When seeking a place to call home, affordability, proximity to amenities and good transport links are often top priorities. Middlesbrough ticks a lot of these boxes and is ideal for those commuting to pricier cities further afield. In addition, the town itself has a number of large companies that employ many of its residents. But not everyone who works in Boro wants to live there too. As such, we’ve compiled the best commuter towns for Middlesbrough, taking into account the factors mentioned above. Read on to find the ideal base for you.
What are Middlesbrough’s most popular industries?
Thinking of moving to Teesside? It may be worth considering some of the area’s biggest employers first. Given its rich industrial history and expansive port on the River Tees, Middlesbrough’s primary industries are manufacturing, engineering and logistics. Top-ranking companies include SABIC UK Petrochemicals, Cleveland Cable Company, Gibson O’Neill (bulk haulage), INEOS Nitriles and Marlow Foods.
The town is also home to Teesside University, which employs nearly 2,500 members of staff. Not to mention the regional major trauma centre – James Cook University Hospital. The NHS trust running it employs around 9,000 people across two sites, making the health sector one of Middlesbrough’s biggest. Additionally, the wider Tees Valley has an up-and-coming digital industry, with various tech, design, ecommerce and creative agencies based here.
Where can you commute to Middlesbrough from?
Landed a job in Boro but don’t want to live in such an urban area? Or maybe you already live there and fancy a change of scenery? Whether you’d like to live by the coast or be closer to the countryside, there are plenty of Middlesbrough commuter towns to choose from…
Guisborough
Distance: 10.5 miles | 20-25 minute drive | 30-40 min bus ride | Avg. house price: £228,292
Based on the northern edge of the North York Moors, Guisborough is a historic market town surrounded by greenery. At its heart, there are many independent shops and places to eat. Plus the remains of a 14th century Priory and garden which hosts year-round events. If you like getting outdoors, take a walking trail through Guisborough Forest. Otherwise, the foot of one of the area’s most distinctive hills – Roseberry Topping – is only a 10 minute drive away. And while the town doesn’t have a train station, there are great road links to Middlesbrough.
Stokesley
Distance: 12.5 miles | 25-30 minute drive | 1 hour bus ride | Avg. house price: £256,250
Close by, you’ll find Stokesley on the banks of the River Leven. This charming market town is home to numerous Grade II listed buildings, local retailers and cosy pubs. Regular markets are still held in the centre, including monthly farmers and makers markets. Also on the doorstep are several sports clubs and a modern leisure centre with gym and swimming pool. Better yet, Middlesbrough is just half an hour’s drive away – as is the Yorkshire coast.
Redcar
Distance: 9 miles | 20-25 minute drive | 15 minute train ride | Avg. house price: £155,614
If you love the seaside, then Redcar could be the perfect Middlesbrough commuter town for you. Once a simple fishing village, the town now houses a Flat racecourse, multipurpose arts venue and a recently renovated art-deco cinema. It’s also known as the home of the world’s oldest surviving lifeboat and the tasty lemon top ice cream! View its 8-mile sandy beach from the top of the Beacon – a quirky vertical pier – or take a stroll at low tide. The north end is especially popular with horse riders. And all of this is just a 15 minute train ride from Boro!
Hartlepool
Distance: 15 miles | 25-30 minute drive | 30 minute train ride | Avg. house price: £78,500
Another coastal town just a short drive from Middlesbrough is Hartlepool. Following the closure of its shipbuilding docks and steelworks, the town struggled with high rates of unemployment – hence the need to commute. But things are looking up for Hartlepool and there have been many redevelopments in recent years. Here you’ll find the Northern School of Art, a professional football club and the seaside resort of Seaton Carew. Hartlepool’s historic quay and the HMS Trincomalee – Britain’s oldest floating warship – are also key tourist attractions. On top of that, you can reach Boro via rail or road in just 30 minutes.
Darlington
Distance: 16 miles | 30 minute drive | 30 minute train ride | Avg. house price: £146,834
Dreaming of living closer to the Yorkshire Dales? Then we’d recommend the Middlesbrough commuter town of Darlington. Positioned halfway between Boro and the Dales, it boasts an array of shops, a leisure centre and a Green Flag park. Then there’s the beautifully restored Hippodrome Theatre, a large FE college with University centre and a well-connected train station. Teesside Airport is also just a 5 mile drive away. What more could you need?
Thirsk
Distance: 27 miles | 35-40 minute drive | 35-40 min train ride | Avg. house price: £294, 833
Further afield, you’ll find the more rural cobbled market town of Thirsk. Offering easy access to both the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors, homes here are highly sought after. This place is also a great commuter town for Middlesbrough given its proximity to the A19. Yet it feels a world away from industry of Teesside. At its centre, you’ll find one of the UK’s oldest working cinemas, the James Herriott museum and Thirsk racecourse. Plus The Courthouse cultural hub which provides a host of workshops and performances. There are also plenty of shops, pubs and restaurants, and a train station on the outskirts of town.
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What about commuting from Middlesbrough for work?
Alternatively, you may love the idea of owning an affordable home in Middlesbrough. After all, you’d have a host of facilities on your doorstep, while being close to both the hills and coast. But what if you’re struggling to find the perfect job here? Given how well connected the town is, you could enjoy the best of both worlds by commuting to a nearby city instead.
Newcastle
Distance: 40 miles | 1 hour drive | 1 hour 20 minute train ride | Avg. house price: £209,321
Situated close to the Northumberland border, Newcastle is the largest city in the North East. Here you’ll find the headquarters of several major companies, including the Sage Group, Deloitte, Greggs and Virgin Money. Other key employers include Newcastle College Group, Newcastle & Northumbria universities and the Freeman Hospital. Better still, advance single train tickets from Middlesbrough to Newcastle start from just £5.10 per person.
Durham
Distance: 27 miles | 40 min drive | 55 min train ride (inc. 1 change) | Avg. house price: £233,623
Alternatively, the historic city of Durham is less than three quarters of an hour away by road. It’s home to multiple top-ranking North East employers, like Northumbrian Water, The Banks Group, Hargreaves Services and Durham University, to name a few. Prefer the train? The fastest route involves a change at Darlington, with advance return fares starting at £13.70.
York
Distance: 50 miles | 1 hour 15 minute drive | 55 minute train ride | Avg. house price: £349,301
Conveniently located just off the A19, York is one of the area’s most beautiful and accessible cities. If fact, its train station is the busiest in North Yorkshire! Here you’ll find successful companies such as Pavers Shoes, Shepherd Group, Total Systems Services, LNER and Persimmon. Due to the distance, train tickets to York will set you back more than those to other Middlesbrough commuter towns. But you can save with a season ticket or railcard.
Keen to make a move? Read up on Middlesbrough’s property market forecast on our blog.
