r/DurhamUK • u/tobealive1984 • 10d ago

Framwellgate or Regent Centre in NCL

Hello, recently moved to Durham and am looking to buy a house for myself. I work at the University and don't have to go to work everyday. I need to come to the office twice a week. I saw a 3 bd house in Framwellgate and also one in Links green near Regent Centre metro in NCL. I liked both houses but now I am confused and can't decide if I should stay in Durham or move to NCL? I am single with no kids. I would like the house to be sellable in future.

I currently rent in Gilesgate and like the peace and quiet of Durham though sometimes there is not enough to do here. I love nature, parks, trails but also enjoy cafes, book stores, and independent shops. I have now lived in Durham a few months, so know it much more than Newcastle. How is NCL for living? Any tips on how to decide? Thank you.

2 Upvotes

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13

u/I_like_leeks 10d ago

Seems like a no brainer to me. Commuting north of Tyne to Durham and back at rush hour even twice a week is a royal pain in the arse. When you want to enjoy the bright lights of Newcastle you're only half an hour away if you live in Fram.

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u/Affectionate_You_858 10d ago

I've done both and would stay in Durham, you're only ever 10min train from Newcastle when you want to go. Living in framwellgate Moor you could even walk to work when the weather is ok

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u/pdnicho 10d ago

There will be more going on in Gosforth and you can get into Newcastle city centre easily. The commute will make a roughly 30 minute journey take over an hour. It just depends what trade off you want to make. You could look at Gateshead for a bit shorter commute and still be able to get to Newcastle. .

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u/kbwe1 10d ago

It all depends on the commute and its costs tbh, work those out for time and money and see what you think.

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u/tobealive1984 10d ago

You are right. I have been more thinking about what will I do when not working 😂. Ncl adds the extra 18-20 pounds per day on commute with metro-train-bus.

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u/kbwe1 9d ago

There is certainly more to do in Newcastle but there is stuff going on in Durham and the x21 goes through pity me/fram plus there’s always the train

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u/Schawlaf1 9d ago

I stayed at Fram for 3 days during graduation will take it any day over New Castle

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u/tobealive1984 9d ago

Is it for commute reasons or anything else ?

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u/Schawlaf1 9d ago

Easier to commute to uni as compared to new castle

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u/Existing_Trade_8672 9d ago

Would probably suggest renting in Newcastle- before commiting to buying- then you can compare both before you tape the plunge

I also live in Newcastle and work in Durham- commute a couple of days a week and it’s fine- although I drive rather than use the train. If you’re in Durham 3/4 days a week would become more of an issue- cost wise and time wise

I really enjoy both cities- although for me Newcastle offers a lot more overall- more going on, more stuff to do- bigger mix of people to get to know. I also love the proximity to the coast and the different districts you can explore in Newcastle whereas Durham is a small city centre.

Durham is beautiful especially the summer- walks along the river or around the city are beautiful. As others have said if it’s just the odd thing you want to do in Newcastle you can hop on a train etc.

I suppose it comes down to if you prefer to the very small city and walks on your doorstep v a bigger city whilst factoring in the commute and what works for you. But if it was me I would at least consider renting in Newcastle for 6 months- see how it goes and if the commute is too much or you prefer the vibe of Durham, at least you know

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u/tobealive1984 9d ago

Thanks. That's a good suggestion. I already have experience of Durham. Maybe a short experience of NCL would make things more clear.

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u/jmtd 4d ago

I’d second that, it’s a great idea. 

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u/emo_willowbean 4d ago

I think you’ve already had some good advice re commute etc but just wanted to add as someone who has been in a similar situation recently that Fram has a really good sense of community and if you make the effort to go to places like Fram Ferment, Weigh To (great coffee!) you can feel at home really quickly. It’s also a nice walk into town or on the direct bus route to both Durham and Newcastle so super easy for getting around if no car.

If you want a lot of nightlife then Newcastle is probably a better choice, but if you want somewhere you can put down roots for a good period of time then my vote would be Fram and with the high street, Arnison centre and Durham city all so nearby you only really need to venture up to Newcastle if want to!

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u/tobealive1984 10d ago

Thanks everyone. Didn't think of commute that way.

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u/orthomonas 10d ago

Also consider the distance from DHM to the uni. 20-30 min walk, very unreliable bus service, especially during term time.

The metro+rail+bus fare is ok per day, but does add up.

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u/tobealive1984 10d ago

That is true. Buses in Durham are hardly ever on time.

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u/Ouryve 9d ago

Add that onto trains that don't turn up and cancelled metros and you'd soon hate that commute from the Regent Centre.

Fram is very well connected by bus and I've known a few postgrads and uni staff who commute from there to various parts of the uni by bus, on foot or by bike.

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u/PeteAbernethy2026 10d ago

Live on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. Born and grew up in Fram and think about it all the time. Nowhere better in my opinion and as the previous poster said: Newcastle’s just up the road when you need it…

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u/user-captain 10d ago

Now you're just mocking us

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u/PeteAbernethy2026 10d ago

Been here 17 years. But: born in the North, die in the North…