Property for sale in Sunderland, Tyne & Wear

The Local Area Guide to living in Sunderland

There’s a proud buzz in Sunderland, a historic city at the mouth of the River Wear. Known for its award-winning university, low living costs and cultural outlets, Sunderland has been on the rise in recent years with a number of new residents arriving. It enjoys a convenient location in the heart of Tyne and Wear, in close proximity to Newcastle upon Tyne. Miles of beaches and rural countryside are within easy reach, as it is a dynamic cityscape dotted with museums and historic architecture. Highlights include the National Glass Centre, Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art, and the Sunderland Empire Theatre. It’s also home to the famous Sunderland International Airshow, which delights crowds with its acrobatic action.

Sunderland’s seaside draws throngs of visitors in the summer months to its main beaches, Seaburn and Roker. These offer waterside bars, cafes and promenades to explore. The riverside area of the city has recently been regenerated, featuring new waterside parks, pathways and a Sculpture Trail. For work or play, Sunderland has a wealth of quirky attractions to enjoy.

Information about the local residents

Many residents are drawn to Sunderland for the low cost of living, excellent real estate value and cultural opportunities the seaside city provides. Employment levels are lower than the national average here, with 65% of residents working. Yet, the employment rate is higher than comparable cities like Birmingham and Liverpool.

Income falls in line with UK averages, with the average gross weekly pay reported as £482.30 in 2015. Although many Sunderland residents report their health as “good,” the city’s life expectancy is lower than the average in England. It’s reported as 81 for women and 77 for men, putting it on par with Scottish life expectancy.

Sources: 2011 Census, Department of Work and Pensions & uSwitch analysis data.

Nearby Schools

There are dozens of schools scattered throughout Sunderland, ensuring that families are well-served when it comes to education. This includes 83 primary schools and 18 secondary schools. Whitburn Church of England Academy is one of the highest-rated secondary schools in Sunderland, regarded ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.

The city is also known for the University of Sunderland, which has been shortlisted for University of the Year, according to the Times Higher Education Awards. It has recently invested £130 million on campus improvements and draws students from all over the UK and abroad.

Getting Around

Sunderland’s well connected, whether you’re travelling by rail, car, bus or plane. It’s accessible from the M1/A1, the main national motorway running from London to Edinburgh. By rail, there are direct trains to London Kings Cross operated by Virgin Trains East Coast. Direct services are also available to Thirsk, York, Darlington and Hartlepool, among others.

The city’s compact nature means it’s easy to get around once you’ve arrived. Local buses and the Tyne and Wear Metro allow residents to venture to the coast or travel around the city centre. Buses are operated by Nexus, and the Sunderland Connect Bus stops at many of the city’s main attractions, as well as Roker beach in the summer. The Newcastle International Airport is under an hour’s journey from Sunderland using the metro system.

Local Shops

Sunderland’s bustling city centre offers many shops. You’ll find big retail brands along with individual specialist boutiques, one-of-a-kind markets and sprawling shopping malls. One of the most notable outlets is The Bridges, a brand new indoor shopping mall, featuring parking and 100s of high street stores as well as a large Tesco. Jacky Whites Market is a local favourite, offering a treasure trove of bargains to sift through. Its stalls are open Monday to Saturday, with second-hand deals and homemade crafts. Independent boutiques, cafes and vintage stores line the smaller avenues leading away from The Bridges.

Many areas of Sunderland have undergone redevelopment as part of the city’s regeneration, creating new shopping and dining districts. One example is the Sunniside area in the city’s east end, which now includes multiple restaurants, a bowling alley and a multiplex cinema.