Now, the region’s best places to live in 2026 have been ranked, based on everything from schools and jobs to heritage and natural beauty.
Garrington Property Finders has rated rated 1,447 towns, cities across England and Wales.
Whickham, near Gateshead and Newcastle, is top of the pile in the North East, according to its rankings, and the 41st best place to live nationally.
The estate agency Sanderson Young describes it as a ‘charming’ and ‘delightful’ village, with a ‘vibrant community’, ‘outstanding’ schools and lovely parks and green spaces.
The average price of a family home in Whickham is £332,413, having risen by 9.16% in the last year.
Below are the 13 best places to live overall in the North East, according to Garrington, listed in reverse order.
Where do you think is the best place to live in the North East?
If you’re looking for somewhere affordable to move to as a family, you might be interested in the list of best places in the North East with good value homes.
13. Whickham - 1st
Whickham, in Tyne and Wear, is the best place to live in the North East according to Garrington Property Finders, and the 41st best out of 1,447 towns, cities and villages in England and Wales. It is ranked 490th for house price, quality and value, 328th for heritage/culture, 241st for natural environment, 341st for schools, employment and connectivity, and 528th for wellbeing. The average price of a family home there is £332,413, having risen by 9.16% in the last year. | Google Photo: Google