The North of England is full of character, charm, and contrast. From lively cities to peaceful countryside, it offers a wide choice of places to settle, whether you’re looking for career opportunities, green space, good schools, or a fresh start by the sea.
But with so many towns, villages, and neighbourhoods to choose from, where do you begin?
This guide looks at some of the best places to live across the North, not just the obvious hotspots, but also a few places that combine comfort, convenience, and strong communities.
#1 York
York is one of those rare places that manages to feel historic without feeling stuck in the past. With its cobbled streets, old stone buildings, and famous city walls, it attracts visitors from all over. But for residents, it offers a great quality of life too.
- Excellent rail links to Leeds, London and Edinburgh
- A strong mix of independent shops, cafés, and museums
- Top-rated schools and two universities
- Compact, walkable city centre with riverside views
It’s not the cheapest option in the North, but if you’re looking for a small city with charm and day-to-day comfort, York is hard to beat.
#2 The Wirral
For those looking to settle somewhere quieter but still connected, the Wirral ticks a lot of boxes. Tucked between the River Mersey and the Dee Estuary, it offers peaceful villages, sandy beaches, and lovely walking routes, all just a short hop from Liverpool or Chester.
Places like West Kirby, Heswall and Parkgate are especially popular, thanks to their views, friendly feel, and quality schools. You’ll find a mix of homes here, from Victorian terraces to new-build estates, depending on the area and your budget.
If you’re thinking about moving to the area, local estate agents in the Wirral can give a clearer sense of what’s available and where to look based on your needs. Whether it’s a place near the coast or something tucked away further inland, there’s a lot of choice here, and plenty of value for money compared to similar areas down south.
#3 Altrincham
Just a short journey from Manchester, Altrincham has transformed in recent years. Once struggling, the town centre has seen major investment and is now home to one of the North’s best-known food markets.
What makes Altrincham especially attractive is its mix. You get the feel of a traditional market town with schools, green spaces, and good housing, but also easy access to Manchester for work or weekends out. The tram connection keeps travel simple, and there’s a good mix of housing from period terraces to modern apartments.
#4 Leeds
Leeds offers the best of both worlds: big city energy and quieter suburbs just minutes away. It’s one of the UK’s fastest-growing cities for business and education, but it also has green spaces like Roundhay Park and a real sense of neighbourhood pride in areas like Chapel Allerton, Headingley and Horsforth.
- Diverse housing options, from city-centre flats to leafy suburbs
- Major employers in finance, tech, healthcare and education
- Great food scene and cultural events year-round
- Direct train routes across the North and to London
With its job market, nightlife, schools, and shopping, Leeds suits everyone from young professionals to families to retirees.
#5 Ilkley
Regularly voted one of the best places to live in the UK, Ilkley is a spa town on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. It’s not huge, but that’s part of the appeal. With great walking trails, good schools, and a real community atmosphere, it suits those looking for a slower pace of life.
It’s popular with both families and retirees, and while house prices are on the higher side for West Yorkshire, many feel it’s worth it for the setting and lifestyle.
#6 Durham
Durham often flies under the radar, but it’s a real gem and the cathedral and castle give the city a distinctive feel, and the local university brings in energy and culture. The city centre has independent shops, cosy cafés, and riverside walks. all close to the countryside and coast.
Durham is especially attractive to those who want a small city feel without the rush or high prices of larger urban areas. Transport links are strong too, with direct trains to Newcastle, York, and London.
What Are You Going to Choose?
The North of England has never been a one-size-fits-all place, and that’s what makes it so appealing. Whether you want to be close to the coast, near a buzzing city, or tucked into a quiet village with room to breathe, there’s something here for you.
From the quiet charm of the Wirral to the history of York, each of these places offers a different way to live, all with that warm northern welcome that’s hard to match.
