Living in Jarrow
Looking to move to Jarrow? Learn all about what life here is like, from the local schools and transport options to things to do around town and, of course, find out about property prices in the area.
Your guide to moving and living in Jarrow
Why Jarrow is a great place to live
Jarrow is a historic town in Tyne and Wear, situated on the south bank of the River Tyne, roughly six miles east of Newcastle upon Tyne. With roots stretching back to the Anglo-Saxon era, Jarrow is perhaps most famous for the ancient St. Paul’s Monastery and its association with the Venerable Bede. The town maintains a close-knit community feel, blending proud industrial heritage with modern amenities and green spaces.
Jarrow’s character is shaped by its blend of old and new. Rows of Victorian terraced houses, interspersed with post-war developments, illustrate the town’s long history as a coal mining and shipbuilding centre. Today, Jarrow is home to families, retirees and professionals who appreciate affordable housing, direct riverside walks, and proximity to urban employment centres. Its town centre offers a traditional high street, covered markets and essential shops, supporting the needs of locals with a practical, down-to-earth atmosphere.
The area’s cultural appeal is demonstrated by community events, access to heritage sites like the Jarrow Hall Anglo-Saxon Farm, Village and Bede Museum, and its easy reach of surrounding towns such as South Shields and Gateshead. Residents value the sense of continuity and local pride, with friendly neighbourhoods and access to the amenities of the greater Tyneside region.
Community & Local Life
Community spirit is a defining feature of Jarrow, with friendly neighbours and a welcoming, down-to-earth atmosphere. Local life is supported by an active calendar of events and organisations, including fetes, fairs and charity fundraisers held in the town centre or at community halls. The Jarrow Festival is a long-standing highlight, bringing together music, stalls, and local performers each summer.
Jarrow Hall visitor centre and the adjacent Bede’s World engage families and history enthusiasts, while community centres offer activities such as sports, arts and adult learning classes. Jarrow’s riverside walks, parks, and open spaces provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, with West Park and the riverbanks particularly popular for walkers, runners and families.
There is a strong tradition of volunteering and local partnership, which enhances the area’s social life and helps ensure all residents feel part of the community.
Safety & Crime Rates in Jarrow
Crime rates in Jarrow are consistent with other urban towns in Tyne and Wear, with some variation across neighbourhoods. The town centre and busier residential areas can experience minor anti-social behaviour, though crime in Jarrow is generally lower than in central Newcastle or Sunderland.
Local policing initiatives, such as community patrols and neighbourhood watch programmes, work in partnership with residents to address concerns and maintain a safe environment. Regeneration projects and public space improvements in recent years have had a positive impact on perceptions of safety, particularly around key local amenities and parks. Residents value the sense of community, which contributes to the overall feeling of security in Jarrow.
Parking & Road Access
Parking in Jarrow is generally straightforward, with plentiful on-street options in residential areas and a range of short and long stay car parks in and around the town centre. Resident parking permits are available on certain streets to help manage demand during busier times. Congestion is typically moderate, especially compared to Newcastle city centre, though peak commuter periods can see limited spaces in the heart of town.
Jarrow’s position near the A19 and A194(M) ensures excellent road access by car to other towns and cities:
- Newcastle – approx. 20 minutes via A194(M) (6 miles)
- Gateshead – approx. 15 minutes via A19/A184 (5 miles)
- Sunderland – approx. 25 minutes via A19 (12 miles)
- South Shields – approx. 10 minutes via A185 (3 miles)
Major supermarkets and retail parks in neighbouring areas are easily accessible, and the Tyne Tunnel connects Jarrow directly to North Tyneside for additional destinations.
Food, Pubs & Nightlife
Jarrow offers a diverse selection of food and drink venues catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Popular pubs such as the Ben Lomond and the traditional Albemarle Hotel are well-frequented by locals. A number of cafés and tea rooms, such as Café Central in Viking Precinct, provide light meals and a friendly stop for coffee breaks.
The town has a growing choice of restaurants, taking in Indian, Italian, Chinese and classic British cuisine. Takeaways are also in abundance, serving everything from fish and chips to freshly made pizzas. For nightlife, Jarrow is quieter than Newcastle or South Shields, but a handful of local bars and social clubs offer evening entertainment, live music and quiz nights.
The nearby towns of South Shields and Newcastle provide a much wider array of bars, clubs, and live venues, making them popular late-night destinations for Jarrow residents seeking a livelier scene.
Is Jarrow Family Friendly
School Quality
Families in Jarrow benefit from a selection of good primary and secondary schools, many of which enjoy positive Ofsted outcomes.
Parks and Green Space
West Park and riverside trails offer safe, well-maintained play areas and plenty of space for children to run, cycle and enjoy the outdoors.
Childcare
Nurseries and pre-schools are available locally – demand can be high, so early enquiry is advised.
Safety
Jarrow maintains a reassuringly strong sense of community, and the presence of local policing adds to its family-oriented environment.
Family Activities
Visits to Jarrow Hall, Bede’s World and various local clubs mean children and parents always have places to learn, play and socialise year-round.
Pet Friendly Living
Jarrow is friendly and accommodating for pet owners, with ample access to parks, green spaces and riverside trails for daily dog walks. The open expanses of West Park and the network of footpaths along the River Don and River Tyne are ideal for exercising dogs or enjoying a stroll with pets.
The town has a number of veterinary surgeries and pet shops, and many local cafés and pubs welcome dogs in outdoor seating areas. Overall, public spaces and housing generally cater to pets, though it is advisable to check with landlords in rental properties on pet permissions. The nearby countryside and coast also provide further opportunities for days out with four-legged companions.
Transport & Accessibility
Jarrow is very well connected for commuters and travellers alike, benefiting from a central location in the Tyne and Wear area and an array of public transport links. The town is served by the Tyne and Wear Metro light rail system, which keeps it closely tied to key urban destinations.
Jarrow Metro Station offers direct routes to Newcastle City Centre (approx. 20 minutes), South Shields, and Gateshead. Frequent bus services also link Jarrow to local suburbs as well as central Newcastle and South Shields, making public transport a convenient option for daily journeys. For drivers, the A19 and A194(M) provide quick road access to Tyneside and the wider North East.
Travel times from Jarrow by public transport:
- Newcastle – approx. 20 minutes (Metro)
- Gateshead – approx. 17 minutes (Metro)
- South Shields – approx. 13 minutes (Metro)
For national and international travel, Newcastle International Airport is a short drive away and accessible by Metro (about 40 minutes). Major railway connections are available via Newcastle Central Station, linking the area to London, Edinburgh, and the wider UK rail network.
Schools & Education in Jarrow
Jarrow offers a selection of well-regarded schools suited to families seeking strong educational options in Tyne and Wear. The town supports both primary and secondary schooling within easy reach, as well as access to colleges and nearby universities.
Primary Schools in Jarrow
Among local primaries, St. Bede's RC Primary School stands out, with a history of positive Ofsted ratings (Outstanding, last inspected 2013). Simmondside Primary School is another popular option, valued for its inclusive ethos (Good, Ofsted 2019). Jarrow Cross CofE Primary School is centrally located and provides a welcoming learning environment (Good, Ofsted 2021). Valley View Primary School (Good, Ofsted 2020) remains a popular choice on the western side.
Secondary Schools in Jarrow
Jarrow School is the main secondary, recognised for its solid academic progress and pastoral care (Good, Ofsted 2019). Nearby, St. Joseph's Catholic Academy draws families for its community values and strong achievement (Good, Ofsted 2017). Hebburn Comprehensive School, just outside Jarrow, is sought after by local families as well (Good, Ofsted 2019).
Colleges and Further Education
For further and adult education, South Tyneside College is the principal provider. Positioned just a short bus ride away in South Shields, the college offers a broad mix of A levels, vocational courses, apprenticeships and maritime training.
Universities Near Jarrow
Jarrow is well-placed for access to key universities in the region. Newcastle University and Northumbria University are both within a straightforward Metro journey. Sunderland University is also within easy reach for those commuting to further studies.