I recommend Whickham-ish in Gateshead - middle class (for the north) area - close to Durham fells, Northumberland coast, Hadrian's wall, loads of castles, big city centre with metrocentre, lots and lots to do, lovely people. Or even Durham itself...
also close to Edinburgh and the borders, Lakes, York, Richmond, Leeds etc etc - can't do better - and if they had some jobs I'd be back there like a shot!