Knowing where you want to settle after university or where you want to build your forever home when starting a family can be difficult.

With the cost of living not easing any time soon and the rental prices increasing, you might be wondering where to settle down if you’re looking to move in the North East.

But have you ever thought about Newcastle? The Tyne and Wear hotspot has been named as “one to watch” in Britain due to being one of the most “affordable” cities, according to new research by The Telegraph and Savills.

The publisher said: “There are many factors to take into account when putting a pin in the map of Britain to find an 'affordable' city – well-paid jobs, comparatively low house prices, a favourable ratio of property costs to household income and somewhere which is teeming with culture and amenities.

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"Exclusive research by Savills and The Telegraph reveals the top 10 cities with this magic combination, and one to watch.”

The Telegraph reports that Newcastle has an average house price of £207,832 and an average household income of £51,206, but what else makes it one of the best cities to live in?

Why is Newcastle one of Britain’s most 'affordable' cities to live in?

The publisher said: “Chrissie Plunkett relocated from Bishop Stortford to Newcastle 20 years ago. The founder of Twist marketing agency fell in love with the city after a weekend away and made the 226-mile move.”

Chrissie commented: “I couldn’t believe how close Newcastle was to amazing beaches and beautiful countryside [such as the Cheviot Hills] and what a vibrant city centre it was.”

“She now lives in South Shields with her husband and four-year-old son but originally rented a flat in Gosforth – which is now, and was then, considered the most desirable suburb in the city,” added The Telegraph.

“It sits just to the north of the city centre and edges the 1,000-acre, ancient Town Moor. This is where multi-million-pound period family homes line leafy streets. The more bohemian, but still affluent, buyers opt for neighbouring Jesmond.”

According to The Telegraph, Duncan Young of estate agent Sanderson Young recommends the converted older apartment buildings “in the core of the city for better value for money.”

He explained: “In particular, one and two-bedroom flats in schemes regenerated in the early 2000s – such as 55 Degrees North, the old BT building.

“The Ouseburn Valley presents exciting opportunities too.

Most expensive UK cities to buy a house in

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Speaking about the Ouseburn Valley, The Telegraph wrote: “This post-industrial wasteland has become the creative quarter of the city, attracting investment and with many a community-led project such as the Star and Shadow, the volunteer-run arty cinema which also hosts craft workshops.

“Other popular haunts in Newcastle include Mother Mercy, the award-winning basement cocktail bar which offers table service, or its new sister-venture Café Mercy, serving cocktails with small plates."

Local entrepreneur Neil Donachie who runs both, said: “Newcastle has undergone an amazing transformation over the last decade with a great many independent restaurants and bars.”

As well as this, there are two Michelin-starred restaurants, House of Tides and Solstice.