Have you accepted a job with a Teesside-based company? Or do you want to be closer to family in the northeast? Whatever your reason for moving to Middlesbrough, it’s a popular option given the town’s relative affordability and excellent amenities. But if you aren’t familiar with the area, you’ll need to do some research to avoid disappointment. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to live in Middlesbrough to help speed up your search. Whether you’re a working professional keen to live centrally or a family seeking a calmer neighbourhood, there’s somewhere for everyone. Plus, we’ve highlighted some areas that it’s generally best to avoid… Let’s get started!
What is Middlesbrough like to live in?
While the outskirts of town are naturally quieter, you’ll never be far from the action as one of Middlesbrough’s nearly 150,000 residents. As the largest town in Teesside, it has two large shopping centres and numerous places to eat at its heart. Not to mention a thriving University, plenty of pubs and clubs and a chic independent quarter with bars and boutiques.
Residents can also visit local museums and galleries and catch live shows at the Town Hall or Middlesbrough Theatre. The annual MELA Festival and Stewart Park’s Nightfall light show are also there to enjoy. Meanwhile, Captain Cook Square’s new LEVEL X centre, with a bowling alley, karting track, and more, offers fun for all ages year-round.
Prefer sports? Head over to the Riverside Stadium to watch a Championship football match. Or get active at one of Middlesbrough’s leisure centres or the top-rated sports village, complete with an outdoor cycle circuit. You’ll also find plenty of parks and eight allotment sites across the town. Guisborough Forest and Roseberry Topping walking trails are just a short drive away – ideal if you like spending time outdoors.
More practical considerations that are worth considering include affordable house prices, good schools, and excellent transport links. The A19 and A66 roads provide access to nearby towns and cities, while the A174 will take you to the coast within 20 minutes. Middlesbrough boasts train and bus stations, and there’s a small airport just 10 miles away.
In sum, locals are well-connected, close to beautiful scenery and never short of things to do.
Where are the nice areas in Middlesbrough?
Of course, moving to the right neighbourhood can make a massive difference to your experience as a resident. So, if you’re seeking the best places to live in Middlesbrough, we’d recommend focusing on the south and west areas of town. In particular, the outer suburbs close to the rural countryside are considered the nicest postcodes and have lower crime rates. These areas are typically leafier and offer larger semi-detached and detached family homes with parking and gardens. However, you can expect to pay more for setting up home here.
On the other hand, areas to the northeast of town, such as South Bank, North Ormesby and Grangetown, suffer high levels of deprivation. And have some of the highest crime rates in the county, alongside the town centre. Of course, homes in these postcodes are cheap to buy. But they are usually older two-up, two-down terraced houses with small yards rather than gardens. You’ll also face higher insurance premiums and more anti-social behaviour here. Meanwhile, many centrally situated properties are rented to students on short-term tenancies.
The best areas to live in Middlesbrough
With all of that in mind, here are some of the best places to live in Middlesbrough and nearby:
Nunthorpe (TS7) – Average house price: £259,407
25% of polled residents voted Nunthorpe the top area to live in Middlesbrough. Located to the southeast of town and surrounded by countryside, Nunthorpe is a long-standing favourite among families. Here, you’ll find a mix of character properties and newer estates. This includes plenty of good-sized semi-detached and detached homes with gardens and off-road parking.
Additionally, Nunthorpe has its own convenience store, pharmacy, hairdressers and several takeaways. And if you don’t drive, you can catch a train into town, with the journey taking less than 15 minutes. For families, there are four primary schools, a secondary school and a nursery. Residents also have access to a local squash club, bowling club and nearby country park.
Marton (TS7 & TS8) – Average house price: £198,934
Situated between Nunthorpe and Coulby Newham, Marton is best known as the birthplace of explorer Captain James Cook and for its large green space, Stewart Park, which features lakeside trails, playgrounds, a museum, and an animal corner. You’ll also find Middlesbrough’s outdoor velodrome just up the road, plus the lovely Gunnergate Wetlands nature reserve.
Again, there is a variety of housing stock in Marton, including sizeable detached homes and new builds. But semi-detached properties are the most popular here. Families can also benefit from good road and bus links, a railway station, a local library and three well-rated primary schools. On top of that, this area’s larger-than-average parade of shops includes a small supermarket, bakery, pizzeria and more. There are also several pubs in the neighbourhood which serve food.
Linthorpe (TS5) – Average house price: £137,325
Looking for the best places to live in Middlesbrough that are close to town? Then Linthorpe may be ideal. Just a short walk from Albert Park and a 25-minute walk from the main shopping district, this area is popular with both families and young working professionals. You’ll have easy access to the town centre and the many shops and places to eat on Linthorpe Road. Yet, this neighbourhood is quiet and leafy, with wider streets and attractive Edwardian homes.
In addition, Linthorpe has its own set of convenience shops dotted along Roman Road. Plus, hairdressers, interior stores, used car dealerships and even a cocktail bar. You’ll also find top-performing Linthorpe Community Primary School and Middlesbrough Theatre at its heart.
Acklam (TS5) – Average house price: £167,833
Slightly further west of Middlesbrough, you’ll find Acklam. Despite its proximity to the A19 (perfect for commuters), this area is surprisingly green and known for the age-old Avenue of Trees at its core. These lead up to the town’s only Grade I listed building—Acklam Hall—which is now a stunning wedding venue with its own steakhouse.
The area also houses rugby, football, and cricket pitches, plus a nature reserve. Not to mention affordable semi-detached homes for couples and families, several good schools, including two secondary schools, and two shopping parades. As such, residents can access local butchers, bakers, barbers, café, post offices, and more. Middlesbrough is only a short drive away.
Coulby Newham (TS8) – Average house price: £202,481
Another trendy Middlesbrough suburb situated on the opposite side of the A174 is Coulby Newham. Many of the homes sold here last year were detached, and there is also a good array of semi-detached properties. Much like Nunthorpe, homes here come at a premium, given its semi-rural backdrop, excellent transport links, and numerous amenities.
In fact, this more modern neighbourhood is home to a high-achieving secondary school with 6th form, plus its very own shopping centre. Here, you’ll find a large Tesco Extra, Boots and Specsavers, with B&M, Pets at Home and Aldi nearby. And if you’re keen to keep fit, you can try either Bannatyne’s gym or Rainbow Leisure Centre’s sports courts and swimming pool. Or why not get outdoors at Fairy Dell Park? Whatever your preference, Coulby Newham is undoubtedly one of the best places to live in Middlesbrough if you want plenty to do nearby.
Have you found the right neighbourhood for you? Think you might like to live further afield and travel in? Then check out our favourite Middlesbrough commuter towns for inspiration.
*House prices based on data from Rightmove
Need support with selling a property in Middlesbrough?
If you need help selling your current home to fund your next move, feel free to get in touch. As reputable cash house buyers, we’ll buy any Middlesbrough property regardless of its age, condition or location. So whether you’re struggling to sell in a less desirable area or you’ve inherited a house that needs work, we can help.
Better still, we can complete sales in as little as 7 days or whatever timeframe suits you – just let us know! Start by applying for a free cash offer online to find out how much your home could be worth, or learn more about how the process works here.
