Okay, so I'm planning to start at Durham in 2010 for a back-to-back MSc/PhD program. My husband will be doing his PhD too. I'm a think-ahead type, so I'm wondering about places to live within commutable distance from the university. As we'll be there quite a few years, we're considering buying at that point (saving for down payment now). Problem is, I don't know the area at all. All I know is that the area took a huge hit economically when all the mines closed down, so many areas outside Durham are run-down and a tad on the dodgy/depressing side. I would love to live in a nice rural village within 40 minutes drive at most. Especially if it has a lot of history or natural beauty (we're both archaeologists, so old houses especially float our boats!). Any ideas from area residents or current/former Durham students?
