The city of Newcastle is usually referred to as Newcastle-upon-Tyne. It is found in the North East of England and has a population of just under 300,000. People who live in Newcastle and the surrounding areas are known as Geordies. The city is part of the Tyneside conurbation which totals 1.6 million, making it one of the largest conurbations in the United Kingdom. Newcastle’s GVA is £13 billion which is one of the largest contributions to the UK economy. Newcastle is also known for its dedication to environmental issues and the city is hoping to become the ‘first Carbon Neutral town’. The city was once seen as something of a dull, gloomy place but has undergone a startling transformation and is now known as a vibrant city filled with culture.

Prices

The cost of living in Newcastle could be classed as ‘moderate’. You can enjoy a meal of reasonable quality for approximately £10. Finding an inexpensive restaurant to have a three course meal for two is difficult however. You are unlikely to find a restaurant that offers this for less than £30 with some places looking for £60 or more. Rent in the city centre is relatively expensive with one bedroom apartments likely to cost you £650 a month. A three bedroom apartment in the city centre offers markedly better value for money at £900 a month. The prices for accommodation outside the city centre drop steeply with one bedroom apartments on offer for £400 a month with three bedroom apartments available for just £600 a month.

Transport

Newcastle is rather compact for its size which is good news for people who are travelling from place to place on foot. However, it is extremely bad news for anyone looking to drive to work during the morning rush hour. You will be extremely frustrated should you choose this method of transportation in the morning, especially if you are new to the area because the one-way system takes some getting used to.

You’re better off walking or cycling to work because it’s likely that your workplace is relatively close to where you live. Fortunately, the public transport system in Newcastle is excellent and this is probably your best bet if you need to travel large distances to work. The Tyne and Wear Metro allows you to reach Sunderland, Newcastle Airport, the coast, the railway station and Gateshead. Arriva Northumbria are the main bus operator and Haymarket and Eldon Square are the city’s main bus stations.

Amenities

There are few better cities in the UK for nightlife than Newcastle. The city has garnered praise from all quarters for the astounding array of bars and clubs it offers. Grainger Street and Quayside are two of the best places for bars where nights out are known for their energy with hedonism and downright crazy behaviour the norm in Newcastle!

There are a host of inexpensive eateries that offer a quick and easy meal. Bigg Market is the place to go to find value for money restaurants. All tastes are catered for with Italian, Indian and Oriental restaurants taking up the majority of the places. Newcastle even has its own Chinatown in Stowell Street which offers low-price buffets. Northumberland Street is the largest shopping area in the city.

Newcastle also have a thriving cultural scene with the Newcastle Playhouse, Live Theatre, Metro Radio Arena and the Theatre Royal all hosting a variety of arts including performances by the Royal Shakespeare Company each year at the Theatre Royal. The Metro Radio Arena is well known for hosting exciting live music performances.

Sports

The city hosts the Great North Run which is one of the best known UK athletic endurance events. The city is also host to a thriving rugby union team and even has its own ice hockey team. Yet there is nothing that binds the city together more than the football team. Newcastle United and its fanatical following, known as the Toon Army, are renowned for their vociferous support of their team. United are known to be huge underachievers and because of this, their fan base can get overly passionate at times. Nonetheless, there is little doubt that Newcastle United are a real football club and perhaps the fans can one day celebrate some silverware as the team continues to make strides in the Premier League.

When you live in Newcastle, you are one step away from the best nightlife you’ve ever experienced!