What is in Newcastle upon Tyne?

We are moving to Newcastle-Upon-Tyne and need to know what areas are best for a young family?

• Me, my husband and son who is nearly three are moving to Newcastle however I have no idea which areas are classed as good. I will be looking for somewhere with good local schools and quite good access to the city. Local amenities would be a bonus but not essential. Can anyone help? Also we prefer new build homes or newish properties.

• Answer:

  There is lots of new build around the Shiremoor area (including the new Northumberland Park development), with very good bus and Metro (rail) access to Newcastle. Also try the areas north of Gosforth, along the Great North Road - Brunton Park, Kingston Park, Hazlerigg, Brunswick, Wideopen. (I grew up in Hazlerigg and these areas are certainly good for young families.) All these areas have good bus links to the city, and Kingston Park is on the Metro line. I don't recommend driving into the city centre, unless you're e.g. driving to work and your company provides a car park. Parking is a nightmare! Park and ride facilities are provided at Four Lane Ends, Regent Centre, and a few other Metro stations. Gosforth and Jesmond are among the most desirable (and most expensive!) areas of Newcastle, but they are very heavily built up with lots of traffic, and consist mainly of older terraced and detached properties (big Victorian houses). Gosforth is just a few minutes from the city centre by bus, car or Metro, and Jesmond is within easy walking distance. Gosforth High School is considered to be one of the better state secondary schools in Newcastle.