than the UK average, particularly compared to London. The average house price in Newcastle is £216,017, with terraced houses being the most popular and affordable option. This affordability has improved over the past decade, making Newcastle an ideal choice for those seeking value for their money.

Warm and welcoming community

Known for their friendliness and humour, the Geordies create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Their unique accent and dialect add a certain charm to the city’s rich culture, created from a history spanning nearly 2,000 years.

The city of Newcastle has been lived through many eras, from roman origins, historical industries, and beautiful architecture offering a fascinating glimpse into the past. 

Thriving job market

Newcastle is home to over 8,000 businesses across various sectors, including well-known companies like Greggs, The Sage Group, Tommee Tippee and Goldsmiths. This diversity offers ample job opportunities for both residents and newcomers. 

Furthermore, the Tees Valley is about to become the home to the UK’s largest Freeport, Teesside Freeport Project, which will create thousands of jobs across the region and boost the local economy. 

Compact and convenient

The city’s compact size allows for easy exploration on foot, with everything within a 15 minute walk. The convenience simplifies daily life and eliminates the need for complicated commutes. 

Natural beauty and recreation

Newcastle enjoys a prime location between expansive greenlands and the coast. Within a short Metro ride or drive, residents can access the North Sea, the Pennines and Northumberland National Park.

Town Moor is a vast park, larger than New York City’s Central Park and provides a beautiful retreat for relaxation and recreation. It hosts various events throughout the year, including a grand New Year’s Eve celebration.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Newcastle offers a wide array of entertainment options, from football matches at St. James’ Park to shop at The Gate complex. The Quayside comes alive in the summer, while the city’s nightlife boasts a plethora of clubs, pubs and bars.

Educational opportunities

As a university city, Newcastle is home to both Newcastle University and Northumbria University, attracting students from around the world. The city also provides a range of high-quality schools for children of all ages, emphasising the importance of education alongside its vibrant atmosphere.

Cons of living in Newcastle

While Newcastle boasts many social, affordability, and cultural benefits, it was once the heart of the North East’s industrial revolution, which has left some lingering challenges for its residents:

Area of deprivation

Newcastle ranks as the 53rd most deprived local authority area out of 326 in the country, showing some improvement from its 40th position in 2010. Approximately 23% of residents live in the 10% most deprived areas nationally, while about 12% reside in the 10% least deprived areas.

Air pollution

Newcastle has been identified as the worst city in Europe for Nitrogen Dioxide pollution, with levels 179% higher than the World Health Organisation’s recommended limit. Elevated Nitrogen Dioxide can damage the human respiratory system, increasing vulnerability to respiratory infections and asthma, and long-term exposure can lead to chronic lung disease. 

Water pollution

Since 2020, water companies have released sewage into bathing water areas over 100,000 times, resulting in over 650,000 hours of sewage contamination. This poses significant environmental and health risks to the community. 

Underfunded

Newcastle relies heavily on government funding to meet its net zero targets by 2030. The city’s ambitious goals will require a significant financial investment, with estimates suggesting a cost of billions of pounds. 

To achieve their net zero target, Newcastle needs to refurbish and retrofit nearly 35,000 public buildings, costing £866 million. Additionally, overhauling the North East’s transport network will require £6.8 billion. Without substantial changes in government funding, it is unlikely Newcastle will meet these targets.

Is Newcastle a good place to live?

As a house-buying company, we understand the importance of finding the perfect place to call home. Newcastle offers a unique blend of social and cultural benefits that make it an exceptional choice for anyone looking to move. 

Newcastle is renowned for its friendly locals and vibrant food scene. The city’s residents are known for their warmth and hospitality, making newcomers feel instantly welcome. From traditional Geordie dishes to international cuisine, there’s something to satisfy every palate. 

The city is adorned with stunning architecture, showcasing its rich history and heritage. Newcastle’s prime location means you enjoy both city life and coastal beauty, with the sea just 30 minutes away and the scenic Northumberland countryside nearby.

For those in their 20s, areas like Jesmond, Heaton, Ouseburn and Shieldfield offer vibrant living with plenty of parks such as Jesmond Dene, Heaton Park and Exhibition Park. 

Alternatively, if you’re moving with kids, consider Wallsend. While it might get some mixed reviews, it offers a more relaxed environment with great local amenities. Richardson Dees Park, a fantastic primary school and easy access to Wallsend High Street and the Metro make it a convenient and family-friendly choice. 

The city also boasts a thriving arts and music scene, with numerous venues, galleries and events to explore. Whether you’re into live music, theatre, or art exhibitions, Newcastle has it all. Plus, the nightlife is second to none, with a plethora of pubs, clubs and bars to enjoy. 

While crime does exit, Newcastle is generally a safe city. Local authorities work diligently to maintain public safety, ensuring a secure environment for residents. The city’s mix of socioeconomic backgrounds fosters a sense of community and inclusivity, making it a great place to live for people from all walks of life. 

All in all, Newcastle Upon Tyne is a fantastic place to live, offering the perfect environment of culture, heritage and community spirit. With top-notch schools, affordable living and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s an ideal destination for anyone looking to relocate. We highly recommend considering Newcastle for your next home - it’s a city where you’re bound to find happiness and fulfilment. 

What’s the best way to relocate to Newcastle?

If you are looking to relocate to Newcastle, then selling your house via The Property Buying Company may be the right fit. We can help you sell your house on a timescale suiting you, from as little as 7 days, although most people opt for 3 weeks. 

This means that if you find a property in Newcastle, and you need to move quickly, then we can get the cash funds directly to you faster than any estate agent could. 

Not only this, but if a cash purchase isn’t what you want, then we can also help you sell in as little as 28 days and for full market value using our Newcastle online estate agency. It doesn’t matter which service you choose, we will cover all the fees associated with selling your house, including your solicitor fees!