5 of the Best Areas to Live in Yorkshire
Yorkshire is a beautiful collection of historic cities with close-knit communities, blink-and-you-miss-them villages in stunning countryside, and well-situated commuter towns. Plus, it’s more affordable than other UK regions, like London.
Ask any local from Yorkshire, and they’ll tell you the county is ‘God’s Own Country.’ But here’s the thing — if that’s the case, he certainly had his favourite areas. Whether you’re hunting for new build homes or seeking traditional cottages, these are the best areas to live in Yorkshire.
1. Harrogate: spa town elegance
Spa-town Harrogate attracts crowds with its beautiful Victorian architecture. It has an elegant yet thriving town centre, with excellent schools and access to the nearby Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Its Turkish Baths and famous Betty’s Tea Rooms protect the lingering indulgence of its former Victorian appeal. The average house price is (comparably) expensive in Yorkshire, hovering at around £380,000. And, on average, council tax ranges from £1,500 in Band A to £4,500 in Band H. However, those premium prices are worthwhile for such an elegant place to call home.
2. York: history and heritage
Historic York is impossible not to love. The city is most famed for The Shambles, a 13th-century shopping street that’s one of the UK’s best surviving medieval roads. Stepping away from the timber frames and cobbles, there are also Roman city walls and a colossal Gothic Minster. York just oozes heritage — from its ancient pubs to inner-city architecture.
2023 saw a hefty investment in 500 houses on the outskirts of York. These affordable properties boast leafy suburban peacefulness and proximity to the city centre.
3. Saltburn-by-the-Sea: coastal charm near Redcar
Living by the coast is a dream for many. Could Saltburn-by-the-Sea be your match made in heaven? The Victorian seaside town has a close-knit community and a strong surfing subculture. Its beautiful beaches have been the recent beneficiaries of intensive regeneration efforts — clean sands and water are a local priority. Plus, there’s the coastal charm of the iconic Saltburn Cliff Lift.
The balance of great schools and affordable housing makes Saltburn-by-the-Sea an appealing choice for young families. As of 2025, the average home sells for around £287,000, with terraces slightly cheaper and flats available for around £169,000.
4. Leeds: a thriving city
Leeds is a thriving base for anyone wanting to be ‘in the thick of it.’ The city has one of the UK’s largest populations, and that shows. Leeds has a broad spectrum of neighbourhoods, from studenty Hyde Park and Headingley to the trendy Docks and family-friendly Roundhay. The economy is booming, and there are great public transport links.
The university student community keeps the city youthful. Expect a jam-packed calendar of cultural events, non-stop nightlife, shopping, and dining experiences. Ultimately, it’s as close as Yorkshire gets to offering a city that never sleeps.
5. Holmfirth: rural idyllic
You might recognise Holmfirth; the idyllic Holme Valley was used for filming in the “Last of the Summer Wine” TV series. This stone-built town is perfect for a quieter pace of life — it even has a local vineyard. Commute to Huddersfield for work or spend downtime strolling to independent shops and historic countryside pubs.
As of 2025, the average home price is around £320,000; those period properties and their rural lifestyles are worth every penny.
Yorkshire truly does cater to every type of buyer. There’s rural Holmfirth, extroverted Leeds, historic York, elegant Harrogate, and the coastal charm of Saltburn-by-the-Sea. But do your own research; some of the best areas in Yorkshire take visitors by surprise.
