A Sunday Times Best Place to Live writer explains why they love these Yorkshire locations

The guide's chief writer Tim Palmer has given the Yorkshire Post exclusive insight into why the list of the north's top 10 places to live was dominated by seven Yorkshire neighbourhoods this year - the Howardian Hills, Beverley, Roundhay in Leeds, Ripon, Saltaire, Ranmoor in Sheffield and York.

Tim has also revealed which areas narrowly missed out on making the guide, and why certain places have fallen out of favour with the writers.

Howardian Hills

The 79 square miles that make up the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are included in the guide for the first time - and they've been named the best place to live in the north on their debut.

The AONB is between York and Malton and centred on the Castle Howard estate and villages such as Terrington, Slingsby, Oldstead and Crayke.

"It's an area that's cropped up a lot among those in the property industry. It's usually the first place in Yorkshire they name - and it's so lovely.

"I hadn't come across it as much before, although I know places like Malton and Helmsley quite well. You don't drive through it on the way to anywhere else, but that's part of its charm.

"It's very easily overlooked but there are some cracking little villages. Yes, it's quite 'posh' and not everyone could afford to live here, it's more of a retirement area. But if you work in York, or from home, then you have one of the best-connected railway stations in the country on your doorstep - it's ideal.

"Malton is more down to earth than Helmsley, which feels more like a tourist town - and it's reinvented itself so well in the past 10 years, it's such an inspiring story."

Beverley

The East Yorkshire market town is a regular in the guide, and last year was joined by nearby Driffield, which has not been included in 2020.

"Last year we had a bit of a rival in Driffield, but we would never ignore Beverley - it always deserves to be in there. It's a town that looks after itself very well and is always improving.

"Twenty-five years ago, it was nice but not as much fun as it is now. The cultural offering is good and the new theatre has been a huge success story. The Westwood is a thing of wonder, and it's great if you have a dog.

"It's always compared to York, but I would rather live in Beverley. Being so close to Hull isn't the downer some people think - Hull has great spirit, history and real charm."

Roundhay

The north Leeds suburb developed around Victorian tram routes and has long been one of the most affluent parts of the city. In the past, the trendier, more creative neighbourhoods of Chapel Allerton and Horsforth have been included in the guide, but this year the conventionally popular Roundhay was chosen.

"It's always been somewhere people have aspired to live. It's maybe not as exciting as other areas, but we thought it was about time we went back to Roundhay. The park is one of the best in the country in terms of its size and the variety of activities, There are some lovely houses and nice little streets, and of course Roundhay School is a draw for families."

Ripon

The catheral city is featured for the first time after ousting its rival Harrogate, which has not been in the guide for several years now.

"It's been overlooked before. Harrogate was the dream place to live 20 years ago, but it's got a bit ahead of itself. Ripon has all of the attractions of Harrogate, such as beautiful houses and an attractive town centre - but it is much more affordable. It's Harrogate without the price tag. It doesn't have a railway station, but Harrogate's is not a 'killer' station as the services aren't great from there."

Saltaire

The UNESCO World Heritage Site near Shipley appears in the guide for the second consecutive year. Built as a model village for the workers of Salts Mill by the industrialist Sir Titus Salt, it's a creative community with the mill, now a major arts and cultural venue, at its heart.

"I love Saltaire and I would love to live there. I hope the rest of Bradford catches up with it. It's cheaper than Leeds but it's so easy to get into the city centre on the train compared to somewhere like Pool-in-Wharfedale or Otley. The atmosphere is amazing and it's just a beautiful place. They have so much fun there.

"The downside is that the houses are very small, but the countryside is nearby and I can't think of anywhere I'd rather live."

Ranmoor

After the surburb of Fulwood was featured in 2017, Sheffield dropped out of the guide following the negative publicity generated by the tree felling scandal, which painted this Left-leaning, liberal and environmentally-conscious city in a poor light.

Now it's back, and the western neighbourhood of Ranmoor has been chosen to fly the flag.

"Sheffield is back. We felt bad that it missed out. There are no obvious 'killer' suburbs, and it's too big to include on its own. We picked Ranmoor because of its easy access to both the city and the Peak District, but any of the western suburbs are just as good."

York

York took the overall title of the best place to live in the UK in 2018, and it features in the north top 10 once again.

"It's always up there - mainly because of its connections. Being commutable from London has real advantages. That two-hour train must be one of the fastest per mile in the country. It's got the history and the brilliant schools, but it also has that nice modern tinge. The food scene has developed a lot and they've got the gigabit city, which shows that they're staying ahead."

The one which didn't quite make it

Pateley Bridge has not been included in 2020 - much to Tim's disappointment.

"I'm really sad for Pateley Bridge. It was in the guide for four years in a row and it's a fantastic place. It has the original high street turn-around story, which shows how much difference a few people putting the effort in can make. We have given it a mention, but we can't keep going back to the same places. It will be back - as will Nidderdale, which is a lovely area away from the main coach party trail."

The writers were also told to consider Thorner, a village near Wetherby ideal for commuting into Leeds.

"Slaithwaite near Huddersfield was suggested. We looked at Halifax - The Piece Hall is amazing, but the town centre isn't quite there. On the coast, we considered Runswick Bay and Sandsend, which have a lot of holiday homes."

Harrogate, however, has seen its stock fall considerably.

"It used to be the dream place to live. The shops are now very pricey, and there are plans for £12million penthouse flats. It's become more 'prime' than it deserves to be. The Everyman cinema development saw a lot of new mid-market chain restaurants open around it, but it's not really worked out for them. I thought they were ready for a bit more of an independent spirit.

"We have a big mix of places, and we look for areas that are suitable for young professionals, families and active retirees.

"One of the things we always used to look for in an area was a Waitrose - but now people would rather have an Aldi!"

The full Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide takeaways

- Pateley Bridge is praised for its thriving independent high street, despite not being included in the guide.

- Hull - last featured in its City of Culture year in 2017 - is given a shout-out for its efforts to preserve the Three Ships mural on the wall of an old BHS store.

- The ongoing issues with coastal erosion in Skipsea and Withernsea on the East Yorkshire coast means buyers have been cautioned against investing in the area.

- But the residents of Ilkley have been applauded for their campaign to end Yorkshire Water's sewage discharges into the River Wharfe.

- In the Howardian Hills, the wrirters loved Malton's gastropubs, old-money Thirsk for its tradition, Helmsley's food scene and Easingwold's independent shopping. Residents they spoke to cited connectivity as a key factor that persuaded them to move there. They also praised the interesting and varied social life on offer. The Star Inn at Harome (which has a Michelin star), Terrington Village Stores and Tearooms and Yorkshire Lavender are all highlighted. Disadvantages include congestion on the A64, patchy broadband, and high levels of pollution near Malton. The villages closest to Castle Howard were picked out as the most desirable addresses.

- In Beverley, writers were impressed with the town's evolution from genteel retirement community to something far more forward-thinking. They single out trendy deli Vanessa's for praise, and mention the increase in fine dining, street food and vegan options. The upmarket chains are cited as evidence of an increase in quality employment in nearby Hull, where Siemens have recently opend a plant. Poor connectivity and relative isolation are the disadvantages, and the Georgian and Victorian terraces and the converted Westwood Park Hospital are the most popular addresses.

- Roundhay is described as the 'sunlit uplands' of Leeds, known for its period housing and Outstanding-rated state secondary school - a place where hipsters move when they grow up. The cafes and restaurants on Street Lane are mentioned, including San Carlo Flying Pizza and New York-style Jewish deli Ira B's. The Arts and Crafts and Edwardian houses on North Lane are picked out as premium properties, as are flats with views of Roundhay Park, such as West Court and Barrans Court. However, its proximity to the deprived areas of Seacroft and Harehills is listed as a downside.

- Ripon is praised for its community feel and independent shops, although it lacks high street names. The dog-friendly atmosphere is also one of its positives - with a hound described as a 'must-have' if you want to integrate. The selective state school Ripon Grammar is a draw, as it's one of the best in the north. The period spa baths are popular, and there are lots of clubs and activities aimed at retired residents. The prime addresses are Clotherholme Road and Bishopton Lane, where houses have large gardens. The disadvantage is Ripon's dependency on cars - it losts its station in the 1960s - yet a lack of parking.

- Saltaire, it's noted, is just as convenient now as it was when it was first built in the 1850s, thanks to its fantastic transport links. Commuting to Leeds or Bradford by train is quick and easy. The Bradford postcode suppresses house prices, but it's pointed out that the nearby city is experiencing economic investment and a cultural revival. Saltaire's residents are described as arty, innovative and forward-looking, and there are plenty of local events. The original allotments are still in use, and the bar scene is lively and repleat with references to the village's founder. Two vegan cafes have recently opened and there's plenty of open space nearby, including Roberts Park and Shipley Glen, which has a quaint tramway. The original Salt cottages are the most popular with buyers and renters, but their Grade I listings limits what owners can do to them - even double glazing and central heating can be forbidden.

- Ranmoor is described as a hotspot for middle-class families who have left behind more bohemian neighbourhoods such as Sharrow Vale and Kelham Island. S11 and S10 are close to Endcliffe Park, the Botanical Gardens, lively Ecclesall Road, the universities and hospitals, and the Peak District. Ranmoor has lots of independent shops and cafes, and there's green space despite an urbanised layout. The area is 'confident and vigorous' with house prices on the rise and plenty of investment in city centre regeneration - plus the arrival of HS2. Rail links to Manchester are criticised, however, and the competition for secondary school places can make living in Ranmoor with children a fraught experience. Parents will need to assess catchment areas carefully before moving. Air quality is poor. The best address is Stumplove Crescent Road, which has new mansions with basement pools. The Conservation Area near St John's Church is expensive but sought-after.

Read the full guide by clicking here.

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