Best places to live in Yorkshire

If you are wondering where the best places to live in Yorkshire are, read on for guidance from expert property finders, Garrington.

With its sweeping moors, quaint villages, and vibrant cities, Yorkshire has long captured the hearts of residents and visitors alike.

This northern county has plenty to offer if you are considering putting down roots. There’s everything from cultural hubs like Leeds and Sheffield to the Yorkshire Dales where life proceeds at a tranquil pace. 

Here we explore some of the area’s most appealing destinations considered among the best places to live in Yorkshire, along with some of the county’s hidden gems.

Harrogate

Harrogate has long been considered one of the best places to live in Yorkshire. Known for its healing springs, Harrogate charms with both its natural and manmade treasures. Over 200 acres of open parkland called The Stray sits right within the town centre, perfect for leisurely strolls.

Also, surrounding Valley Gardens and the traditional Montpellier Quarter contain shops showcasing local crafts and products like Harrogate’s very own Taylors of Harrogate. 

Afternoon tea and more can be enjoyed in Harrogate at Betty’s iconic Tea Rooms.

Georgian and Victorian architecture lend old-world elegance to residential streets lined with stone houses and mature trees.

Boston Spa

With a high street bustling with boutiques and cafés, Boston Spa feels as much a town as a village.

Handsome Georgian buildings house quirky shops like vintage booksellers, while pubs and eateries line the main streets. Popular residential roads like Church Hill put residents within easy reach of the action. 

Extensive walking and cycling routes cater to this active, outdoorsy community. With a rail station connecting to nearby Leeds and York, Boston Spa manages to maintain a peaceful setting while offering city access and amenities.

Historic charm, a friendly community, quality schools, such as Boston Spa Academy, and also abundant recreation make Boston Spa one of the best places to live in Yorkshire. It is an appealing base for young professionals, families, and creatives seeking the best of all worlds.

Ilkley

The Victorian spa town of Ilkley sits in the stunning Yorkshire Dales on the banks of the River Wharfe. It has breathtaking natural beauty as well as cosmopolitan flavour. Ilkley Moor provides the iconic backdrop, famous for the “On Ilkla Moor Baht ‘at” song.

Quirky independent boutiques, artisan cafés, and restaurants line the streets. Tea and cakes can be enjoyed at another of Betty’s signature Tea Rooms. 

Local award-winning schools, attractive Georgian buildings, and stately Victorian villas make Ilkley an appealing option for families. One of the best places to live in Yorkshire for outdoor enthusiasts. There are ample opportunities for cycling, hiking, rock climbing, or paddling on the Wharfe right on Ilkley’s edge.

Skipton

Another idyllic spot sitting on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park is Skipton. It offers a balance of rural charm and modern convenience with a bustling high street featuring local shops and eateries.

Skipton’s neighbouring villages exude quaint historic appeal with limestone buildings and babbling brooks. 

Popular residential streets like Newmarket Street and High Corn Mill put homeowners near both town activity and nature trails along the Leeds-Liverpool canal. Events like the international puppet festival embody Skipton’s lively spirit.

With a rail station providing easy access to Leeds and Bradford, Skipton strikes the perfect chord between country and city life amongst the rolling hills of this quintessential pocket of Yorkshire.

York

With its Mediaeval core surrounded by Roman walls, York feels suspended in time yet bustles with modern energy.

York Minster towers majestically over quaint cobbled lanes while the River Ouse ambles under the historic arches of its bridges.

You can enjoy fine dining along the Shambles before catching some racing action at the iconic Knavesmire racecourse which once hosted Royal Ascot. 

York offers a range of housing from large period properties and neat, terraced homes to more contemporary dwellings. Top schools like St Peter’s and Queen Margaret’s School Escrick offer education steeped in history and excellence for York families.

York is one of the best places to live in Yorkshire if you are looking for a vibrant and historically rich city with everything you need close by.

Thirsk

Immortalised as the hometown of veterinarian-turned-author James Herriot, Thirsk wears its literary history with pride. Quaint cobbled streets and honey-coloured stone buildings transport you back to the setting of Herriot’s fictional town “Darrowby” in his iconic novels.

Thirsk Racecourse keeps the excitement of the sport that features heavily in Herriot’s stories alive with seasonal races and events. Residents cherish the ample green spaces like the St Mary’s church grounds.

In addition, you have easy Yorkshire Moors access while still enjoying marketplace conveniences.

For families, pet lovers, equestrians, and history buffs alike, Thirsk’s rich heritage and culture set within spectacular countryside scenery make it a perfect spot to write your own Yorkshire story.

Northallerton

Another of the best places to live in Yorkshire is Northallerton.

Northallerton has the laid-back atmosphere of a farming village paired with excellent transport links to neighbouring hotspots.

Streets like Crosby Road and Racecourse Lane are popular for their elegant Victorian homes set near diverse shops from designer boutiques to the ubiquitous Yorkshire staple – the heritage Bettys Tea Room. 

The East Coast Main Line train takes residents to London in around 2.5 hours whilst still nestled amid the calm North Yorkshire Moors.

Northallerton High Street hosts regular farmer’s markets with fresh local fare as well as larger retailers for essential conveniences in easy reach. For a balanced North Yorkshire lifestyle blending modern opportunities, rich tradition, and natural beauty, Northallerton hits the spot.

Saltburn-by-the-Sea

Saltburn-by-the-Sea offers Victorian charm coupled with Yorkshire’s dramatic coast and natural landscape at its best.

The newly restored Victorian pier reaching into the North Sea, cliffside woodland walks, and a broad stretch of golden beach entertain kids and adults alike. The town is home to the UK’s oldest operational water-balance cliff lift, offering a charming journey with spectacular views.

The town centre provides boutique shops, cafes and eateries including the cosy Ship Inn. All are set in close reach to beachfront streets like Marine Parade. Pricier modern builds are located up on Huntcliff for unbeatable sea views.

With a bit of everything, Saltburn hits the coastal sweet spot.

Burley in Wharfedale

Sitting just on the edge of Ilkley Moor, the riverside village of Burley in Wharfedale combines proximity to nature with a vibrant community. Independent coffee shops, restaurants, and pubs line the main street.

It is one of the best places to live in Yorkshire with lovely walking trails along the flowing River Wharfe beginning just outside town. Handsome residential streets like Mary Avenue and Main Street frame quaint yet modern cottage-style homes and bungalows.

With excellent schools, an array of local events from beer and food festivals to open gardens, and easy access to both Bradford and Leeds, Burley in Wharfedale provides a picture-perfect base to experience Yorkshire’s charms from a welcoming village with all the essential amenities.

Yeadon

Yeadon offers a blend of town conveniences and access to open countryside, making it an appealing place to live. The town centre provides a variety of shops, cafés, restaurants, and bars, alongside well-regarded schools.

Yeadon Tarn offers scenic walks around the boating lake.

Meanwhile, nearby Nunroyd Park and Otley Chevin provide further opportunities for recreation.

Nearby Guiseley and Apperley Bridge railway stations provide services to Leeds, Bradford, Ilkley, and Skipton. The A65 and A658 connect to surrounding areas, while Leeds Bradford Airport is just a short drive away.

Nearby towns, including Rawdon, Horsforth, and Guiseley, offer additional retail and leisure options, ensuring residents have everything they need close at hand.

Guiseley

The town of Guiseley is another appealing option for homebuyers and is considered one of the best places to live in Yorkshire for a variety of demographics. Residents benefit from highly regarded schools catering to all age groups, alongside a variety of shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities.

The town is home to retail parks featuring well-known brands, as well as independent shops and eateries. For fitness and recreation, the Nuffield Health complex and Aireborough Leisure Centre provide excellent facilities.

Nunroyd Park is a popular local spot in the town that features open fields, walking paths, and a pond. Yeadon Tarn, a scenic lakeside setting and Otley Chevin Forest Park are also a short distance away.

Transport links are a key advantage, with Guiseley railway station offering services to Leeds and Bradford. There’s a regular bus service and road connections via the A65 and Harrogate Road (A658). Leeds Bradford Airport is also within a ten-minute drive, making the town ideal for frequent travellers.

Drighlington

Drighlington is a popular village on the Leeds and Bradford border, offering a range of local shops and amenities.

Nearby Morley provides additional conveniences, including supermarkets and restaurants. Additionally, its train station provides regular services to Leeds and connections to major towns and cities.

The village is well-placed for commuters, with easy access to the M62 and M621 motorways. Birstall Retail Park and Leeds city centre are just a short drive away. Drighlington also has a strong community feel, with a village green and community centre providing a focal point for local events and activities.

Malton

Malton, a thriving market town, has earned a reputation as North Yorkshire’s artisan food capital. Its award-winning monthly food and farmers’ markets, weekly market, and annual Food Lovers’ Festival showcase the area’s excellent produce.

A variety of independent shops, supermarkets, breweries, restaurants, and cafés contribute to its vibrant atmosphere. There is also the Talbot Hotel, a cookery school, a cinema, and the scenic Castle Gardens.

Malton and Norton Golf Club offers a 27-hole course just a mile or so from the town.

Schooling needs are met by Malton Secondary School which is well-regarded in the town, while Ampleforth College is around 15 miles away.

Malton station provides direct services to York, Leeds, Manchester, and Liverpool, while the A64 offers easy access to York and the A1(M). The renowned Castle Howard, with its farm shop and gardens, is around 6 miles away.

Rawdon

Rawdon is a highly desirable village offering an appealing blend of green space and excellent connectivity. With a selection of independent shops, cafés, and traditional pubs, it provides a welcoming community and is deservedly considered one of the best places to live in Yorkshire.

The area is particularly popular with families, thanks to its proximity to well-regarded schools, including Brontë House and Woodhouse Grove.

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy walks at Rawdon Billing, a scenic spot with open countryside and a picturesque lake. The A65 and A6120 provide easy access to Leeds, Bradford, and beyond.

Nearby Apperley Bridge and Horsforth train stations offer services to Leeds, York, and Harrogate. Leeds Bradford Airport is within easy reach for international travel.

Meltham

Meltham is an attractive village positioned on the edge of the Peak District, just a short distance from Huddersfield. Surrounded by rolling countryside, it provides a peaceful setting with excellent opportunities for walking and cycling.

The village is well-established with a selection of independent shops, cafés, and traditional pubs contributing to its inviting character.

Meltham’s local events and initiatives reflect a strong sense of community among residents.

Meltham’s property market features a mix of period stone homes and more modern residences, offering a variety of options for buyers. Historic landmarks, including St Bartholomew’s Church, highlight the area’s heritage, while its past as a centre for industry remains evident in parts of the landscape.

Menston

The affluent village of Menston is also considered one of the best places to live in Yorkshire. Located 5 miles from Ilkley it offers rural tranquillity whilst still being well connected. Residents benefit from shops, cafés, and traditional pubs, as well as a community centre and excellent schooling options.

Nearby Guiseley enhances the choice with high street retailers, independent boutiques, and leisure facilities.

Commuters are well served, with Menston and Guiseley train stations providing direct links to Leeds and beyond. The M621 offers access to the wider motorway network, while Leeds Bradford Airport is conveniently close for domestic and international travel.

Families have access to a range of educational opportunities, including St Mary’s Menston Catholic Voluntary Academy, alongside respected independent schools such as Ghyll Royd, Brontë House, and Woodhouse Grove.

Shelf and Northowram

The sought-after villages of Shelf and Northowram each offer a strong sense of community and a good range of local amenities. Shelf features independent shops, including a bakery, butcher, and hairdressers, as well as restaurants and traditional pubs.

Northowram further enhances the area’s appeal with additional shops, cafés, and essential services. Families have access to well-regarded schools, including Shelf Junior and Infant School, St Michael & All Angels C of E Primary, and Northowram Primary.

The area is well connected, with road links to Halifax, Bradford, and the M62, while train services from Brighouse and Halifax provide direct routes to Leeds and Manchester.

Surrounded by countryside, including Shibden Valley and Coley, the villages appeal to those who enjoy walking, with numerous public footpaths and bridleways offering access to scenic landscapes.

Pudsey

Pudsey offers the best of both worlds—a small-town character with easy access to Leeds and Bradford. Well-connected by road and rail, the town provides a relaxed lifestyle while ensuring city amenities are within reach.

Green spaces such as Post Hill and Black Carr Woods add to Pudsey’s appeal.

The town has a strong sense of community, with well-regarded schools, a variety of independent shops, and a selection of traditional pubs and restaurants.

Local events, including the annual Pudsey Carnival, bring residents together, while Pudsey Park remains a favourite for families, featuring landscaped gardens, a playground, and interactive features.

Whether exploring nature reserves or enjoying the thriving food scene, Pudsey has much to offer and is rightly considered one of the best places to live in Yorkshire.

Hidden Gems in Yorkshire

Yorkshire offers a vast and varied landscape with many beautiful small villages. Here are just a few examples of rural Yorkshire at its best.

Kirkby Overblow

With a name evoking pastoral charm, Kirkby Overblow epitomises Yorkshire’s rural idylls.

Residents of Kirkby Overblow enjoy sweeping views over the lush Wharfe Valley. Despite its countryside surrounds, the village sits only a 20-minute drive from the vibrancy of Harrogate and Leeds.

Historic inns like the Shoulder of Mutton Traditional Country Pub portray Kirkby Overblow’s history as a resting spot for stagecoaches headed between Leeds and York. 

Neighbouring larger villages lend amenities, allowing Kirkby Overblow to maintain old-world intimacy. Rows of traditional stone cottages and homes give way to spectacular landscapes just outside towns.

The location allows both easy access to urban opportunities as well as room for tranquil contemplation amid the sweeping dales for which Yorkshire is famed.

Grassington

The classic Yorkshire Dales village, Grassington’s cobbled streets, and stone cottages have recently enchanted new fans as the set of the fictional village “Darrowby” in the hit series “All Creatures Great and Small”.

Whether following in the footsteps of TV vets or wandering the many gorgeous trails right from your doorstep, Grassington invites adventure with idyllic vistas of green dales, drystone walls, and wild moorland. 

When not mountain-biking or caving under its limestone scars, Grassington residents can gather in convivial pubs and tea shops.

Grassington offers a picturesque timelessness befitting the Yorkshire Dales National Park — where life rolls by at an unhurried pace surrounded by sweeping hills and valleys.

Goathland

Goathland offers a postcard-perfect village life amid the wild and sweeping North Yorkshire Moors National Park. Picturesque cottages and leafy residential streets lined with stone walls evoke a simpler era.

Goathland featured as the fictional village of ‘Aidensfield’ for the filming of “Heartbeat”.

Reminders of the much-loved drama add to the village’s unique appeal. Steam engines chug down the North Yorkshire Moors Railway Line past rolling pastures as hikers adventure to stunning nearby waterfalls.

With local specialties like smoked trout and game pie on menus, heritage aplenty in landmarks like the 1900s railway station, and nature’s splendour at your doorstep, Goathland encapsulates Yorkshire’s beauty, history, and hospitality for an idyllic moorland lifestyle.

Runswick Bay

Neighbouring Runswick Bay competes as one of Yorkshire’s most picture-perfect coastal villages, with rows of historic whitewashed fishermen’s cottages cascading down towards the red-roofed boat houses edging towards its bay.

Runswick Bay feels quaint and quintessentially Yorkshire thanks to spots like the cliffside Runswick Bay Hotel.

Helmsley

Situated on the very edge of the breathtaking North York Moors National Park, Helmsley offers residents an unbeatable balance between natural splendour and village life.

The intimate market square is dominated by the striking ruins of Helmsley Castle and tidily kept thatched-roof stone cottages. 

Fresh air and wilderness await just steps from lovely boutiques and neighbourhood pubs. Homebuyers prize the sought-after schools, upmarket new builds in nearby villages like Ampleforth, and vast surrounding opportunities for riding, hiking, and rambling.

With its blend of history, eco-friendly community initiatives, and sustainable tourism, Helmsley feels at once quintessentially Yorkshire yet thoroughly modern.

Best places to live in Yorkshire

From bustling towns to remote villages, these best places to live in Yorkshire offer an outstanding quality of life amid glorious landscapes. Each destination provides its own unique blend of urban opportunities, rural charm, and access to nature — all with the warm hospitality Yorkshire is known for.

Simply put, this county has something splendid for every taste.

To further explore the best places to live in Yorkshire, contact Garrington today for an initial discussion without obligation.