We are moving to Newcastle-upon-Tyne. What are good areas to live in, walkable to the city centre?

We are a professional couple, moving back to Newcastle. We both grew up twenty miles from there, so know the area well, though not the residential areas so much. We will have a reasonable salary and want to rent a small house in a pleasant area, and be able to walk to the city centre (esp. the two hospitals). Any tips?

The centre itself provides some options depending on what sort of rent you want to pay. There's also Sandyford, Heaton, Gosforth and Jesmond which have large student populations so have excellent local amenities. Of those I'd say Heaton is the cheapest. There's also Byker but some people would deem that "rough". All of these areas are around a 30 minute walk from the city centre but have excellent transport links.

It depends on how much rent you can afford to pay. The ideal place for you both would be Jesmond or, a little further, Gosforth. However, if it is a while since you have been, the Metro system opens up the area considerably and is in general, clean and efficient, so you might want to go further out. Of course, the Quayside is greatly changed and I understand that there are plenty properties for rent in that area,plus there is now a Quayside to Town link bus. Good luck and welcome back.

Welcome back to the North East.

Newcastle has changed considerably in the last few years and the hospitals are accessible from most places via buses and metros.

So its really down to your ideals etc.

I would personally avoid places such as Jesmond and Gosforth as prices are over inflated such to the 'good name'. Avoid places such as Fenham and Benwell as they are mostly populated by students.

Have a wonder round places such as Four Lane Ends, Longbenton, Ilford Road...... basically take a metro map and visit all nearby stops to the City Centre and see what you think of the areas and amentities.

Good Luck!

I infer that you mean the General and RVI hospitals. Not the Freeman in South Gosforth and Heaton area.
If so, and you want to actually walk, there are flats to rent in the Quayside area. Probably a 20 minute walk to the RVI and a 35 minute walk to the General. The area is quite safe for rentals. No report that I have seen of any crime. Your best option for the General Hospital is to hop on a (frequent) bus. No Metro service to either hospital, There is a Metro to South Gosforth which is a 10 minute walk to the the Freeman Hospital.

Heaton, Gosforth and Jesmond are the best places to rent if you want to be close to town. Jesmond is probably the nicest area to live and only a metro ride away from town, or a few minutes walk.

I'm a young professional, currently renting a flat in Heaton. There should be plenty places available at the moment because the letting season has just begun.

I rent from Premier Residential. They welcome students and professionals. http://www.premier-residential.co.uk/

Walker.

Well we have just gone from Newcastle to London, it was cheaper by ship via Netherlands than by train, and in London it was so expensive now we are saving money in Switzerland.
As for your question, sleep on the boat, or try a house in North shields, Byker, Percy main, Jarrow, all easy to walk back to the ship, and on with life in a better place which is Europe.
(UK is not really in europe is it???)

there is no such thing as good area in N/castle