Living in Newtownabbey: A Complete Area Guide

Newtownabbey at a glance

Newtownabbey sits on the northern edge of Belfast, running from the Antrim Road corridor out towards the shores of Belfast Lough. It is one of the most popular residential areas in the greater Belfast region, and for good reason: you get the convenience of being close to the city centre with the feel of living somewhere quieter and more suburban.

Our office is on the Antrim Road in Newtownabbey, so this is our home patch. We know the area inside out.

Location and transport links

Newtownabbey is roughly 10 minutes from Belfast city centre by car, making it one of the best-connected suburbs in the area. The M2 motorway runs through the borough, giving you quick access to Belfast, the M1 towards Lisburn and Dublin, and the A8 towards Larne and the ferry terminals.

Public transport is solid. Translink bus routes run regularly along the Antrim Road, Shore Road, and through Glengormley into Belfast. Yorkgate rail station, on the northern edge of the city centre, is the closest train stop and provides services along the Larne line through Whiteabbey, Jordanstown, and Greenisland.

For commuters, the combination of motorway access and bus routes makes Newtownabbey one of the easiest places to get in and out of Belfast from.

Key areas within Newtownabbey

Newtownabbey is not one single place. It is a collection of distinct areas, each with its own character.

Glengormley

The commercial heart of Newtownabbey. Glengormley has a good range of shops, restaurants, and services along the Antrim Road. It is well served by bus routes and sits close to the M2. Property here is a mix of terraces, semis, and some newer builds. It is popular with young families and first-time buyers because of the combination of affordability and convenience.

Jordanstown

A leafy, well-regarded residential area close to the lough shore. The Ulster University Jordanstown campus (though the university has been consolidating to the Belfast campus) and Belfast High School are both located here. Properties tend to be larger and more expensive than in Glengormley, with some very attractive detached homes along the Shore Road and surrounding streets.

Whiteabbey

A village feel with a coastal setting. Whiteabbey sits on the shores of Belfast Lough and has a popular coastal path running along the waterfront. The village itself has a small selection of shops and a lovely setting. Properties here range from period terraces in the village centre to larger homes on the surrounding roads. It is a sought-after spot for families who want lough views and a quieter pace.

Rathcoole

One of the larger housing estates in the area, Rathcoole offers some of the most affordable property in Newtownabbey. It has its own shops, community facilities, and is close to the M2 motorway. For buyers on a tighter budget, Rathcoole can represent excellent value.

Monkstown

A residential area between Newtownabbey and Greenisland. Monkstown has a mix of housing types and good access to the motorway network. It is relatively quiet and primarily residential.

Schools

Newtownabbey has a strong selection of schools at all levels, which is one of the main reasons families choose to live here.

Post-primary schools

• Abbey Grammar School (Abbots Cross): A Catholic grammar school with a strong academic record.
• Belfast High School (Jordanstown): A co-educational grammar school with an excellent reputation.
• Jordanstown School: A special school providing education for children with specific learning needs.
• Newtownabbey Community High School: A non-selective secondary school serving the area.

Primary schools

There are numerous primary schools across the borough, including Abbots Cross Primary, Glengormley Integrated Primary, Whiteabbey Primary, Rathcoole Primary, and several others. Most areas within Newtownabbey are within easy reach of a well-regarded primary school.

Shopping

The main shopping destination in Newtownabbey is the Abbey Centre, a large retail park and shopping centre off the Longwood Road. It has major retailers, a cinema, restaurants, and ample free parking. For day-to-day shopping, it covers everything you need without having to go into Belfast.

Northcott Shopping Centre in Glengormley is smaller but convenient for everyday needs, with a supermarket and local shops.

Along the Antrim Road itself, there is a steady mix of independent shops, takeaways, cafes, and services. It is not the most glamorous high street, but it has what you need.

Green spaces and leisure

Newtownabbey has some genuinely good parks and outdoor spaces.

• Hazelbank Park: A beautiful park on the shores of Belfast Lough, with walking paths, a playground, picnic areas, and views across the water. It connects to the Loughshore Path, which you can follow towards Whiteabbey and beyond.
• Valley Leisure Centre: A modern leisure centre with a swimming pool, gym, sports halls, and outdoor pitches. It is well used by families and fitness enthusiasts alike.
• Mossley Mill: The local council offices are based here, but the grounds include pleasant walking areas and the building itself is an attractive restored mill.
• Carnmoney Hill: A short climb from Glengormley takes you to the top of Carnmoney Hill, which offers panoramic views over Belfast, the Lough, and the Antrim hills. A hidden gem that most people outside the area do not know about.

The property market

Newtownabbey offers a broad mix of property types at various price points. You will find everything from two-bedroom terraces in Rathcoole at the entry level, through to three-bedroom semis in Glengormley and Jordanstown, right up to detached family homes along the Shore Road and in the more established parts of Jordanstown and Whiteabbey.

New-build developments have also been appearing in the area, offering modern family homes with the benefit of new build warranties and energy efficiency.

Compared to south Belfast, Newtownabbey offers significantly more space for your money. A three-bedroom semi that would cost £200,000+ in Stranmillis can be found for considerably less in Glengormley or Whiteabbey. For families who need more bedrooms and a garden, the value proposition is strong.

Why Newtownabbey is popular

It comes down to a combination of factors:

• Affordability: Prices are lower than south or east Belfast, but you still get good transport links and amenities.
• Schools: A strong choice of primary and post-primary schools within the area.
• Proximity to Belfast: 10 minutes from the city centre by car, with regular bus services.
• Coastline: The Lough shore at Whiteabbey and Hazelbank Park gives you waterside walks on your doorstep.
• Community: Established residential areas with good local services and a settled, family-friendly feel.

Looking for a home in Newtownabbey?

Browse our properties for sale in Newtownabbey or visit our Newtownabbey area page for more information. Our office is right here on the Antrim Road, so if you want to talk through your options in person, get in touch or call us on 028 90 832 832.