for a good life in Northumberland
OPPORTUNITIES
For an unrivalled quality of life...
With cheaper housing, stunning landscapes, miles of unspoilt coastline and a proud history and heritage, Northumberland offers an unrivalled quality of life.
There is more space up here as well as a great sense of community and every opportunity to live a fuller, more balanced life.
Cheaper houses
From historic market towns to coastal communities, Northumberland has unique option's when it comes to choosing where to live, and with more affordable house prices, many people find their money buys them better choice when it comes to finding their dream home.
Northumberland remains relatively cheap by national standards, with the latest official data putting the average house price at £215,000 - well below the UK average of £270,000.
The average monthly private rent in Northumberland was £661 in January 2026 - just half the UK average of £1,367.
For more detailed information you can visit the National Office of Statistics (ONS) website below.
An even greener future for Northumberland
By 2040, we want Northumberland’s greenhouse gas emissions to be balanced by the amount removed from the atmosphere, helping to protect and enhance what already makes it one of the best places in the country to live — from its beautiful countryside to its fresh air and natural landscapes. Visit our Northumberland Net Zero website to discover the green and sustainable projects helping to make this ambition a reality
Family information
Northumberland Family Hubs
Discover our welcoming local centres where parents, carers, children and young people can access advice, support, services and activities in one place, from early years and health support to family wellbeing and community help.
Fostering in Northumberland
There aren’t enough foster carers in the UK. In Northumberland, we need more people who can provide caring and stable homes. Follow the link to find out more about the chance to make a difference here.
Families information service
A free, impartial service providing detailed general information on a wide range of services for children and young people in Northumberland and their families childcare and early year's education provision.
Northumberland school resources
County overview with school information, catchment maps, transport eligibility and inclusion support.
Search for inspection reports* and recent judgements. *Reports from Sept 2024 no longer include a single grade.
Useful information for families researching SEND provision and support across education and wider services.
Useful information about applying, moving schools, admissions policies and key entry points.
Find a wide variety of full and part time courses for ages 16+; apprenticeships; employability advice and support.
Opportunities to unwind
We're so lucky in Northumberland, sometimes it's easy to take it for granted. In the historic market town of Alnwick is The Alnwick Garden, an idyllic garden that is perfect for a peaceful, solo wander around the flowerbeds or a family day out with picnics and laughter on the lawn.
If you've never been to The Alnwick Garden or even if you're a regular visitor discover it in a new way by sitting down, relaxing and enjoying the sounds of The Alnwick Garden in our 1 hour ASMR video.
Why Northumberland?
There's space to breathe
With almost 320,000 inhabitants sharing just under 2,000 square miles of space, Northumberland is the least populated county in England. That's just 62 people per square km (plus pets!)
Our produce is perfect
What do you do with some of the most unspoilt countryside in England? You use it to produce the freshest ingredients and bake, roast and distil these into incredible locally crafted food and drinks.
It's wild and untamed
Whether lost in the folds of Kielder Forest or trekking the vast expanse of the cheviot hills, there are parts of Northumberland where you can still feel completely alone amongst nature, off the grid and better for it.
We are clean and green
Northumberland is known for its breathtaking scenery and wide open spaces, but it also has a reputation for maintaining its environmental quality as our LOVE Northumberland awards prove.
It's often free to park
In many parts of our county, all you'll need to park for free is a reusable disc, available from many local shops. Where you do have to pay, rates are affordable and fair compared to many other parts of the country.
We love wildlife
With Northumberland Wildlife Trust maintaining 60 nature reserves there are plenty of places to spot the 1000s of fascinating birds and animals that live in our great outdoors, including this handsome chap, the cheviot goat!
We're well connected
With the newly opened Northumberland line, the east coast mainline and the A1, Northumberland has two key transport arteries that keep us moving. With services to Edinburgh, or London every day we're well connected.
We know how to do parks
Approximately a quarter of our county is protected as the Northumberland National Park, an area of natural beauty that is home to England’s cleanest rivers, clearest air and darkest skies.
There's space to breathe
With almost 320,000 inhabitants sharing just under 2,000 square miles of space, Northumberland is the least populated county in England. That's just 62 people per square km (plus pets!)
Squirrels love it here too
It might sound nuts, but an impressive 50% of England's red squirrel population live in Kielder Water and Forest Park - the largest remaining red squirrel stronghold in the country.