With its rich history and breathtaking landscapes, North Yorkshire has become one of England’s most sought-after regions to live in. The modern county of North Yorkshire was created in 1974, but the area has a long and storied past that dates back to the Stone Age. The county’s fascinating heritage also spans the Roman and Viking eras, creating a rich and vibrant tapestry of ancient ruins, medieval castles, and historic market towns. Now renowned for its stunning natural beauty, the North Yorkshire area features two national parks – the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors – both of which offer unparalleled access to outdoor exploration.
The county offers excellent education, strong community values, and a high overall quality of life, making it an attractive proposition for families and young professionals alike. From the charming villages nestled in the hills to the larger towns and their bustling social scenes, North Yorkshire offers something for everyone. Whether you are seeking a rural retreat or urban excitement, this diverse county is the perfect place to call home.
Harrogate
Harrogate, an affluent spa town renowned for its high quality of life, is one of the most desirable places to live in North Yorkshire. The town features a seamless blend of timeless elegance and contemporary charm, combining Georgian architecture with all the necessary amenities for modern living. Upscale shopping outlets and fine dining establishments are abundant in Harrogate, many of which serve up sustainable, locally sourced produce. Other attractions in the town include the health-focused Turkish Baths, a 200-acre parkland called The Stray, and the Royal Pump Room Museum.
The town also boasts high-quality educational establishments, such as Harrogate Grammar School, as well as excellent transport links to Leeds and York. The local property market is characterised by excellent quality, high-value housing stock, with Harrogate constituting part of the Yorkshire ‘Golden Triangle’, alongside York and Leeds. From Grand Georgian townhouses to modern mansions, premium properties in the area often cost £750,000 to £1 million. This strong property market is further evidence of Harrogate’s appeal as a premier place to live.
Skipton
Known as the ‘Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales’, Skipton is a picturesque and thriving market town that is well-loved for its unique historical heritage. The town’s centrepiece is the remarkably preserved Skipton Castle, which was built in 1090 by a Norman baron and remains a popular attraction to this day. Natural attractions are also plentiful in Skipton in the stunning countryside that surrounds it, providing an escape into nature whilst still retaining a vibrant, market town atmosphere. This is evident in the numerous community events hosted every year, including the popular Skipton Sheep Day festival, which celebrates the town’s heritage, and the Skipton Festival of Music – a week-long event filled with incredible live performances and delicious food stalls.
The standard of education in Skipton is also high, with schools like Skipton Girl’s High School receiving an overall rating of ‘Good’ from Ofsted. Skipton has good rail connections and road links to Leeds and Bradford, making it ideal for commuters who work in the city. With its sprawling countryside estates and large modern homes, the Skipton property market is highly exclusive, valuing large homes on the outskirts of the town at more than £1 million.
Whitby
Whitby is a charming coastal town in North Yorkshire that offers a relaxed lifestyle in a stunning locale. Nestled along the dramatic cliffs of the Yorkshire coast, Whitby also sits a short distance away from the North York Moors, creating endless opportunities for outdoor exploration, whether it be down on the stunning beaches or up on the ancient moorland. It has the vibrant atmosphere of a bustling fishing port, with excellent seafood restaurants and various festivals such as the Whitby Goth Weekend and Whitby Regatta. The town also boasts an interesting history with its ties to Captain Cook, its stunning gothic abbey, and its role as the inspiration for the iconic novel Dracula by Bram Stoker.
With a vibrant local arts scene, rail connections to Middlesbrough, and an idyllic location, it is clear why Whitby is one of the most popular towns in North Yorkshire. The local property market, featuring elegant period homes and spacious country properties, reflects this popularity, with large houses ranging from £500,000 to £1 million.
Richmond
Of North Yorkshire’s many idyllic market towns, Richmond is perhaps the most picturesque, with its scenic views and proximity to the Yorkshire Dales. With its endless opportunities for outdoor pursuits, Richmond is the perfect choice for those who appreciate natural beauty and a slower pace of life. The town also boasts a rich history, evident in the winding cobbled streets, Georgian architecture and, most of all, in the stunning silhouette of Richmond Castle – a 1000-year-old fortress perched atop the River Swale. More modern amenities are also plentiful in Richmond, with a number of great restaurants, local shops, and a diverse entertainment venue called the Station, which features a cinema, an art gallery, and a café.
The nearest major train stations, Darlington and Northallerton, offer broad connectivity to major cities, and road connections via the A1 are convenient for commuters. Many of the homes on the Richmond property market are large historic homes and country estates, typically costing in excess of £600,000.
York
York, a well-preserved medieval city with a vibrant atmosphere, is a perfect fit for families, young professionals, and retirees alike. The city offers a combination of history and modernity that makes it one of the best places to live in North Yorkshire. Known for its medieval streets and the iconic York Minster, the city also boasts a dynamic mix of high-end retail, regular markets, and high-quality restaurants like Le Cochon Aveugle and Forage. There is also a thriving cultural scene within the city, nurtured by its many theatres, galleries, and creative festivals, including the York Literature Festival and the Eboracum Roman Festival – a living Roman encampment that demonstrates what Roman life was like.
The city boasts excellent rail connections to London as well as top-tier schools like Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, which is one of the best independent secondary schools in the region. The local property market offers a variety of properties ranging from historic townhouses to modern apartments. Homes on the outskirts of York are typically cheaper, but for a detached property near the city centre, prices start at around £500,000.
North Yorkshire offers an exceptional quality of life that blends its charming history and stunning landscapes with extensive modern amenities. This appeal is likely to continue to grow with the improvement of local infrastructure, turning North Yorkshire into an excellent alternative to city living. The convenient transport links make it ideal for young professionals, while the high quality of education continues to attract families to the area. Whether you are seeking a coastal gem like Whitby, or a place rich with historical resonance like Skipton, North Yorkshire's diverse range of towns make it a region on the path to long-term success.
