Top 10: Great Places to Live in Yorkshire 2017

Source: New Home Finder

Yorkshire’s main city, Leeds offers great appeal to business professionals, families and students alike. Leeds diverse population has helped it cultivate some unique arts and music festivals like the Leeds Carnival. New shopping developments have seen Leeds attract some major players in the retail world in the last decade who rub shoulders with more traditional markets.

Set on the edge of the Yorkshire Wolds, Beverley is a treasure trove of delights to be discovered. Steeped in history the town as some of the UK’s finest examples of Gothic architecture. It is also well known to race goers, whilst shoppers are within easy reach of York and Hull.

Famous for its jet black jewellery, Captain James Cook and Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Whitby is a town steeped in history and mystery. There are great fish restaurants as well as charming shops along the cobbled streets. Dominated by the ruined abbey, Whitby attracts a large alternative following for the Whitby Goth Weekends throughout the year.

Today Horsforth is a suburb of Leeds. It’s close proximity to the city makes it ideal for families who enjoy the cosmopolitan shopping to be had in Leeds, but who also enjoy a more village feel to settle in. With excellent travel links and Leeds Bradford Airport close by Horsforth certainly as a lot going for it.

The Steel City is not one that readily comes to mind in such a list, but Sheffield as really polished itself up and reinvented itself as a city that harnesses its cultural, creative and architectural assets to attract families looking for a better quality of life. You don’t have to go far to find yourself in the stunning Peak district National Park.

Richmond [meaning ‘strong hill’] is a vibrant market town set around the River Swale. Often referred to as the Northern Gateway into the Yorkshire Dales, Richmond has a strong warfare and Norman heritage. The Georgian era brought great prosperity to the town and even now the Georgian buildings and architecture deliver a rich and tasteful inheritance to the town.

An outstanding and prestigious town, Harrogate is famous for its mineral spas and fashionable high end shops. Home to the Harrogate Conference Centre, the town also plays host to two RHS flower shows each year. With places like Knaresbourgh, Fountains Abbey, Ripon Cathedral and Lightwater Valley within travelling distance, Harrogate is the perfect location for families to set down roots.

York is one of the most desirable places to live in the county. Great rail connections between London and Edinburgh make it perfect for reaching most of the UK. With two universities and a number of higher education colleges make York popular with families. Heritage is also top of the agenda with roots going back to Roman and Viking times. Attractions such as York Minster, The Shambles and The Railway Museum make it a much loved destination.

Situated in Lower Wharfedale, Otley is a popular market town with some of the finest butchers and traditional Yorkshire pubs on it’s high street. The three times a week market go back to 1222. A favourite with families for top ranking schools and community activities and festivals.
There are also a number of highly placed cycling criteriums which ensured its inclusion on the 2014 Tour de France route.

The Gateway To The Dales, Skipton is a busy market town surrounded by the finest countryside around. Its thriving market makes Skipton a popular place with locals and visitors alike. There are also a good mix of big names and local stores It is also home to the historic Skipton castle which as seen many a conflict in its 100 years. No stranger to awards, Skipton was voted one of the best places to live in 2014.