How it rates

Hartlepool is famous as the place where Peter Mandelson, campaigning in a fish and chip shop, reportedly mistook mushy peas for guacamole. Its MP has recently been given a grand new title, Baron Mandelson, of Foy and Hartlepool. If this wasn't exciting enough, Hartlepool has also been in the news because no one can agree over its house prices. The Land Registry says that they have risen 4.7 per cent over the past year to an average value of £115,018. But other sources, including Hometrack, disagree, and local agents say that prices have fallen by about 10 per cent in recent months

Architectural gems

The Headland Conservation Area, a stunning collection of 18th and 19th-century maritime buildings within a medieval street pattern, renovated in the 1990s. At its hub is St Hilda's Church, erected in 1185 as a burial place for the local landowning de Brus family. The recently restored Heugh Gun Battery, built in the 19th century, was used in both world wars.

What's new

Two developments by Persimmon, at Sedgewick Park, where prices start from £119,950 for a three-bed semi, and The Hawthorns, with two-bed flats for £99,950, offer shared equity schemes (01429 234173/01429 278109, persimmon homes.com). Park Tower, the former Co-op building in the town centre, has a two-bed penthouse for £199,950 and studio for £74,950 (Manners & Harrison, 01429 261351).

Travel

Hartlepool is close to the A19, for Middlesbrough and Teesside, and the A689, for the A1(M) and motorway network. Newcastle upon Tyne is about a 45-minute drive. A new Grand Central train service from Hartlepool takes about 3 hours to London. The nearest airport is Durham Tees Valley, a 40-minute drive.

Quality of life

So much fresh air! There are country and coastal walks, golf courses, and nearby Saltholme is about to become one of the RSPB's largest nature reserves. Hartlepool's rejuvenated maritime heritage and leisure opportunities centre on the £60 million development of the marina.

Smartest streets

West Park is the most desirable suburb, particularly Park Avenue, Coniscliffe Road and West Park itself. Average prices start at about £500,000 for large family houses. Elwick, Hart, Greatham and Dalton Piercy are popular villages, with the best properties starting at £300,000.

Restaurants

Hartlepool is becoming renowned for good restaurants, bringing in visitors from surrounding towns. Navigation Point at the marina is the place to go; there is Krimo's for Mediterranean, Fujiyama for Japanese, the Lotus Garden for Chinese, and Thai Harbour.

Nightlife

The younger crowd heads for the bars of Church Street, while the Marina offers more sophisticated bars and restaurants. The Studio, on Tower Street, hosts a variety of gigs. There are two theatres, a newly renovated art gallery, tenpin bowling and a cinema.

Education

West Park Primary School helps to make the area sought-after, and Fens Primary School was judged outstanding by Ofsted this year. English Martyrs Roman Catholic school and sixth form is regarded as the best secondary. The universities of Newcastle and Teesside are within easy reach.

Working life

Large employers include Corus, which makes steel tubes, and the nuclear power station. Hartlepool Borough Council is encouraging diversification and start-ups, which range from pharmaceuticals to computer animators.

Upside

Hartlepool is on the up. The town is getting very excited about hosting the Tall Ships' Races in 2010. Despite the recession there should be lots of regeneration to come, centred on two new business parks, Queens Meadow and Wynyard.

Downside

Hartlepool is relatively isolated and battling a grim reputation. There is no escaping the nuclear power station, or the sense that this is a still a small town - of 88,611 people (2001 Census).

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