We are a couple in our thirties and we are looking for somewhere to live accessible to Newcastle and Durham.?

We would need to be on a good bus/train route to Newcastle and a good road to Durham.We want to buy a house in a community where we can get involved with activities and build a nice social life. We have no children, two cats and are looking for a house with a garden,that is affordable. Do you know of anywhere that fits this description.