Sunderland is a city with a rich history and culture. With its picturesque coastline, world-class museums and growing economy, it has the potential to be a great location for families. This article will explore raising a family in Sunderland and examine whether it is truly an attractive location for families. We will take a look at factors such as housing, education, job opportunities and leisure activities for kids to determine if Sunderland is a family-friendly city.
Where is Sunderland?
Sunderland is a large city located in the county of Tyne and Wear. It is situated on the coast of the North Sea and is around 10 miles south of Newcastle upon Tyne, and around 15 miles north of Durham. Sunderland has a population of around 275,000 people. It was an important shipbuilding and coal mining centre during the industrial revolution and the city’s port was once one of the busiest in the world. Today, the city has moved away from its heavy industrial past and has undergone significant redevelopment, with a focus on the service sector and higher education.
Sunderland has several universities and colleges, including the University of Sunderland and Sunderland College, which attract many students to the city. The city also boasts several cultural attractions, including the National Glass Centre, the Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, and the Sunderland Empire theatre.
Sunderland house prices
Of course, being able to afford to live somewhere is probably the most important thing to consider. After all, if you can’t afford it it’s a no-go straight away. Luckily, Sunderland is an affordable city for families with the overall average price for properties sitting at £157,344 in the last year.
If you’re on the hunt for a semi-detached home, you’ll be pleased to know that they’ve been the most popular choice among buyers, with an average price tag of £164,278. Terraced properties also offer great value, coming in at an average of £123,190. And for those dreaming of a detached home, they’re selling for an average of £307,749.
This compares favourably with the national average. According to recent data, the UK housing market has seen a steady increase in average house prices, with a 12.6% increase over the year to October 2022. This is up from 9.9% in September 2022, and partly due to a sharp fall in average house prices in October 2021 following changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax. The average UK house price in October 2022 was £296,000, which is £33,000 higher than last year.
As cash house buyers, we can get your current home sold quickly so you could make the move quicker than you might expect if Sunderland is starting to sound like a city you want to explore more of!
Does Sunderland have any Ofsted ‘outstanding’ schools?
The good news for families also is that Sunderland is home to several outstanding schools, including Ashbrooke School, Bexhill Academy, Columbia Grange School, Fulwell Infant School Academy, Fulwell Junior School, Grange Park Primary School, St Paul’s CofE Primary School, and Sunningdale School.
Things to do in Sunderland for children
Sunderland has plenty of fun and exciting activities for children to enjoy. Some popular options include the National Glass Centre, which offers interactive exhibitions and hands-on glass-making workshops for children.
The Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens have a range of exhibits and activities for children, including hands-on science experiments and a dinosaur exhibit. Also fun for families is Roker Park’s range of activities for children, including a playground, mini golf, and a lake for fishing. Other options include:
- The Sunderland Aquatic Centre: This swimming pool offers a range of activities for children, including swimming lessons, diving classes, and water slides.
- The Sunderland Empire Theatre: This theatre offers a range of live performances for children, including musicals, plays, and comedy shows.
- Adventure Valley: This is an outdoor adventure park that offers a range of activities for children, including go-karting, mini-golf, and a playground.
- The Sunderland Airshow: The Sunderland Airshow is an annual event that takes place in the summer, featuring aerobatic displays and other family-friendly activities.
- The Stadium of Light: This football stadium offers guided tours and interactive activities for children, such as penalty shootouts and football skills challenges.
- The Sunderland City Council’s Local Parks: Local parks have a range of activities for children such as playgrounds, picnic areas and sports fields.
These are just a few of the many things that children can do in Sunderland, with many more options to explore!
What jobs are available in Sunderland?
A town or city cannot attract families unless there are adequate numbers of jobs or opportunities within a commutable distance. Luckily, there are an increasing number of opportunities for workers in the local area. As of February 2023, according to the website totaljobs.com, there are 5,016 jobs within 10 miles of Sunderland available right now. Professions in demand include warehouse operatives, support workers and care jobs.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) published figures for 2022 that show the average salary in Sunderland is £31,973. Between 2021 and 2022, the average salaries grew by £2,745, giving a salary growth rate of 9.39% per year. This growth rate is higher than the average salary growth rate in Sunderland over the past 10 years by 7.9%. The average weekly working hours in Sunderland are 38.8 hours, with men working an average of 40 hours per week and women working 36.7 hours per week, a difference of 3.5 hours. Compared to England, Sunderland’s average salary of £31,973 is 21.5% lower than England’s national average of £40,746.
However, Sunderland’s salary growth rate of 9.39% is 4.6% higher than England’s average growth rate of 4.81%. Both Sunderland and England have average weekly working hours of 38.8 hours.
Is Sunderland right for you?
Sunderland is a city with lots of positives for families. It offers affordable housing options, with the average price for properties sitting at £157,344, and several Ofsted “outstanding” schools. The city has a growing economy, with over 5,016 jobs within a 10-mile radius and a 9.39% growth rate in average salaries.
With its range of fun activities for kids and family-friendly events, Sunderland is a great location for families.
So why not make Sunderland your next home city?
