Hartlepool has been identified as the cheapest place to live by the sea with homes selling for an average £106,000. The town would be the most affordable for couples who dream of getting on the property ladder in a coastal community.
Research by Zoopla shows a median home value in Hartlepool of £106,340 with a couple's joint average salary here of £66,175.
The study, which was published earlier this year, names Hartlepool as the cheapest place to live by the sea, ahead of second place Blyth, third place Seaham, Maryport in Cumbria and Fleetwood in Lancashire.
According to Rightmove, property prices in Hartlepool are higher than Zoopla's research shows, with an overall average price of £155,175 over the last year.
The majority of sales in the town during the last year were terraced properties which sold for an average £91,798. Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £159,809 and detached properties fetched £280,011.
Overall, sold prices in Hartlepool over the last year were five percent down on the previous year and three percent down on the 2021 peak of £159,167, according to Rightmove.
The town itself is on the coast of County Durham and has a population of 88,000, with an average age of residents of 42.
The top five best performing schools in Hartlepool and their catchment areas ranked by School Guide in 2022 were: St John Vianney Catholic Primary School; St Peter's Elwick Church of England Primary School; Stranton Primary School; Greatham CofE Primary School and Rift House Primary.
Secondaries rated among the town's best include Manor Community Academy and Dyke House Sports and Technology College, which was rated outstanding in its last Ofsted inspection.
Home to Hartlepool Marina, the town's attractions include the Museum of Hartlepool, the National Museum of the Royal Navy and Britain's oldest floating warship, HMS Trincomalee.
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One of the area's most visited spots is Seaton Carew Beach, which scooped the Seaside Award 2024 for its safety, high environmental standards and cleanliness.
The shoreline is a popular place to walk, with The Headland in the north and South Gare lighthouse and Boulby Cliff to the south. Off the North Sands lies Steetley Pier, a 2,000ft long structure stretching out to sea built to carry water to Steetley Magnesite's site.
Hartlepool has an array of eateries, including The Marine Hotel's bar and restaurant, Indian Sheesh Mahal, Portals Place and Surfside Fish Bar and Restaurant.
There are plenty of pubs to choose from in and around the town, with Explore Hartlepool listing The Raby Arms, The Owl, Jacksons Wharf, The Tall Ships and The Spotted Cow among the options.
Outdoor lovers can take advantage of Teesmouth National Nature Reserve, Burn Valley Gardens, Ward Jackson Park and Summerhill Country Park. Nearby villages of Greatham, Elwick and Dalton Piercy are also recommended.
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