Moving back to Durham - City or surroundings villages?

A terrace in the centre of town - are you not surrounded by students? That’s what I grew up in, they’re all student houses now.

There’s a couple of student houses but vast majority private owned where we are. Around the viaduct it’s more noticeable. We get no bother from students, nor have ever really seen any.
 


Drove through Wheatley hill/shotton way today it reminded me of Chernobyl. Complete ghost towns and the only sign of people I did see where pure hillbilly’s.
 
Used to live in Brandon I moved away about 12 years ago (thank god) hated the place I wouldn't live anywhere out that way tbh.
 
Drove through Wheatley hill/shotton way today it reminded me of Chernobyl. Complete ghost towns and the only sign of people I did see where pure hillbilly’s.
May I ask which idyllic area you live in? I will point out I live in neither of the places you have judged.

Shadforth seems quite nice in parts. I wouldn't fancy that hill if it's icy though.
Some lovely properties in Shadforth, a well hidden gem.
 
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@Heffer might be able to give advice on the pubs in Willington as well. Judging by his username, I think I know who he is if that was his nickname as a youngen.

I never used to drink in Willington to be fair as most of my mates from school were from Crook. If I ever did it would be the bottom black horse or the odd pint in the market which is now closed. Spent most of my time in Crook or Bishop as a youngun.

I moved away because my missus is from Chester originally and she wanted to be closer to her family. Also thought there was more going on in Chester, easier to commute and get to places as it's more central.

As I said in an earlier reply I used to f***ing hate trying to get into Durham from willington on a morning. Used to take forever to get through Langley moor and Nevilles Cross.

A mate of mine has recently moved into the new estate at the bottom and he seems happy there. Good house for the money he paid whereas you dont get as much for your money in places like Chester.
 
I never used to drink in Willington to be fair as most of my mates from school were from Crook. If I ever did it would be the bottom black horse or the odd pint in the market which is now closed. Spent most of my time in Crook or Bishop as a youngun.

I moved away because my missus is from Chester originally and she wanted to be closer to her family. Also thought there was more going on in Chester, easier to commute and get to places as it's more central.

As I said in an earlier reply I used to f***ing hate trying to get into Durham from willington on a morning. Used to take forever to get through Langley moor and Nevilles Cross.

A mate of mine has recently moved into the new estate at the bottom and he seems happy there. Good house for the money he paid whereas you dont get as much for your money in places like Chester.
Thanks, from what you say about the traffic it definitely sounds like turning right at Browney down to Sunderland Bridge/A167 is the way to get in these days.
 
Thanks, from what you say about the traffic it definitely sounds like turning right at Browney down to Sunderland Bridge/A167 is the way to get in these days.

100% yes. If you need to get to the end of the city near the crematorium then you can go down the road off the a167 as well. Longer drive but much faster.

In short, I never had any bother in Willington apart from arsehole who moved in next door and I lived there for over 30 years. It's not the worst place in the world and I think a lot of the rep it gets isn't fair although I may be saying that with tinted glasses on. It has decent amenities and the hub of durham/bishop/crook is convenient. I walk down Chester front street now and see just as much bother as I did in willington. Horses for courses.
 
Had a drive around the region over weekend, it’s a right headscrew - viewed some amazing houses at Low Willington, then you head back to the city and look at shoeboxes that cost tons more money.

There’s no doubt Willington high street looks grotty, the garage being shut when come in from Durham doesn’t help, the Spectrum looks a right mess nowadays too.

Anyone from Willington make a case for the defence? I personally could put up with the high street as the estates at the bottom end of town look really good. Parkside does seem a really good school too.

It’s a difficult sell, I’ll probably end paying a fortune for something in the city that’s half the size of the house we’re selling.
My exact house was £100k more (new build ) up near aykley heads when I moved in ,prefer where I am

Shadforth seems quite nice in parts. I wouldn't fancy that hill if it's icy though.
Our favourite park for footy etc
 
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