In the UK, the divide between the north and south sides of the country matters – or at least when it comes to choosing somewhere to live. There are many benefits to living up north, from the vast countryside to cheap house prices and friendly residents.

As England’s largest county, it’s no surprise that Yorkshire contains some fantastic places to relocate to. God’s Own Country is blessed with stupendous landscapes and plenty of local amenities to keep those of all ages pleased well into the future. We’ve curated our top picks that might just be the next place you call home.

Leeds

A city with a fantastic standard of living, Leeds perfectly blends present-day culture with historic elegance. With its thriving independent scene, impressive list of bars and restaurants, and dedication to Leeds United FC, you’ll never be bored here.

Five universities mean that there is a youthful vibe to the city and an abundance of well-paid jobs, some of the best outside of London. And getting from A to B is easy too thanks to an extensive public transport system of trains and buses. It’s no wonder why it was awarded the best place to live in the north and northeast this year.

Hull

In recent years, Hull has undergone a complete transformation, becoming one of the best places to live in the north, particularly for young professionals. East Yorkshire’s port city is also one of the most affordable places to live, even for city-centre properties and new build homes with state-of-the-art features.

The 2017 City of Culture is well connected with major cities like Leeds making it ideal for commuters. Don’t let the hustle and bustle of the city fool you though, Hull is home to more than 130 acres of parkland, perfect for leisurely walks and picnics.

Harrogate

Harrogate represents the vibrancy and rich culture of Yorkshire minus any rough edges, which is why it draws in homeowners from all across the country. While most assume Harrogate is a quiet town for the older generation, they couldn’t be more wrong. The town centre is buzzing, especially on a weekend, with tons of independent bars and eateries.

House prices are quite steep compared to the Yorkshire average but it’s reasonably clear why. No matter where you find yourself in Harrogate, green spaces are within just touching distance, from the expansive green fields of The Stray to the floral Valley Gardens. And then there’s the Yorkshire Dales directly on your doorstep, offering incredible landscapes and the opportunity to go hiking in your free time.

Skipton

The final place on the list, Skipton is a beautiful market town in the heart of Yorkshire’s countryside. This doesn’t mean it’s remote however and is home to a wealth of bars, shops, and restaurants. Skipton has frequently been mentioned among the best places to live in the UK, holding strong against major cities.

The indisputable ‘Gateway to the Dales’ is conveniently positioned so that you can easily travel to Leeds, Lancashire, and Harrogate. But there’s no reason to need to venture out anyway given all your amenities are located within walking distance. If you’re seeking a balance between urban and rural living, Skipton is most definitely the location for you.