Living in Sunderland

The community spirit in Sunderland is notable, with residents often rallying around sporting, cultural, and charitable events. Local markets take place in Keel Square and Holmeside, while the city’s community centres and libraries offer regular clubs, workshops, and classes.

Green spaces such as Mowbray Park, Barnes Park, and Roker Park provide opportunities for outdoor activities and social gatherings, with riverside walks along the Wear and coastal paths at Roker and Seaburn. Festivals like the Sunderland International Airshow attract thousands each year, reinforcing the area’s sense of local pride and communal identity.

Sunderland's safety and crime rates fluctuate between neighbourhoods, typical of a city of its size. The city centre and nightlife areas may experience higher levels of antisocial behaviour, particularly on weekends, but outlying residential areas like Fulwell, Ashbrooke, and Seaburn are often perceived as safer and more family-friendly.

Northumbria Police maintain a visible presence in Sunderland, with initiatives to improve community relations, reduce crime, and increase neighbourhood engagement. Ongoing urban regeneration in parts of the city continues to have a positive impact on safety and local confidence.

Parking in Sunderland is generally manageable, with plentiful city centre car parks, some free after certain hours, as well as on-street parking regulated by permits in busier zones. Residential areas vary – newer developments often have assigned spaces, while older streets may require a parking permit from Sunderland City Council.

Road access is straightforward, with the A19 running north-south and connecting to Newcastle (approx. 30 minutes via A19, 12 miles), Durham (approx. 25 minutes via A690/A1(M), 15 miles), and Hartlepool (approx. 25 minutes via A19, 20 miles). The A690 links Sunderland to the A1(M), providing routes south to Leeds or north to Edinburgh.

Congestion in Sunderland is less severe than larger cities, though peak travel times may see slow-moving traffic near main routes, shopping centres, and schools.

Sunderland’s food scene reflects its multicultural population, featuring everything from classic English pubs to authentic Italian trattorias, Indian restaurants, and contemporary cafés. The city is known for venues like The Ivy House, The Roker Hotel’s Poetic License bar, and Fausto Coffee, especially popular in the coastal suburbs.

For nightlife, Sunderland offers a mixture of traditional pubs, student bars, and music venues along High Street West and Green Terrace. The city’s Empire Theatre is a celebrated destination for live performances, comedy, and musicals, while independent microbreweries and live music venues add variety for locals and visitors alike. The social scene balances friendly community spots with options for late-night entertainment.

School quality: Sunderland's schools are well regarded, with several rated 'Good' or 'Outstanding' by Ofsted, and a variety of options for primary and secondary education. Proximity to Sunderland College and the University of Sunderland offers further choices for older children.

Parks and green space: Families benefit from numerous public parks, the city’s beaches, and easily accessible countryside, ideal for recreation and relaxation.

Childcare: The area provides a wide selection of nurseries, pre-schools, and after-school clubs, catering to working families and young children.

Safety: Family-friendly neighbourhoods such as Fulwell, Ashbrooke, and Seaburn are noted for their community feel and safety, making them appealing to those with children.

Family activities: Sunderland boasts attractions like the National Glass Centre, Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens, and leisure centres, providing engaging options for children year-round.

Sunderland is well suited to pet owners thanks to its extensive coastline, woodland parks, and green spaces. Popular areas for dog-walking include Roker Park, Seaburn Beach, and Herrington Country Park, all of which offer plenty of room for exercise and play.

There are a number of local veterinary practices, pet shops, and grooming services in the city. Many pubs, cafés, and even some shops in coastal villages and the city centre are dog-friendly. Housing attitudes are increasingly pet-positive, particularly in suburban neighbourhoods and new developments.

Sunderland is well connected by public transport, making it easy to commute within the city and to other regional hubs. The Tyne and Wear Metro system links Sunderland directly to Newcastle, Gateshead, South Shields, and North Shields. Regular Northern Rail services connect Sunderland to Middlesbrough and Hartlepool, while longer-distance services reach York and London.

Sunderland Interchange is the main bus and Metro hub, with frequent buses across the city, nearby towns, and into Durham and the wider county. For drivers, the A19, A690, and A1(M) provide connections throughout the North East. Newcastle International Airport is about 35 minutes away by car or Metro, providing domestic and international travel options.

Typical commute times:

• Newcastle – approx. 30 minutes by Metro or car
• Durham – approx. 25 minutes by train or car
• Middlesbrough – approx. 45 minutes by train or car
• York – approx. 90 minutes by train

Primary Schools in Sunderland

Sunderland is well served by numerous primary schools. Notable options include Richard Avenue Primary School (Ofsted Outstanding – last inspected 2013), Fulwell Junior School Academy (Outstanding – 2023), Hill View Infant Academy (Good – 2022), and St Mary's RC Primary School (Good – 2019). These schools are valued for their inclusive ethos and strong teaching standards.

Secondary Schools in Sunderland

Sunderland's secondary schools include St Anthony's Girls' Catholic Academy (Outstanding – 2018), Sandhill View Academy (Good – 2022), Thornhill Academy (Good – 2019), and St Aidan’s Catholic Academy (Good – 2022). These schools are known for robust academic performance and extracurricular activities.

Colleges and Sixth Forms

The award-winning Sunderland College offers academic and vocational courses for school leavers and adults, including a large sixth form. Bede Campus and City Campus offer a wide range of courses, from A-levels to apprenticeships, making further education highly accessible.

Universities in Sunderland

The University of Sunderland is a key part of the city, with both city and riverside campuses. It attracts students nationally and internationally, offering courses in business, science, engineering, media, and creative arts, alongside research opportunities and active student life.