Lifestyle

North East England is simply spectacular.  We are home to the least densely populated county in England, with our own national park and more castles open to the public than anywhere else in the country.  We’re fortunate enough to have two World Heritage sites – Hadrian’s Wall and Durham Cathedral.  We enjoy the largest manmade lake in Western Europe, set in the largest manmade forest in the country.  Our long, uncrowded sandy beaches are sprinkled with fishing villages and seaside resorts.  And the 49 mile stretch of coast from Amble to Berwick upon Tweed has been officially recognised as both a Heritage Coast and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Live.  Don’t just exist

Your money goes further in North East England.  The cost of living is generally lower than the rest of the country.  There’s less crime, a more attractive environment and good healthcare.  Our roads are less congested than other cities and our bus and rail systems are also excellent.  So you spend less time commuting and more time living.  You can spend those extra hours enjoying a better quality of life.  We offer an array of city restaurants, bars, cinemas and theatres.  For culture vultures there’s a full range of galleries, museums and public art on offer.  The Sage Gateshead, an international home for music and musical discovery and BALTIC are just two of the world class venues.  We’re host to a range of events ranging from international sporting meets to the Royal Shakespeare Company.  And finally when you just want to relax we have some of the best spas in the country.

A Healthy Choice

We’re with you in sickness and in health.  Our region is home to top class medical and related research facilities.  Our NHS hospitals are some of the best performing in the country.  Newcastle University is also highly regarded for its contribution to medicine and dentistry.

More teachers, fewer pupils.  That’s clever

Moving to the North East can be an educational trip.  We’re home to no less than five top class universities: Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland and Teesside.  Together they produce an annual output of 14,000 capable graduates.  These universities are supported by a network of 24 further education colleges and schools in the top 200 in the country.

Buy a home - Not a shoe box!

You can really afford to live here.  Property prices are up to 47% lower than the rest of the country.  And there are homes to suit every type of buyer, from tranquil country cottages to trendy city apartments.

House Prices

Comparative House prices

Housing costs in the North East of England are substantially cheaper than in London and the South East as the following comparisons indicate:

Source: HM Land Registry Jan - Mar 2003 (updated May 2003)

When we shop, we shop big style

It’s all yours.  We’re home to Europe’s largest shopping and leisure centre, featuring everything from restaurants and cinemas to shops and department stores.  In our towns and cities you’ll find traditional markets and stalls.  You’ll also find some of the biggest names in retail along our high streets.  For top brands that are friendly on the pocket, look no further than our numerous brand outlet stores.  We really have something for everyone.

Key facts

• Cost of living is significantly lower than London and the South East
• Housing market is buoyant and very competitively priced compared to London and the South East
• Good health service: two hospitals in a MORI/ Sunday Times list of the top 10 NHS trusts
• Low crime rates –vehicle related crime is the lowest in the country
• Lowest teacher/pupil ratio outside London
• “North East is easily the most optimistic region –consistently being more positive than most others on the economy and most public services” (MORI, May 2004)
• Beautiful coast and countryside including Northumberland National Park easily accessible from towns and cities
• Two World Heritage Sites: Hadrian’s Wall, Durham Cathedral
• Vibrant cultural region with extensive programmes of theatre, music and art
• Sport is also well represented – three Premier League football clubs, Newcastle Falcons, Durham County Cricket Club, 120 golf courses, watersports
• Region renowned for lively nightlife and a great variety of restaurants
• Shopping in Europe’s largest shopping centre and traditional market towns
• Low cost airlines operate from two regional airports and ferries to Holland and Scandinavia