Durham is one of the UK’s most distinctive places to live. It’s home to a world-class Russell Group university, steeped in history, and surrounded by countryside; so it has that rare mix of academic prestige, character, and community.
If you’re a student moving out of halls, a postgraduate, or a working professional relocating to the North East, Durham has neighbourhoods that suit a wide range of lifestyles.
With its compact city centre, walkable layout, and strong transport links to Newcastle, York, and London, it’s easy to see why demand for rental property in Durham remains consistently high. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best areas to rent in Durham, highlighting what each location offers and who it tends to suit best.
Church Street and the Science Site Area
Church Street is one of the most sought-after locations for students, particularly those studying science-based subjects. Its biggest advantage is proximity. You’re within easy walking distance of the Science Site, Durham city centre, and several popular routes that link campus buildings together.
Living here means you’re close to local cafés, takeaway spots, supermarkets, and everyday essentials, while still being tucked slightly away from the busiest nightlife areas. For students who want convenience without being right in the middle of the noise, Church Street is a strong option.
Claypath
Claypath is a long-standing favourite among Durham students and young professionals alike. Running directly from the city centre, it offers a straightforward walk to the university, making it ideal if you want to avoid relying on buses.
The area is known for its mix of independent food spots, supermarkets, and casual dining, which gives it a lively but practical feel. Properties here are often shared houses or flats, making it a popular choice if you’re renting with friends or housemates.
Crossgate
If you’re looking for somewhere quieter but still close to the city, Crossgate is worth serious consideration. One of Durham’s oldest residential areas, it has a more settled, suburban feel, with terraced houses and a slower pace of life.
Crossgate tends to attract professionals, postgraduates, and students who prefer a calmer environment while remaining within walking distance of the city centre and university buildings. It’s particularly appealing if you’re planning to stay in Durham for more than a year and want a neighbourhood that feels more permanent.
The Viaduct Area
The Viaduct is regarded as one of the most popular areas for student renting in Durham. Known for its larger properties and traditional house-share layouts, it’s well-suited to groups of students moving on from halls.
Its location near North Road and the train station makes it convenient for travel, while the surrounding shops and food outlets mean you’re never far from essentials. The walk to campus is manageable, and the sense of community among students is strong, which is why demand here remains high year after year.
Allergate
Allergate sits right in the heart of Durham’s city centre and is ideal if you want everything on your doorstep. Bars, restaurants, shops, and cultural spots are all within walking distance, and the train station is close by for commuters.
This area suits students who enjoy city living and professionals who regularly travel to nearby cities such as Newcastle. While properties here may feel more compact, the trade-off is unbeatable access to Durham’s social and transport hubs.
Gilesgate
Gilesgate offers a slightly different pace while still keeping you well connected. Located just outside the city centre, it has a strong community feel and excellent amenities, including retail parks, supermarkets, pubs, and reliable public transport.
This area is popular with both students and professionals, particularly those who want a bit more space without sacrificing convenience. It’s also a good option if you’re balancing work, study, and social life and want somewhere practical rather than purely central.
Consett (for commuters and professionals)
If you’re happy to live a little further out, Consett offers a very different experience. Around a 20 minute drive from Durham, it appeals to professionals who want more space, lower density living, and easy access to the countryside.
With strong road links to Durham, Newcastle, and the Metrocentre, Consett works well if you’re commuting or working remotely but still want access to city amenities. It’s particularly attractive if you value outdoor space and a quieter environment.
Renting in Durham: what to plan for
Durham’s popularity means rental demand can be competitive, especially in student-heavy areas. It’s important to understand what you’ll be asked for when applying for a property. In many cases, landlords and accommodation providers will require a UK rent guarantor, particularly if you’re a student, new to renting, or don’t yet have a UK credit history.
If you don’t have someone suitable who can stand as your guarantor, Housing Hand can help. We stand as guarantors for students and professionals renting across the UK, giving accommodation providers the reassurance they need while helping you move forward with confidence.
How is Housing Hand supporting renters in Durham
Housing Hand is proud to work closely with Durham University and accommodation providers across the city. By standing as your guarantor, we can help remove one of the biggest barriers to renting, particularly for international students and those without a traditional UK guarantor.
Our role is to support both renters and accommodation providers, creating a smoother, more secure rental process for everyone involved.
If you’re planning to rent in Durham and want clarity on what’s required, or you’re unsure how the guarantor process works, our team is always happy to help.
