As the sun dips below the horizon, the last of the warm glow reflecting off the water, you watch it mingle with the city lights that illuminate the buildings across the bridge, which you left a moment ago. The bustle of the city is slowly creeping down with you to the quayside, where a couple are finishing off a perfectly crafted flat white captivated by the same warm view.
You could easily be in the Capital, but you’re not, you’re in Newcastle. A city where your mortgage is a third of what your London colleagues pay, and your commute home tonight is only going to take 15 minutes rather than an hour-and-a-half in a hot and humid tube carriage.
This is the reality of the Newcastle lifestyle for thousands of finance professionals who’ve discovered what many consider one of the UK’s best-kept secrets, and you’ll soon appreciate why.
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Newcastle, and the way ambitious professionals have come to view it, has been on a quiet revolution, helping build career success and personal fulfilment. Yes, cities like Manchester are still grabbing the headlines, but that only makes it all the sweeter to be a part of the serious business of building and showcasing one of the most compelling propositions for finance talent in the UK – Newcastle.
At Broster Buchanan Newcastle, we’ve been placing finance professionals for years, and the story stays the same: people come for the opportunity and stay for the lifestyle. Whether it’s the MD who told us she can cycle to work along the Quayside every morning, or the senior analyst who’s bought a Victorian terrace in Jesmond that would probably have cost £2 million in London – Newcastle will change the way you think about success.
If Newcastle has a professional heartland, it’s Jesmond. Walk down Osborne Road on any weekday evening and you’ll be easing past finance professionals grabbing dinner or a cocktail at SoHe or polishing off a signature coffee from Pink Lane Bakery – I’d try a cinnamon bun, as well, if I were you? This tree-lined suburb has become the natural habitat for Newcastle’s finance community, and for good reason:
Property landscape: Victorian terraces in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne sell for around £225,000, but in Jesmond you’re looking at £300,000-£600,000+ for coveted period properties that sell fast! Mansons is a local estate agent that can give you valued advice about this sought-after area.
Jesmond Schools: Jesmond is well-known for secondary education with the award-winning Newcastle High School for Girls, and the Royal Grammar School founded in 1525. Though lighter on the ground, Jesmond has its share of primary education, too, including West Jesmond Primary, an exciting place to learn and grow since 1901.
What makes Jesmond special: Jesmond strikes that perfect balance between urban sophistication and neighbourhood charm. You can walk to the city centre in 15 minutes, but you’re still living on tree-lined streets within a close-knit community.
Local insights: The secret to Jesmond is knowing how to navigate. Properties near the Metro station usually command a premium but offer unbeatable convenience. Whereas, the streets around Osborne Road buzz with energy: there’s good food, up-market pubs and delis, and a variety of bakeries and coffee shops; which mean it should take you a good while to decide on your favourite! You can, of course, take the more tranquil route. It’s a little farther north, but it takes you to the parks and gardens of Jesmond Dene.
Gosforth is where the serious family money goes. It’s to the north of Jesmond, a little quieter, a little more relaxed, and perfect for relocating your young family. It’s got great schools, and open spaces, but there are still great amenities, especially along the High Street.
The Gosforth appeal: Detached family homes go from £250,000-£500,000, and you great housing for the money, but the real draw is the schools:
Primary Schools
Secondary Schools
Local life: Gosforth High Street has that proper community feel – there are independent shops, excellent restaurants from Craft Burger and Pizza to the dining experience of Babucho. You’re also right next to the green space of Town Moor, where the local ParkRun takes place every Saturday and allows you to run off those delicious calories – well, maybe.
Simply put, Gosforth is a leafy suburbia without the commuter belt stress.
Brunton Residential is a local estate and letting agent with a firm grasp on the Gosforth property market.
For C-suite executives and senior partners, Ponteland represents the pinnacle of Newcastle lifestyle. It’s an affluent village, to the north, that attracts the business elite, and it’s easy to see why.
Property expectations: The majority of detached properties in Ponteland sell for in excess of £600,000. For that, you’ll get a 3-4 bed, substantial family home, with good-sized gardens and a garage – that you could well expect to pay millions for elsewhere. Talking of which, there are plenty of larger properties commanding significantly higher prices nearby.
Why executives choose Ponteland: Easy access to Newcastle International Airport means you can reach London or international destinations quickly, should your business take you further afield (the A696 can whisk you up to Edinburgh in 2-hrs, too).
The village itself offers luxury amenities, as you might expect, there is excellent childcare and schools provision: Ponteland Nursery is very well reviewed, whilst Darras Hall Primary School is part of the Pele Trust that strives to provide outstanding academic, social and personal development, and, the area boasts a variety of restaurants, cafes, and historic pubs – such as the 16th century Diamond Inn, and the remarkable The Blackbird where Henry III signed a peace treaty with the Scots.
Ponteland is an attractive village in Northumberland known for its desirable location, excellent amenities, and rich history. It offers a blend of peaceful village life with convenient access to Newcastle, making it one of the most attractive and sought after locations in the Newcastle area.
The transformation of Newcastle’s city centre has been remarkable. Where once stood tired office blocks, now gleaming apartment developments attract the rising finance talent.
The numbers: Average monthly private rents in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne are only a tip over £1,000, which makes city centre living surprisingly accessible. One-bedroom apartments start around £800-£1,200 monthly, with two-bedrooms from £1,000-£1,500.
Living the lifestyle: So, just imagine finishing work at, say, Lycetts HQ on Pilgrim Street, and being home around five minutes later? Actually, scratch that, why not head straight over to meet your friends at Pitcher & Piano for a cold one on the quayside, in five minutes, with no need to figure-out any transport times – there or back.
City centre living in Newcastle is that easy – your social and professional life seamlessly blend. If you have friends or family coming in from further afield, Newcastle train station is an easily accessible five minute walk away (but, you already guessed that…?).
The iconic Quayside offers some of Newcastle’s most coveted addresses and locations. Converted warehouses and modern developments provide stunning river views and undeniable prestige. These warehouse lofts start at around £200,000-£400,000, and they offer character, space, and those Instagram-worthy Tyne Bridge views that could do the world for your following.
Weekend life: Living on the Quayside means Saturday morning markets, riverside runs, and some of the region’s best bars, cafes, and restaurants on your doorstep. It’s urban sophistication with genuine character – don’t think flat white, think caramel macchiato.
Professional networking: The Quayside naturally becomes your networking hub – grab a weekend drink at the Crown Posada (it’s the oldest pub in Newcastle) and chat finance in a booth below the stained glass depiction of a Tudor drinker. A bit more elegance and expense could take you and a very appreciate client to the Michelin starred House of Tides – of course, you don’t need history or sophistication to talk shop, but a good pint and a decent steak never hurt.
At Broster Buchanan, we always look to the future and aim to bring innovation and ambition to our candidates. Gateshead embodies that ethic beautifully, which is why we decided to make it our north-east home – some of the smartest finance professionals working in Newcastle are choosing Gateshead – even if we do say so ourselves! With the average semi-detached property going for a chunk under £200,000, Gateshead offers fantastic value all within an easy 15-min commute to the heart of Newcastle.
If you don’t know about Low Fell, think Angel of the North for location, but think The Lake District for what you’re missing out on: lakes hemmed in by low peaks, and quaint villages dotted through the landscape; if you like the outdoors you really shouldn’t miss it.
For longer stays than a weekend mountain biking, Victorian terraces cost anywhere between £200,000-£350,000 depending on size and view. Low Fell has excellent transport links to Newcastle, a range of highly rated schools for primary and above, such as Brighton Avenue Primary, as well as a growing community of finance professionals who’ve discovered they can have a quality property, with short work commutes (as well as the great outdoors) right on the doorstep.
If you’d like to look further into Low Fell properties, Andrew Craig is a local Gateshead estate agent of over 30 years and can help with any Low Fell enquiries.
For those seeking more space and prestige, Whickham offers a range of affordable properties. Semi-detached houses usually sell for around £250,000, whereas detached properties range from £350,000-£600,000. Add excellent schooling, such as Front Street Primary and the Whickham School, and it’s easy to get a feel for why Whickham attracts senior professionals and finance executives – if I forgot to mention the large green space of Watergate Forest Park for dog walks and just some clean outdoor living, I apologise.
The Tyne and Wear Metro isn’t just a transport link – it enables your lifestyle. It offers 60 stations across 50 miles of track, connecting everything that matters to your Newcastle life. It provides quick connections across the city centre, to Gateshead and even further afield, all the way to Sunderland.
The same Metro service can take you to Newcastle Airport for business trips, day trips to Whitley Bay, or to South Shields for award-winning fish and chips by the sea.
Metro advantages for professionals:
Key connections that matter:
Newcastle International Airport connects to more than 80 destinations, including crucial business hubs:
However, that’s not all, you can also take direct flights from Newcastle to Orlando, Cancun, and Dubai, if you’re feeling like you need somewhere a bit more exotic than Exeter or Southampton – nice as I’m sure they are.
Newcastle’s schools consistently punch above their weight, offering highly-rated education without the high fees of other grammar schools across the country.
Newcastle University: Part of the Russell Group institution, which also has Durham University and Cambridge under its umbrella, and known for delivering high-quality education. Newcastle University is not misplaced, it’s perfect for executive education, MBA programs, and leads the way in many fields – particularly its business school. It’s a prestigious university that’s right on your doorstep, and the people of Newcastle are rightly proud.
Northumbria University: A research intensive university, aiming to unlock student potential. And, if we’re talking about finance, the Newcastle Business School has its Faculty of Business and Law for undergraduate and MBA programs under its roof.
Professional development: The compact nature of Newcastle’s business community means excellent training opportunities, guest lectures, and networking events. Quality education doesn’t stop after university here.
Newcastle is growing and the finance sector is at the centre of that, with major employers establishing or expanding their presence:
Major players:
Professional organisations:
Business development: The compact nature of Newcastle’s business community means relationships have the opportunity to develop quickly. The finance sector, though broad and building, is located centrally and there’s every likelihood that you’ll see the financial analyst you had a meeting with yesterday, walking out from the coffee shop next door to your office, latte in hand. It might sound too straight-forward, but remember Sage began in a bar, who knows what could happen in a coffee shop?
Regional leadership opportunities: For a city with such rapid financial growth, Newcastle offers genuine leadership roles that might not be available in other finance hubs. Regional finance director, operations lead, or heading up the expansion of national firms into the North East are all exciting opportunities that are available in many up-and-coming businesses, as well as good job openings in the major finance players. The Newcastle career possibilities are more varied and come with better career opportunities in the future.
Newcastle’s cultural scene has undergone a transformation that has, surely, made other UK cities rightly envious.
The Glasshouse International Centre for Music: Formerly SAGE Gateshead, it isn’t just a concert hall (although you can expect to see classical music from the Royal Northern Sinfonia, alongside contemporary performers and music classes for toddlers to older adults) – the Glasshouse is a symbol of the region’s cultural ambitions. From classical to cutting-edge, it attracts world renowned talent from across the globe.
Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art: A converted flour mill turned contemporary art gallery, experimental space for curatorial research and practice, and an iconic rooftop restaurant, the Baltic is the cultural cool of the Quayside. There’s free admission, world-class exhibitions, and those spectacular views across the Tyne.
Theatre Royal: Located in a Grade I listed building, in the very heart of the city, it brings west-end productions to an intimate setting, with pre-theatre dinners to make it an unforgettable evening of culture and fine dining.
Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved dramatically, attracting acclaimed chefs and innovative concepts, these are our choices of places to begin your journey (and if you’re looking for the iconic ‘parmo’, Manjaros gets a good write-up):
House of Tides: We’ve mentioned this Michelin-starred restaurant already, but housed in a 16th-century building overlooking the Tyne, it’s sure to impress clients, friends and partners.
The Broad Chare: A jem of a gastropub with a glowing reputation that defines how casual-fine dining should work. Along with the excellent food and relaxed atmosphere, it gives you that sense of discovering something special.
Quayside favourites: From traditional pubs like The Crown Posada to contemporary restaurants showcasing local produce, the Newcastle Quayside offers dining experiences to match any of your business entertainment or social needs.
I’m going to guess that you know Newcastle is pretty big on sports? But, it’s football that makes the city turn – and go ever so slightly mad, too.
If you’re not sure who Alan Shearer (former England captain and record Premier League goalscorer) or Kevin Keegan (former England captain and, then, manager) are, then, you best do a quick search. You should probably add Paul Gascoigne and Chris Waddle to that too, just don’t look up Italia ’90 (obviously, I’m not going to include the link!).
Of course, it’s only 99% football, Brendan Foster the former GB athlete and founder of The Great North Run, is also a Geordie boy.
Newcastle United: Whether you’re a passionate supporter or you simply appreciate what many say is the greatest stadium atmosphere in the country, nay the World, St. James’ Park represents something special. Beyond the black-and-white-striped passion, the community spirit, and the shared identity – the Newcastle United fan base is utterly unique and is rightly famous for it. If you can somehow get your hands on a ticket for the Gallowgate End, for the 3rd round of the FA Cup in January, it’s up to you whether you go bare-chested or face-painted, one thing is for sure: rain or shine, win or lose, you’ll have an experience you’ll ever forget (it’ll be way better if they win, though)!
Professional sport: Outside of the football bubble, the Newcastle Falcons (rugby union), Newcastle Eagles (the most successful basketball team in Britain), and Newcastle Racecourse, all provide great sporting entertainment.
Outdoor pursuits: The great outdoors is something you really should get into when there’s so much beauty right on the doorstep. There’s Hadrian’s Wall for weekend walks or for the popular Ultra-endurance race: The Wall, the Northumberland National Park for more serious hiking and biking, and beautiful coastal areas like Bamburgh and Holy Island for weekend escapes.
Durham is only a 20 minute train journey to Newcastle, and represents an exceptional extension to Newcastle lifestyle opportunities, and the finance market. Durham University offers a first-class business school, with a keen focus on fintech and banking, and its graduates are highly sought after by finance companies worldwide.
Growing financial services: County Durham is receiving high financial investment to attract employment and opportunity into the region. There are already well-established local financial businesses and larger UK financial firms are beginning to see the opportunity, Handelsbanken Durham being one such institution. This influx is slowly expanding the opportunities for senior professionals seeking leadership roles outside London and other city finance hubs.
Regional government: County Durham hosts significant public sector finance operations, offering stable, senior positions with an excellent work-life balance.
Historic charm: Durham cathedral was built in the 11th century and holds UNESCO World Heritage status, creating a unique living environment, which has made Durham a sought after spot for finance professionals and their families.
Property advantages: Durham centre provides fabulous properties, many with historical charm, whilst Neville’s Cross, Gilesgate and Framwell Moor are other popular destinations. House prices are often lower than Newcastle, with terraced houses averaging around £150,000, and period properties starting from £200,000-£400,000 for substantial family homes. You can begin to see why many Newcastle professionals choose the quieter pace of Durham.
There are many good estate agents in Durham, and a quick search will bring up an array of quality housing, whatever your needs. It seems to be unfair to choose only one for this guide, but JW Wood has been in business for over a century, which we felt deserved some recognition!
Educational excellence: Well-rated schools are found at Neville’s Cross Primary and Nursery and Durham Gilesgate Primary, whilst secondary education is well looked after at Framwellgate School, amongst others.
Rail excellence:
Road connectivity: The A1(M) provides direct access to Edinburgh, York, and London, while local roads offer scenic routes through beautiful countryside for days out rather than fast or direct business access.
Durham Cathedral and Castle: Living near World Heritage sites creates a more relaxed quality of life. You can easily enjoy an evening or weekend walk through the centre of Durham. Its ancient streets create an attractive vibe that asks you to settle down for a coffee and watch the world go by. That said, there are classical music concerts in the cathedral (which is, also, where much of Harry Potter was filmed – there’s even a tour you can take), County and International level cricket at Chester-Le-Street, a Durham food tour and, if your belly is a little too full, there’s the chance to relax at the Seaham Hall coastal Spa – I think it’s already been mentioned but for more entertainment, Newcastle is only 20 minutes away!
Ready to discover Newcastle lifestyle?
From the affordable property market to excellent transport connections, from outstanding schools to genuine cultural richness, Newcastle lifestyle delivers everything needed for both professional achievement and personal fulfilment.
Whether you’re just launching into your finance career or you’re seeking senior leadership opportunities, Newcastle has everything you need for success, within a dynamic and innovative space that is only going to push forwards and embrace the future of finance and fintech.
Yes, the numbers speak for themselves: average house prices are considerably lower than the UK city average, despite the amenities being at least on par – if not better, and yet, as tucked away as you may happily feel, you’re still less than a 3-hour train ride from London.
Yet, more than this, the Newcastle lifestyle offers something truly awesome. The financial advantages are there, sure, but the community, character, and the opportunities that money simply cannot buy are yours for the taking. All you have to do is be brave enough to dive in (you can, of course, do this literally by going for a North Sea swim at Tynemouth at New Year, but better you than me)!
The Newcastle lifestyle isn’t just about where you work – it’s about how you choose to live.