North Yorkshire: home to stunning coastlines, beautiful moorland and peaceful dales. Unsurprisingly, it has become one of England’s most sought-after regions to live in. It has a rich history, cultural abundance and vibrant communities aplenty for those considering a move to this picturesque part of England. Whether you’re looking for bustling cities with busy high streets, charming market towns, pretty villages, serene countryside retreats, or Yorkshire coastline gems, North Yorkshire has something to offer everyone.
The area we recognise today as North Yorkshire was created in 1974, but North Yorkshire has a long and colourful past that dates back to the Stone Age. The county’s interesting heritage also spans the Roman and Viking eras, creating a fascinating 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 for outdoor exploration.
With outstanding educational institutions, efficient transport links across the country to London and Edinburgh, and a high quality of life, it’s no wonder that more people are choosing to live in the North and calling this region home.
Our handy guide will cover some of the best places to live in North Yorkshire, to help you decide if life in North Yorkshire is for you.
Skipton
Known as the ‘Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales’, Skipton is a highly sought-after market town in North Yorkshire, nestled just outside the picturesque Yorkshire Dales. Voted the happiest place to live in the UK, it’s no surprise living in Skipton is very desirable. Life in Skipton is exciting, lively, and absorbing. With its famous 900-year-old castle, ruined priory and historic cobbled high street, Skipton is rich in both history and natural beauty.
Natural attractions are 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.
Living in Skipton is perfect for the family. In 2014, The Sunday Times named Skipton Britain's “best place to live” in their annual best places to live supplement, which lists no less than 101 places. The judges noted that Skipton’s buzzing high street, low crime rate, top class schools and excellent transport links all contributed to Skipton winning the crown. The standard of education in Skipton is very high, with schools like Skipton Girl’s High School receiving an overall rating of ‘Good’ from Ofsted. Families will feel right at home when it comes to life in Skipton.
The transport links make Skipton popular with commuters looking for easy access to the cities of York, Harrogate, and Leeds. It is an easily commutable town, extremely walkable to the town centre from wherever you are but also has great bus routes to make life even more convenient, whether that’s to town, school, or work.
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. At Space Homes, we currently have a range of 2-5 bedroom spacious homes at our Ellerwood development available and ready to buy. And with Skipton being such a desirable and friendly town, located in one of the most beautiful parts of the country, there really is no better time to visit our Ellerwood development and find the perfect home for you.
Knaresborough
A stunning market town, Knaresborough is a hidden gem known for its picturesque beauty, breathtaking views, and tranquil setting. Located in the Borough of Harrogate on the banks of the River Nidd, it has a quaint little charm. With a variety of things to do, unique activities to discover, the outdoors to explore and a popular local community makes it an attractive choice for families and retirees.
There are many attractions that bring people to Knaresborough with Mother Shiptons Cave, Nidd Gorge, Knaresborough Viaduct and Knaresborough Castle to name a few. One of the most popular attractions is visiting the ruins of Knaresborough Castle located high on the clifftop above the town. The ruined fortress dates back to 1100 and provides some of the most stunning views of the Knaresborough viaduct and the River Nidd below. Whether you’re a history buff or a budding photographer, it’s a must see. The River Nidd is also ideal for boating, kayaking, and riverside walks. The town features a charming blend of independent shops and scenic riverside walks, and its cosy atmosphere is bolstered by a vibrant social calendar including the annual Bed Race.
The rail and motorway transport links make Knaresborough popular with commuters looking for easy access to the cities of York, Harrogate, Leeds and Manchester. It is an easily commutable town, extremely walkable to the town centre from wherever you are but also has great bus routes to make life even more convenient, whether that’s to town, school, or work.
With a variety of historic homes, modern houses, and riverside properties, Knaresborough properties are highly sought after. House prices are moderate and reflect the town’s desirability. Newly opened in Knaresborough, our brand-new development of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes at Castle Locke. Situated on Boroughbridge Road, HG5 0LZ, discover Space Homes with our range of available homes complete with a mix of buying options available.
York
York, a city unlike any other in England, a well-preserved medieval city with a radiant 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, 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. York was even voted one of the best places to live in the Sunday Times 2021 shortlist.
York's shopping scene boasts everything from designer stores to independent shops and boutiques. Parliament and Coney Street are home to the high street favourites and well known brands while Gillygate and Petergate are home to more independent retailers. There's a daily Shambles Market with more than 85 stalls to explore and just a short park and ride away there is the York Designer Outlet too.
The city boasts excellent rail connections to London (under 2 hours), Leeds, and Manchester. Major roads like A64 and A19 provide convenient road access. York is also very bike-friendly with multiple cycling routes and bike hire schemes. It also plays host to top-tier schools like Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, which is one of the best independent secondary schools in the region. The Sunday Times 2024 found York had top 3 schools in the top 10 Schools in the North, with Fulford School being number one.
The local property market offers a variety of properties ranging from historic townhouses to modern apartments. Prices are higher in the city centre but outskirts offer more affordable options. Discover our stunning developments at Greenswald Point, Easingwold or Bridgewell, Spofforth for your perfect home in the highly desirable area of York.
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. The Harrogate food and drink scene is perhaps best known for the quintessentially British experience of indulging in afternoon tea at the city's world famous Betty's tearoom.
Other attractions in the town include the health-focused Turkish Baths, a 200-acre parkland called The Stray, and the Royal Pump Room Museum. In addition to a variety of theatres, galleries and museums, Harrogate is also home to The Great Yorkshire Show, an annual event that takes place over a weekend in mid-July. The show sees farmers, crafters and independent businesses from all over Yorkshire to sell their wares - perfect for picking up fresh produce or handmade gifts.
The town also boasts high-quality educational establishments, such as Harrogate Grammar School, making it an ideal destination for families. Transport isn’t an issue as this spa town is surprisingly well connected with direct rail links to Leeds (30 mins), York (45 mins), and London (around 3 hours), convenient road connections via A61 and A59 and local bus services providing a comprehensive coverage within the town, as well as excellent transport links to Leeds and York.
The local property market is characterized 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.
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’s the perfect place for retirees with a bit more free time or anyone who prefers an outdoor lifestyle.
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. You can also explore the picturesque harbour and enjoy boat trips along the coast.
With a thriving local arts scene, regular 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 consists of affordable seaside cottages, modern developments with coastal views, and historic homes. Local property prices vary but are generally reasonable.
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 steeped with historical resonance like Skipton, North Yorkshire's diverse range of towns make it a region well worth calling home. Here at Space Homes we pride ourselves on building stunning homes in the most sought after locations, so why not take a look at our current developments and see which area of North Yorkshire you could be calling home.