These are the six best places to live in Yorkshire according to The Sunday Times 2026 guide

Skipton, North Yorkshire

Skipton has been named the best place to live in the north and northeast of England, with judges highlighting its strong sense of community and connection to the surrounding countryside.

The market town is described as “properly grounded and strongly connected to the spectacular surrounding landscape”, offering residents both natural beauty and a thriving town centre.

Traditional businesses continue to flourish in Skipton, helping to maintain a lively high street and local economy. The town is also considered a haven for families, with excellent schools and relatively affordable house prices among the reasons for its appeal.

Judges also pointed to Skipton’s strong volunteering culture.

The Rotary Club’s Eco Day raises funds for wildlife and nature charities, while Share Skipton’s “Library of Things” allows residents to borrow items and take part in regular repair cafés, reinforcing a strong sense of community.

The Howardian Hills, North Yorkshire

The Howardian Hills was recognised for offering a high-quality rural lifestyle combined with strong food credentials and good connectivity.

Judges described the area as a place where “family values and gastronomic credentials” come together, making it appealing for those seeking countryside living without isolation.

The landscape is made up of attractive stone villages surrounded by rolling countryside, creating a scenic and peaceful environment. Despite its rural setting, the area is close enough to York and nearby market towns to provide access to services, employment and transport links.

The area is also known for its food scene, with Michelin-starred restaurants and well-regarded dining destinations contributing to its growing reputation. This combination of countryside, connectivity and high-quality local produce has helped establish the Howardian Hills as one of Yorkshire’s most desirable places to live.

Leeds city centre, West Yorkshire

Leeds city centre was praised for its youthful energy, strong economy and relatively affordable housing.

With five universities and one of the largest urban economies in the UK, the city offers a wide range of job opportunities, particularly in finance, insurance and business sectors.

Living close to the centre allows residents to access shops, cafés, bars and restaurants within walking distance, creating a convenient and vibrant lifestyle. Judges noted that staying central also helps avoid issues with public transport, making day-to-day life easier.

The guide also highlighted the availability of riverside homes, where residents may spot wildlife such as kingfishers and otters. Combined with good schools and a lively cultural scene, Leeds city centre offers a dynamic place to live with a balance of work and leisure opportunities.

Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire

Saltburn-by-the-Sea was recognised for its distinctive coastal lifestyle, offering a mix of natural beauty, heritage and a growing independent business scene.

The town provides what judges described as a “surf and turf” lifestyle, combining seaside living with access to the surrounding countryside.

Towering clifftops, a Victorian pier and a water-balanced lift connecting the town to the beach all contribute to its unique character. In recent years, surf culture has helped to revitalise the area, attracting visitors and new residents.

Away from the seafront, Saltburn has developed a bustling town centre filled with independent shops, artisan cafés and bars. This blend of coastal scenery and a thriving local economy has made it an increasingly attractive place to live.

Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire

Slaithwaite was highlighted for its creative spirit and strong community, with judges describing it as a place with “its head in the skies and feet firmly on the ground”.

The village has a vibrant cultural scene, with regular events and activities bringing residents together.

These include the week-long Moonraking festival celebrating local history, as well as theatre productions, music groups and community arts. Organisations such as the Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra and brass band also play a key role in village life.

Slaithwaite has become popular with young families, thanks to facilities such as an indoor swimming pool and green spaces like Spa Park. Its location also offers good access to both Manchester and Leeds, while house prices remain relatively affordable, adding to its appeal.

York

York was recognised as a historic and liveable city offering a strong work-life balance. Known for its striking architecture and rich heritage, the city is also described as walkable, well-connected and welcoming.

The presence of two universities helps to keep York young and vibrant, while strong schools make it an attractive option for families. The city also supports a diverse economy, with digital start-ups and major employers such as Nestlé.

York’s blend of history and modern development is a key part of its appeal. It is the UK’s first gigabit city and the country’s only UNESCO City of Media Arts, reflecting its forward-looking approach.

This combination of heritage, connectivity and opportunity makes York one of the most well-rounded places to live in Yorkshire.