Living in Yorkshire: The Ultimate Relocation Guide

If you’re thinking of relocating, Yorkshire offers an unbeatable mix of stunning countryside, historic cities, thriving towns, and a strong sense of community. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant culture of Leeds, the heritage of York, the charm of Harrogate, or the peaceful villages of the Dales, Yorkshire has something for everyone – families, professionals, and retirees alike.

With its affordable cost of living, top-performing schools and excellent transport connections, it’s no wonder Yorkshire is consistently voted one of the best places to live in the UK.

Why Move to Yorkshire?

Yorkshire, often referred to as “God’s Own County”, is the largest historic county in England, covering North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire, and South Yorkshire. It offers a diverse lifestyle, from bustling cities to quaint coastal towns and rural villages surrounded by rolling hills and national parks.

What Makes Yorkshire Special:

• Home to two National Parks: the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors
• Vibrant cities like Leeds, Sheffield, and York
• Affordable housing outside major urban centres
• Renowned for its food, pubs, culture, and history
• Close-knit communities and slower pace of life
• Excellent schools and universities
• Well-connected by rail and motorway to London and Scotland

Discover more at Welcome To Yorkshire

Best Places to Live in Yorkshire

Yorkshire offers something for everyone – whether you’re after city convenience, countryside calm, or a coastal lifestyle.

York

• Historic city with cobbled streets, boutique shops, and a thriving tourism economy
• Excellent transport connections and schools
• Popular suburbs: Fulford, Bishopthorne, Heworth

Harrogate

• Elegant spa town known for green spaces, tea rooms, and family-friendly living
• Ideal for commuters and retirees
• Top schools and premium housing

Leeds

• Yorkshire’s biggest city, with a booming economy, shopping, nightlife, and culture
• Great for young professionals, students, and families
• Suburbs like Roundhay, Chapel Allerton, and Horsforth are popular

Skipton

• Gateway to the Dales, frequently voted one of the best towns to live in England
• Excellent schools and charming town centre
• Great for families and retirees

Beverley

• East Yorkshire gem with a stunning minster, racecourse, and Georgian streets
• Highly desirable for its mix of history, shopping, and countryside proximity

Coastal Towns (Whitby, Filey, Scarborough)

• Ideal for seaside lovers and retirees
• Affordable property and picturesque views

Schools in Yorkshire: State and Independent Options

Yorkshire is home to some of the UK’s top-performing schools, both state-funded and independent.

Top State Schools

• Heckmondwike Grammar School – One of the UK’s best grammar schools
• Harrogate Grammar School – Outstanding reputation and sixth form
• Fulford School, York – Consistently high exam performance
• Roundhay School, Leeds – All-through school with strong results

Independent Schools

• The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) – One of the UK’s top day schools
• Ampleforth College, North Yorkshire – Prestigious Catholic boarding school
• Bootham School, York – Quaker ethos and excellent academic record
• Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate – High-achieving school near York

See more via the North Yorkshire Council Education Directory

Family Life in Yorkshire

Yorkshire is a brilliant place to raise a family. It offers:

• Safe towns and low crime rates
• Affordable, spacious homes
• Parks, moors, and green spaces for outdoor play
• Family attractions like Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Flamingo Land, and Eureka! The Children’s Museum
• Strong community networks and local events

Explore family events at Days Out With The Kids – Yorkshire

Food, Drink and Lifestyle

Yorkshire’s food and drink scene is thriving. Whether it’s Michelin-starred dining, traditional Yorkshire puddings, or vibrant food festivals, the county caters to all tastes.

Must-Try Restaurants and Pubs

• The Black Swan at Oldstead (Tommy Banks) – Michelin-starred and locally sourced
• The Star Inn at Harome – One of the UK’s best gastropubs
• The Ivy, York & Leeds – Upscale dining in heritage surroundings
• Malton Food Lovers Festival – A must-visit for foodies

For real ales and Sunday roasts, Yorkshire’s traditional pubs are hard to beat.

Culture and Heritage

Yorkshire’s historic landmarks are among the most impressive in the UK.

• York Minster, Fountains Abbey, and Whitby Abbey
• Bronte Parsonage Museum, Castle Howard, Bolton Abbey
• Local arts venues like Leeds Grand Theatre, Sheffield Crucible, and York Theatre Royal
• Numerous stately homes, museums, and battlefields

Browse cultural highlights at Historic England – Yorkshire

Transport and Connectivity

Yorkshire is well-connected regionally and nationally, offering easy travel for work or leisure.

By Train

• London: 1 hr 50 mins from York, 2 hrs from Leeds
• Edinburgh: 2.5-3 hrs
• TransPennine routes across Yorkshire from Hull to Liverpool

By Road

• Major motorways: M1, M62, A1(M)
• Easy access to Leeds, York, Manchester, Newcastle, and Sheffield

By Air

• Leeds Bradford Airport – International and UK flights
• Doncaster Sheffield and Humberside Airports also nearby

Healthcare

Yorkshire is home to leading hospitals and healthcare providers.

• Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust – includes St James’s University Hospital
• York Hospital and Harrogate District Hospital offer comprehensive care
• Community hospitals across rural towns

Private options also available in York, Harrogate, and Leeds.

Yorkshire Celebrities and Notable Residents

Yorkshire has produced and hosted a wealth of talent, including:

• Dame Judi Dench – Born in York
• Sean Bean – Sheffield native
• Sir Patrick Stewart – Mirfield, West Yorkshire
• The Arctic Monkeys – Sheffield-based band
• Tommy Banks – Michelin-starred chef from North Yorkshire
• TV presenters, sports stars, and creatives often call Yorkshire home

Ready to Move to Yorkshire?

Whether you’re drawn to the buzz of Leeds, the heritage of York, the beauty of the Dales, or the culinary scene of Malton, Yorkshire has a place for you.

It’s an ideal destination for:

• Families looking for space and safety
• Commuters needing connectivity
• Retirees wanting peace and green views
• Professionals seeking cultural and career opportunities

Helpful links

• Welcome to Yorkshire
• Rightmove – Yorkshire Properties
• North Yorkshire Council
• Visit Yorkshire Coast