Local area guide

Living in Sunderland

With sprawling beaches, a caring community and vibrant nightlife, Sunderland is known as one of the best places to live in the UK.

Your guide to moving to Sunderland

Why Sunderland is a good place to live

Living in Sunderland is set apart by the warm community and a whole world of things to do and see, no matter your age or interests.

Sunderland is a great place to live for a well-rounded lifestyle, offering a vibrant blend of coastal charm, urban energy and calming countryside.

A relatively small city of around 280,000 people, Sunderland is easy to get around - and yet, the town centre buzzes with life every day of the week. From the spectacular Northern Spire Bridge to the historic Empire Theatre, Sunderland seamlessly combines its rich heritage with a modern atmosphere.

For families, Sunderland boasts excellent schools and a strong sense of community, while convenient links to Newcastle and the rest of the North East mean anything you need is close at hand.

What is Sunderland famous for?

Sunderland is famous for its rich maritime history, having once been the shipbuilding capital of the world. The city's shipyards played a pivotal part in building some of the world's most well-known vessels, including the RMS Titanic.

Things to do in Sunderland

Moving to Sunderland promises an array of activities to fill your weekend. Herrington Country Park is a highlight: the sprawling green space has walking trails, a boating lake and kids' play area. Roker and Seaburn beaches are essential visits too, with golden sands stretching as far as the eye can see.

Head to the award-winning Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, a treasure trove of art, history and natural wonders, or keep the kids happy with a visit to Adventure Sunderland for kayaking, paddle-boarding and high ropes.

Sunderland has many restaurants in the city centre and along the seafront, with diverse dining options to suit everyone. The city's large student population sees Sunderland come to life at night, whether you're after a pub quiz, quiet cocktail or classic club night.

Average asking prices in Coventry today

We update our average asking prices every day with data from millions of properties for sale.

Terraced

Avg. asking price

£120,000

133 properties for sale

Detached

Avg. asking price

£315,700

152 properties for sale

Semi-detached

Avg. asking price

£200,000

122 properties for sale

Flats

Avg. asking price

£65,500

112 properties for sale

Properties currently for sale in Sunderland

Whether you're looking for a family home or a beautiful apartment, we've got you covered.

See all properties for sale in Sunderland

Popular areas to live in Sunderland

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Local pubs in Sunderland

In partnership with
useyourlocal
  • 808 Bar & Kitchen

    Hendon, Sunderland, SR1

    A vibrant destination in the heart of the city centre and proud part of the Sunnyside area.

  • Peacock

    Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR1

    Formerly The Londonderry

  • Joseph's

    Millfield, Sunderland, SR1

    Joseph's bar is the only place for live music sports and discount drinks join us for a great night out.

  • Passion

    Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR1

Transport in Sunderland

Trains

Sunderland Railway Station is the main train hub offering frequent services to nearby cities like Newcastle (30 minutes) and Durham (20 minutes), making daily commutes and day trips hassle-free.

Buses

Sunderland features an extensive bus network with several bus stations, including Park Lane Interchange and The Galleries which link to South Shields, Washington and Durham.

Park and Ride

Park and Ride buses run from the Stadium of Light for stress-free access to the city centre.

Car

Sunderland's road network makes for straightforward travel around the city and to the wider region. You can reach Newcastle in around 30 minutes via the A1018 and A1231 and Durham in about 20 minutes on the A690.

Ferry

Sunderland's ferry links are primarily for freight transport rather than passenger services. Nearby ports at Newcastle and Teesport are your best bet for catching a ferry to Amsterdam or Scandinavia.

Airports

Newcastle International Airport offers domestic and international flights, reachable in around 40 minutes to an hour from the city centre.

Transport connections in Sunderland

Sunderland
National Rail
0.1 miles / 0.2 km
Seaham
National Rail
5.2 miles / 8.4 km
Newcastle International Ferry Terminal
Ferry Port
6.5 miles / 10.5 km
South Shields Ferry Terminal
Ferry Port
6.7 miles / 10.8 km
North Shields Ferry Terminal
Ferry Port
7.1 miles / 11.4 km
Heworth
National Rail
7.5 miles / 12.1 km

Schools in Sunderland

Sunderland has a wide variety of well-regarded primary and secondary schools, both state-funded and independent. Several schools have gained recognition for their academic achievements, including Hetton School, St. Anthony's Girls' Catholic Academy and St. Aidan's Catholic Academy.

Meanwhile, the University of Sunderland is a prominent higher education institution with a strong emphasis on research and innovation. Known for its diverse student body and modern facilities, the university attracts students from around the world.

Schools in Sunderland

Hudson Road Primary School
Ages: 3 - 11 years old
Ofsted Rating: Good (2023)
St Anthony's Girls' Catholic Academy
Ages: 11 - 18 years old
Ofsted Rating: Good (2023)
Argyle House School
Ages: 3 - 16 years old
Dame Dorothy Primary School
Ages: 3 - 11 years old
Ofsted Rating: Good (2022)
Thornhill Academy
Ages: 11 - 16 years old
Ofsted Rating: Requires improvement (2022)
Ashbrooke School
Ages: 5 - 19 years old
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding (2022)

Sold house prices provided by Land Registry/Registers of Scotland. © Crown copyright 2025. Our website is completely free for you to use but we may receive a commission from some of the companies we link to on the site.

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