Moving to Yorkshire
There was a time when Yorkshire was somewhere those in other parts of the UK had vaguely heard about but never visited. The Tour de France in 2014 helped to change all that and put God’s Own County firmly on the tourist map. Since then, interest in property in Yorkshire has soared as people realise that Yorkshire isn’t just a lovely place to visit – it’s a great place to live.
So we’ve put together a few good reasons for moving to Yorkshire – aside from the obvious advantages of pretty dry stone walls and a proper brew.
Yorkshire’s thriving economy
It’s a term more familiarly attached to Manchester, but North-Shoring has seen firms open satellite offices in Yorkshire. Stepping out of the South’s shadow there are industries in Yorkshire that stand toe-to-toe with, and even edge out, their more southerly rivals. The creative and digital industry has grown to the extent that over 33% of the UK's internet traffic now passes through Leeds. Digital jobs in Yorkshire are increasing at 10 times the rate of jobs in non-digital sectors. That said, manufacturing, food production, hospitality and construction are all still significant sectors in Yorkshire. With the government’s ambitions of creating a collection of northern cities (comprising around 15 million people) to attract greater investment in the Northern Powerhouse scheme, there is big ambition to create a strong, unified, northern economy.
Yorkshire Sport
Whether it’s cycling and the Tour de Yorkshire, cricket at Headingley or the many other sporting events hosted in Yorkshire, ours is an active region with a competitive edge. In the Rio 2016 Olympics, Olympians from Yorkshire contributed 14 of Team GB’s 67 medals. If Yorkshire were a country (as many already think it is), it would have come 17th in the overall medal table. Suffice to say, there’s plenty on offer for those seeking a sport fix (and no, lycra isn’t always compulsory).
Family Days Out
When it comes to taking the family out, Yorkshire has an embarrassment of riches – but here’s an impoverished list to whet the appetite and get you started. Pick one, Google it (other search engines are available), and go:
The National Railway Museum, York Minster, The National Media Museum, The Yorkshire Sculpture Park, The Bronte Parsonage, The Hepworth Gallery, Bolton Abbey, Salts Mill, Brimham Rocks, Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, Bempton Cliffs, Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Castle Howard, Ribblehead Viaduct, RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Sewerby Hall…
Shopping
Yorkshire could make you reconsider your online shopping dependency, and not solely because you’ll be invariably greeted by a hearty “y’alright luv” as you approach the till.
Smaller towns like Settle, Leyburn, Hebden Bridge, Skipton, Grassington and Harrogate all offer unique experiences in their wide selection of independent shops that celebrate local produce, artisanship and craft. If you fancy a spree, cities like Leeds, Sheffield and York are crowded by choice.
The old, grand, Victorian arcades and market in Leeds have recently been complimented by the sprawling Victoria Gate shopping centre. Sheffield’s shopping quarters cater for every personality. Fargate and the High Street house all the familiar brands. For something a bit more individual, you could meander through the Devonshire Quarter and wind in and out of indepent fashion boutiques, craft stores and art. The vast Meadowhall, just off the M1, offers a huge mix of both.
If this is all a bit too much choice, York might provide the perfect solution as it offers a unique blend that mingles a pinch of market town quirk with the charm and elegance of the fashion stores that you can explore around Low Petergat
If this has got you itching to see your next home, check out our Property Sales page.
Or search our current list of available rental properties
For a closer look at Harrogate, read our previous post on living in Harrogate.
For anything else, please feel free to speak to one of our friendly team on 01423 501211.