As the largest historic county in England, Yorkshire’s vast landmass stretches far and wide. Profoundly important for thousands of years (take, for instance, Eboracum, now York), Yorkshire has always been a Northern colossus, influencing life across the country with its industry and politics. Offering a wide range of diverse experiences, Yorkshire is an increasingly desirable place to live, and huge numbers of families and professionals have flocked here in recent years. Here is our pick of the very best places to live in Yorkshire, where people are proud to call their village or town ‘home’.
Roundhay, Leeds
Long established as a vibrant Northern city, Leeds now boasts the highest paying jobs outside London - which is no small feat. Life here is full of zest, aspiration, and achievement,with five universities fueling the well-paid professional class. Culture is also deeply ingrained: Leeds has its own ballet, theatre, and opera companies. One of the best places to live in Leeds is Roundhay – a leafy suburb just three miles to the north of the city centre. Offering an exceptionally high quality of life, particularly for families, Roundhay has one of the largest urban parks in Europe, with more than 700 acres of lakes, woodlands, gardens, and sports fields (and the eagle-eyed might even spot Olympic-winning medal athletes training here on a regular basis). Schools here are also excellent, as are the housing options: here you will find grand Victorian and Edwardian houses along with more modern homes and stylish apartments. Farmers markets, arts festivals, and other cultural events bring a strong sense of community to this Leeds neighbourhood.
Ilkley, West Yorkshire
If Leeds is the buzzing big brother metropolis of West Yorkshire, then Ilkley, less than 20 miles to the north-west, is the loving little sister. With a population of around 15,000, it’s a small town with a big heart. Nestled at the southern end of the Yorkshire Dales, it’s undeniably stunning, surrounded by rolling countryside and the famous Cow and Calf rocks. Locals are passionate about Ilkley and it’s easy to see why: the town boasts excellent schools, charming independent shops, and a sophisticated cafe and dining scene. It also has superb commuter links with Leeds and Bradford, alongside a historic cold water lido that is said to have lured none other than Charles Darwin into the town to sample its rejuvenating spa waters. The town is also socially and ecologically conscious, with local businesses making environmental issues a top priority in their operations. Properties in Ilkley are replete with architectural splendour to match the class of residents and amenities.
Nether Edge, Sheffield
Down in South Yorkshire, the small and charming city of Sheffield offers a cosy haven loved by both families and professionals. Nether Edge is full of historic appeal and you’re never short of a nice vista in a place with so many hills and so much character. This suburb features well-maintained Victorian and Edwardian homes and sits within the catchment area for several outstanding schools, making it highly popular without feeling overcrowded. Nether Edge is as friendly a neighbourhood as you want it to be – desirable for those that want a relatively peaceful lifestyle while still being close to the thrills and spills of a city centre. And with the vast wilds of the stunning Peak District a short drive away, Nether Edge provides a balance between the connectivity of urban living and the freedom of exploring nature’s bounty.
Boston Spa, North Yorkshire
Village charm and natural beauty abound in Boston Spa. Its scenic surroundings along the banks of the River Wharfe have long held a timeless appeal, and it’s one that is only growing. Locals enjoy the picturesque walks and peaceful riverside paths, while the surrounding countryside offers easy access to outdoor activities and the wonders of the natural world. The attractive honey-hued homes clustered around the high street are especially desirable, and Boston Spa has plenty of interesting shops, bars, sports clubs, and fantastic schools. For professionals who want tranquil, semi-rural environs with quick connections to Leeds, Harrogate, and York, Boston Spa is ideal.
Saltaire, West Yorkshire
Saltaire Village, near Bradford, is completely enchanting and resolutely distinctive - so much so it was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001. It is named after Sir Titus Salt who, in 1851, built a textile mill - known as Salts Mill - alongside the River Aire. Saltaire’s original homes were built for Victorian mill workers and are now modernised with their Italian-style architecture still intact. The village centre itself is thriving, with stimulating shops, cafes, and services. Salts Mill - the once-smoking factory of 150 years ago - is now a thrilling three-floor art gallery and shopping centre, which exhibits a permanent collection for world-renowned Bradford artist David Hockney. The transport connections are also a big attraction for professional commuters, with regular trains to Leeds and Bradford, in addition to excellent cycle paths. For a more leisurely experience, residents can enjoy the narrowboats and barges cruising along the canal.
Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Harrogate is quite the address to possess: historical and cultural jewels abound, as do glorious green spaces with incredible amenities. To start with the headline attractions – the famous Turkish Baths, the elegant Royal Pump Room Museum, and sumptuous Victorian architecture almost everywhere you look. Natural beauty surrounds Harrogate in the shape of the majestic Yorkshire Dales, but gems of the land are woven right through it with the expansive 200-acre ‘Stray’ – a beautiful and magnetic area of open parkland in the town centre. Harrogate is also noted for the pride in which people maintain their homes and gardens, with a community spirit ensuring those in need are helped out. Schools in this Yorkshire town are among the best in the North of England.
Yorkshire holds picturesque towns, villages, and suburbs that boast friendly communities, vibrant ‘foodie’ scenes, outstanding amenities, and elegant properties of distinctive English architecture. The sense of atmosphere connected to such a unique environment is something that must be discovered in person to be truly experienced.
