Everyone has their own preference when buying a house, but if you’re someone who prefers to walk to the shops than drive, who wants a hiking trail on your doorstep, somewhere green to take your dog, or you dream of being a flaneur along shaded streets, there are plenty of areas in Newcastle that tick your box.

True, there are plenty that don’t welcome walkers. Suburbs where pavements stop halfway along a street, where the trees have been cut down and the sun blazes down. Places where there’s just nowhere to walk to.

Best suburbs when your priority is shops

If you want to be able to roll out of bed and land on the doorsteps of cafes and shops, the two best spots are near Darby Street in Cooks Hill and near Beaumont Street in Hamilton.

Other suburbs that have their own little shopping villages like Adamstown, Carrington and New Lambton are good choices for walkers, as well as anywhere from Newcastle East through to Wickham.

Best suburbs when your priority is nature

The best walking spots in Newcastle are arguably in bush, by the beach or along the foreshore. If you want to walk (or run or cycle) on a regular basis, these spaces should be high on your shopping list:

• For beach walks, look at properties in Bar Beach, Merewether and Newcastle East.
• For bush walks, look at properties near Glenrock (like Merewether Heights) or the Fernleigh Track (like Adamstown or Kotara). Other pockets of bushland can be found around Lenaghan, Minmi and Rankin Park.
• For river walks, look at properties in Carrington, Islington, Tighes Hill and Wickham.

Best suburbs when your priority is your dog

As well as spots like the Fernleigh Track and the Foreshore walk, there are some spots in Newcastle that are perfect for taking your furry friend.

If you want to take your dog to the beach, Horseshoe Beach in Newcastle East is the city’s only designated dog beach. You can extend your walk along the beaches or along the breakwall at Nobbys.

North Lambton is home to the biggest dog park in Newy. Acacia Avenue Reserve has an enclosed 1.5 hectare space that’s split into two areas for big and small dogs. Islington also has a large off-leash park with shady spots and easy access to the walking track along Throsby Creek.

Buying a home in Newcastle

The best way to pick where you want to buy property is to explore the area. If you’re local, head over and see the area at as many different times as possible. If you’re moving to Newcastle, book a hotel and explore the different areas. Come back and focus in on your favourites. It’s likely that you’ll love wherever you buy in this fine city, but it always pays to do your due diligence.