Living in York – 11 Reasons to Move to North Yorkshire
Are you thinking of living in York?
York is the county town of Yorkshire; a fact perhaps given away by its name!
Located in North Yorkshire, the city is around 25 miles northeast of Leeds.
This medieval city is enclosed in ancient walls and maintains a historic charm that is hard to find elsewhere!
York is particularly small for a city, making getting around especially easy for locals.
Residents of the area are afforded all the amenities of a big city incorporated with entrance to some of Yorkshire’s breathtaking countryside.
This balance makes life in York especially alluring.
The city is regarded very highly amongst both its residents and the rest of the UK.
In fact, York was considered the 2nd best place to live in the UK in a 2022 study!
Known historically for its production of chocolate, York now has a very eclectic economy.
The range of job opportunities ensures the city is attractive to a host of different professionals looking to relocate.
Throughout this article we will explore what living in York is like.
We hope to pique your interest by analysing everything that makes this region of North Yorkshire great.
Here are the 11 reasons to move to the North Yorkshire city.
Best Areas to Live in York
There are a number of great places to live within York depending on your needs. Image credit: Pexels
Whilst York may be a small city, it is home to several great areas.
Each of these areas has its own appeal.
Understanding what makes each of these areas within the city good is very important before you decide to move.
If you do not already live in the area it may be tricky to get a grasp of what each area offers.
We have put together a short list of some of the best areas to consider when moving to York to help you choose the ideal location for you.
Badger Hill
A very popular area with families, couples and first-time buyers, Badger Hill is a calm suburb located on the edge of the city centre.
Its great location makes it ideal for a range of different buyers.
Proximity to the university campus also means that students are beginning to adopt the area, giving it a welcomed youthful buzz.
Residents of Badger Hill are within easy walking distance of York city centre which will take roughly 45 minutes.
The area is also provided with superb public transport links.
Buses to the city centre take around 25 minutes.
For more information about bus times, fares and travel provisions you can visit iTravelYork.
Driving to the centre is also a viable option.
Various local roads allow residents easy access both in and out of the city.
These links make Badgers Hill a hub to the whole of North Yorkshire.
If you are considering a move to York, Badgers Hill offers buyers great access to the city centre via the A1079 or to the moors on the A64.
In summary, Badgers Hill provided a balance of city and rural living.
This makes it ideal for a multitude of buyers.
Clifton
Located a mere mile and a half from the centre of York, Clifton is an excellent suburb.
A popular location with commuters, living in Clifton makes getting to the centre exceedingly easy.
Clifton’s proximity to the A1237 also makes it the perfect location for commuters who work outside of York.
This road provides easy access to the rest of Yorkshire, including Leeds!
Clifton is also particularly well-liked by families.
The suburb is home to some of York’s best schools.
Local St Peter’s School is one of the oldest schools in the world!
There is never a dull moment in Clifton.
The area has a great sense of community spirit, making it very welcoming.
Clifton also has all the amenities you would expect of a city suburb.
Easy access to the rest of York ensures you will always have easy access to everything you need!
Fulford
The quaint village of Fulford is the ideal home for lovers of the environment and wildlife.
Fulford sits just 2 miles from the centre of York, providing a rural location with fantastic amenities!
The village which sits on the River Ouse, is home to an abundance of wildlife.
Much of the region is protected as a conservation area, ensuring both the wildlife and historic buildings in the village are maintained.
There is a great range of property types in the village, ranging from historic detached cottages to some more modern homes.
Fulford has a fantastic community, giving the village a very welcoming feeling.
If you are thinking of relocating to York and are seeking a community-based rural-centric place to call home, Fulford is the ideal spot for you!
Hull Road
If you are a student who is looking forward to studying in York, Hull Road could be the place for you.
Situated very close to the university, Hull Road allows access to campus in under 10 minutes!
Another area with a great location, Hull Road gives easy access to the city centre.
Living in Hull Road provides students with the perfect hub from which to base their studies.
Getting to campus and to the city centre for nights out could not be easier!
Osbaldwick
Osbaldwick is a historical village which was first established in the 11th century!
Another highly extremely popular location, the village sits just 2 miles to the east of York.
The village is particularly well-liked by students and families.
This popularity is thanks to the proximity of Osbaldwick to both the University of York and numerous local schools.
A number of the local primary schools in the area have achieved the coveted ‘Oustanding’ review from Ofsted.
These great educational provisions certainly add to the village’s appeal.
Much like many of our top locations, the village is particularly well-connected.
Several buses connect Osbaldwick with the city centre and the wider North Yorkshire region.
Osbaldwick is bordered by stunning Yorkshire countryside.
This stunning location only adds to the appeal of the village.
Property Prices in York
York has some excellent properties at great prices. Image credit: Pixabay
York is certainly a popular choice for many buyers.
There has been a huge increase in interest in the cathedral city.
Acknowledgement of York’s appeal from sources such as The Sunday Times has undoubtedly increased the notoriety of the city.
As you would expect, this heightened interest has driven up house prices.
According to Zoopla, the current average house price in York is £399,649.
Whilst there are other cheaper locations in Yorkshire, including the major city of Leeds, York offers a lot that these alternatives do not.
This price also signifies great value compared to other regions across the UK such as London.
The current average price for a property in London is a staggering £733,264!
This makes a move to York a naturally more attractive prospect.
Providing residents with excellent transport links across Yorkshire and the wider region, some spectacular scenery, and some excellent value for money.
So, what should you anticipate paying for different property types in York?
Currently, the average price of a detached home in York sits at £470,213, with the average price of a semi-detached home sitting at £338,226.
If you are looking for a terraced home, the average price in York is £346,169.
Be sure to keep an eye on Zoopla’s website and stay up to date with the average prices if you are thinking of purchasing a property in York.
Transport Links in York
York offer locals some excellent transport links. Image credit: Wikipedia
York is a particularly well-connected city.
Transport links via rail, car and even air are all excellent in this Yorkshire city.
York train station provides direct train links to Edinburgh, London and Manchester.
If you are travelling to London you can expect a two-hour commuting time, with the journey to Edinburgh taking two and a half hours.
Trains to nearby Leeds take just 30 minutes, making commuting to work easy!
York train station also has fantastic connections to numerous major cities across the whole country.
These include Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham.
Clearly, York is very well connected via rail!
York is also well-equipped if you would prefer to drive to your destination.
The A64 which connects Leeds and Scarborough lies to the south of York.
This road connects the city with both the A1M and M1, making driving further afield easy.
Nearby A59 connects York to the town of Harrogate.
This drive takes around half an hour, making commuting or a charming day trip effortless.
The A19, which consists mostly of dual carriageway, ties Doncaster to Middlesbrough.
This road allows residents of York easy passage further North towards Teesside.
York is also very well served by its local buses.
The iTravelYork website delivers a range of information regarding public transportation in and around York.
Alongside local buses, there are also several sightseeing bus routes.
Whilst these may be a tourist-based commodity, they are an excellent way of viewing the city, especially for those who have just moved to the area.
If you are thinking of living in York, there are certainly some excellent transport options.
Whilst the city itself is rather compact, links to surrounding areas make it a great commuter hub.
Travelling Abroad from York
If you are thinking of holidaying abroad, living in York is ideal!
The nearest airport to York is Leeds Bradford Airport.
This is around a 50-minute drive from the city, making going on holiday simple!
York is also close to a number of other international airports.
National and international flights are provided at Doncaster Robin Hood Airport, Humberside Airport which is in North Lincolnshire, and Manchester Airport.
It is also possible to plan a holiday in mainland Europe in your car.
The port in Hull has excellent connections with Holland and Belgium.
Clearly, living in York provides residents with various international travel options.
If you are thinking of living in York and love to travel then the world is at your feet!
Explore the City on Foot
York is a wonderful city to explore on foot. Image credit: Unsplash
Navigating York on foot is remarkably easy, a convenience attributed to the city’s fairly compact size.
For those contemplating a move to York, it’s good to know that the city’s main attractions are generally within a 20-minute walk, depending on your location.
The city centre, in particular, is especially easy to explore on foot.
Moving to York also means having the beauty of North Yorkshire’s countryside at your doorstep, offering a variety of scenic walks outside the urban landscape.
Whether your preference leans towards the historical charm of the city centre or the natural beauty of nearby rural walks, York caters to all walking enthusiasts.
Cost of Living in York
York is home to a host of different eateries.
When moving to York you will probably want to know all of the prices you can expect to pay for food!
It is important to remember that with so many options, prices may fluctuate from place to place.
As a general overview, here are the prices you can expect to pay for different types of food when living in York (statistics from Numbeo)
- meal at a cheaper restaurant-£ 15.00
- meal for 2 at mid-range restaurant-£ 60.00
- fast food meal-£7.75
- cappuccino or latte-£3.20
- 1 litre of milk-£1.05
- loaf of bread-£1.13
- 1kg chicken-£6.07
There are various popular websites and apps to help choose between the massive variety of takeaway and restaurant establishments including Just Eat, Deliveroo and TripAdvisor.
But, there is no need to always order your food!
York also offers all the expected UK supermarket brands, meaning a lovely homecooked meal is very affordable.
On the whole, the cost of living in the city is outstanding.
If you are thinking of calling York home it is important to find out what you will likely spend on everyday basics.
Be sure to stay up to date with these figures before you make the move.
Employment in York
There are plenty of good employment opportunities in York. Image credit: Pexels
If you are thinking of moving to York you will be pleased to know that the city has great employment levels.
Unemployment levels are particularly low in York when compared to the rest of the UK.
The city’s economy is centred around the service industry.
Important sectors comprise of health services, education, tourism, finance and IT-based services.
The largest employer in the city is the City of York Council, followed by Norwich Union Life and Selby and York Primary Care Trust.
Other key employers in York include the University of York, Nestlé Rowntree, York Hospitals NHS Trust as well as both Network Rail and Northern Rail.
York is also a particularly popular tourist destination.
This popularity has led to tourism becoming a key contributor to the economy of York.
Home to a range of fantastic tourist attractions, York also offers a diverse calendar of events and activities to attract further tourists.
So, if you are seeking employment in the tourism industry York is a great place to be.
York’s status as a National Science City has driven the technology and science industry to great heights.
Over 80 technology-based companies emerged in the region throughout the 2000s.
York has seen over £800 million invested in its science and technology infrastructure over the last 15 years, which has significantly contributed to the city’s growth in these sectors!
With such a range of successful industries, York offers residents various avenues of employment.
If you are considering living in York, there is certainly a range of employment options and different industries to investigate!
Shopping in York
The Shambles is one of the best shopping locations in York. Image credit: Wikipedia
York ensures locals have access to a range of excellent shops!
The city is home to over 2,000 shops, meaning there is real diversity for all shoppers.
The compact city centre is home to many of the shops in the city.
This stunning historical location is a truly great shopping experience!
All of the most popular high street names can be found across the city.
However, it is the one-off boutiques and independent stores that are a real treat!
Unique streets such as the Shambles are home to a range of independent outlets offering old-fashioned service.
Be sure to get off the beaten track and check out some of these unique stores!
Eating Out in York
York is celebrated for its vibrant café and restaurant scene, offering a rage of dining options that cater to every palate.
After indulging in a spot of retail therapy, you can look forward to unwinding in some of the city’s finest restaurants.
Whether you’re in the mood for gourmet dining or a casual meal, York has it all.
The city is equally famous for its assortment of quaint pubs and lively bars, offering the perfect backdrop for relaxing after a day of shopping.
With a great selection of pubs scattered throughout the historic streets, you’re never far from a cosy corner to conclude your day.
For those who delight in eating out and are considering making York their home, rest assured, the city caters exceptionally well to your lifestyle!
Schools in York
There are some great choices when it comes to schools in York. Image credit: Pixabay
An important consideration for those moving with children is education!
Luckily, York is home to some amazing schools.
There are currently over 81 schools in and around the city.
Access to such a high number of schools ensures that no student is left out!
Of the 54 primary schools in York, 7 have received the coveted ‘Outstanding’ report from Ofsted!
Top primary schools include St Wilfrid’s Catholic Primary School, Knavesmire Primary School, Poppleton Ousebank Primary School and Ralph Butterfield Primary School.
There are also some excellent choices when it comes to secondary school students.
4 of York’s secondary schools have also received an ‘Outstanding’ report from Ofsted.
This is an exceptionally high number and indicates the excellence of education provisions in York.
The top-performing secondaries include Fulford School, All Saints Catholic School York and Huntington School.
For university students, York offers two institutions.
The University of York first opened in 1963 and has become one of the world’s leading universities, joining the Russel Group in 2012.
York St John University, formerly a branch of the University of Leeds, became a full university in 2006.
Both offer students excellent provisions, making York a truly excellent location for education.
If you are thinking of moving to York and have a young family or are yourself a student, there I certainly a place to learn for all.
Best Things to Do in York
You’ll find yourself spoiled for choice with the array of activities on offer when moving to York.
This historic city brims with plenty of delightful experiences, from its wide range of historic sites to an exciting calendar packed with events.
York’s vibrant scene hosts a diverse mix of comedians, musicians, and theatre performances year-round.
Locals can enjoy a night out at renowned venues like York Theatre Royal, York Barbican, and the Grand Opera House.
Given York’s deep historical roots, it’s no wonder the city boasts a fascinating collection of museums.
Be sure to delve into centuries of York’s past at the York Castle Museum, or explore some of Europe’s most important archaeological and geological finds at the Yorkshire Museum!
Ready to Move
White & Company Truck
Does living in York sound like a good fit for you?
This historic city in glorious North Yorkshire is a perfect place for everyone, ranging from students to families, young professionals and even commuters.
York is a city brimming with quaint charm, fascinating history and a welcoming community spirit.
It is full of things to be explored and offers its residents a wonderful, relaxing lifestyle.
So, if you have been thinking of moving to York, there is no time to waste!
You can start planning your perfect move with the help of our York Removals service from White & Company today!
Whether you are moving to York for the wonderful history, the charming community culture, or the rustic countryside life, we will make sure your belongings arrive safely without disruption.
White & Company are also pleased to announce our new video survey service.
During these unprecedented times, we can safely conduct remote removals surveys, ascertaining all the relevant information for your move, all from the comfort of your own home.
So, give us a call today or fill out a quick quote form to see how we can get your dream move to York in progress.
Max is a seasoned writer and blogger in the real estate and home moving sectors, as well as a knowledgeable source of information for expatriates living and working abroad. His detailed insights have helped thousands of people move and live abroad with greater simplicity and ease.
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