North Yorkshire - Best Places to Live UK

Reasons to live in North Yorkshire UK

Natural Beauty: North Yorkshire is blessed with stunning natural landscapes, including the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors National Park, and picturesque coastlines. The region offers breathtaking scenery, tranquil countryside, and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting.
Rich Heritage and History: North Yorkshire has a rich historical and cultural heritage. It is home to historic cities like York, known for its medieval architecture, ancient walls, and iconic York Minster. The region also boasts charming market towns, ancient abbeys, and stately homes that provide a sense of history and a connection to the past.
Quality of Life: North Yorkshire offers a high quality of life with a slower pace and a strong sense of community. The area has low crime rates, excellent healthcare facilities, and good schools, making it an ideal place to raise a family or retire. The region is known for its friendly locals and a welcoming atmosphere.
Vibrant Cities and Towns: North Yorkshire offers a mix of vibrant cities and quaint market towns. York, Harrogate, and Scarborough provide cultural attractions, shopping centres, and a range of dining options. The market towns such as Helmsley, Richmond, and Pickering offer a charming and traditional feel with independent shops, local produce, and regular markets.
Education and Employment Opportunities: North Yorkshire has a variety of educational opportunities, including renowned schools and colleges. The region also offers diverse employment prospects, with sectors such as agriculture, tourism, education, healthcare, and technology. The presence of major cities and a strong rural economy provides a range of career options.
Access to Nature and Outdoor Recreation: North Yorkshire is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. The region offers countless opportunities for outdoor activities, including walking, cycling, horse riding, and water sports. With its expansive countryside and national parks, residents can easily access nature and enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle.
Cultural Events and Festivals: North Yorkshire hosts a range of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including the York Food and Drink Festival, Harrogate Music Festival, and Whitby Goth Weekend. These events contribute to the vibrant cultural scene, offering entertainment and community engagement.
Transportation and Connectivity: North Yorkshire benefits from good transportation links, making it accessible to other parts of the UK. The region has major road networks, railway connections, and easy access to airports. This connectivity facilitates travel, commuting, and exploration of neighbouring areas.

Best places to live in North Yorkshire

Harrogate: Known for its elegance and charm, Harrogate is a historic spa town with beautiful architecture, award-winning gardens, and a vibrant town centre. It offers excellent schools, cultural events, and easy access to the Yorkshire Dales.
York: With its rich history and stunning architecture, York is a city that seamlessly blends the old and the new. It offers a bustling city centre, renowned attractions like York Minster, excellent schools, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Knaresborough: Nestled along the River Nidd, Knaresborough is a picturesque market town known for its ancient castle ruins and stunning viaduct. It offers a sense of community, riverside walks, and is close to the beautiful Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Richmond: Located on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Richmond is a charming market town with cobbled streets, a historic castle, and a bustling market square. It offers scenic views, a strong sense of community, and access to outdoor activities.
Helmsley: Situated in the heart of the North York Moors National Park, Helmsley is a market town with a rich history, a medieval castle, and charming shops and tearooms. It offers a peaceful setting, picturesque walks, and proximity to natural beauty.
Whitby: This coastal town is famous for its Gothic abbey ruins, traditional fishing harbor, and sandy beaches. Whitby offers a mix of history, stunning views, delicious seafood, and a vibrant arts and culture scene.
Ripon: With its impressive cathedral, historic market square, and Georgian architecture, Ripon is a small city that exudes charm. It offers a strong community spirit, traditional markets, and is close to the Yorkshire Dales.
Thirsk: Located in the Vale of Mowbray, Thirsk is a market town known for its connections to author James Herriot and the famous veterinary practice depicted in his books. It offers a friendly atmosphere, independent shops, and easy access to the North York Moors.
Malton: Dubbed the “Food Capital of Yorkshire,” Malton is a market town renowned for its excellent food scene, including local produce, farmers’ markets, and food festivals. It offers a bustling community, independent shops, and picturesque countryside.
Skipton: Situated on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, Skipton is a market town with a well-preserved medieval castle, charming canals, and a thriving market. It offers a mix of history, stunning landscapes, and a range of amenities.

Best schools in North Yorkshire (not official rankings)

Ripon Grammar School (Ripon)
Ermysted’s Grammar School (Skipton)
Harrogate Grammar School (Harrogate)
Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate (Thorpe Underwood)
Bootham School (York)
St. Peter’s School (York)
The Mount School (York)
Ampleforth College (Ampleforth)
Sedbergh School (Sedbergh)
Ashville College (Harrogate)