Northern England has become a hotspot for homebuyers and, in this article, we’re going to be shining a spotlight on York and why it’s a great place to buy a house.
As costs continue to rise, more and more people are looking to move away from expensive parts of the country, with prices becoming prohibitive in popular southern cities like Bath, Brighton and Bristol. Accordingly, something of an exodus is occurring, with many young families moving further north in search of more reasonably priced properties and, often, a more laid back pace to life.
Buying a new home can get complicated fast depending on your selling and buying plan, but central York solicitors will attest that York is becoming increasingly attractive to those looking to relocate, and it’s easy to see why.
In this article, we’ll be sharing 8 reasons that York is a great place to buy a house right now.
Where is York?
A walled city in the northeast of England, York is the historical capital of Yorkshire and home to the famous York Minster – a magnificent seventh century cathedral. The cathedral is said to have taken a staggering 250 years to build, and that’s just one of the many historical features of the city.
A quaint and picturesque place, York is bordered by the Pennines, the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Wold. People of note from York include the late actor, Frankie Howerd and Dame Judi Dench, and owing to the close-knit nature of the city, you might even bump into a famous face or two when strolling its cobblestone streets!
Reasons To Buy A House In York
This small but perfectly formed city has a lot going for it and, in this section, we’ll take a look at some of the great reasons for buying a house in York.
House Prices
Property prices are incredibly reasonable in York, despite costs rising nationwide. In fact, the average house price in York, based on a semi-detached property, is just £275,000 compared to £303,930 in Manchester and £443,000 in the cheaper parts of London.
Rich Historical Culture
As well as the world-famous York Minster, York is crammed with places of cultural interest including Clifford’s Tower, the York Castle Museum and endless examples of stunning architecture.
Excellent Education
York has some great primary and secondary schools and, in fact, 61 of these schools boast an Ofsted rating of ‘outstanding’ or ‘good’, with 17 falling in the former camp. Additionally, York is also home to the University of York which is regarded as a world class seat of learning.
A Diverse Range of Shopping Options
Shoppers in York enjoy an eclectic mix of shopping opportunities. From the unique and quirky boutiques of the Shambles to more mainstream shopping centers such as the Coppergate Shopping Centre and the Vangarde Shopping Park.
York’s most famous street is the Shambles, an extremely narrow lane which was originally home to butcher’s shops; so narrow, in fact, that the tops of the buildings on each side almost touch. The street, which today is home to such a mix of shops, is responsible for the use of the word ‘shambles’, referring to something which is chaotic or a mess.
Transport Links
York boasts a comprehensive bus service which makes it easy to get around this beautiful city. As well as being reliable, a number of different ticket options are available, including York Day Saver tickets, to help your budget go further.
In addition to transport within the city, York also has great transport links to the rest of Yorkshire and beyond, with regular train services which will get you into London in less than three hours.
As well as having great transport links, York’s bijou size means that you can usually get around on foot if you prefer.
A Thriving Social Scene
York enjoys a thriving social scene with something for everybody. From traditional tea shops to luxury restaurants like Michelin-starred Roots, there’s no shortage of great places to eat here. Similarly, pub goers are spoilt for choice in York with over 450 to choose from, many of which are famed for their selection of intriguing locally-brewed real ales. Brave boozers might head to The Golden Fleece which, dating back to 1503, claims to be the most haunted pub in York.
For culture vultures, this unique city also has plenty to offer including the York Theatre Royal, the Grand Opera House and the York Barbican. On any given night, social butterflies in York can find live music, comedy, theatre and so much more.
Nature At Its Finest
Nature lovers will be in their element in York as the city is home to a number of stunning parks and gardens including Rowntree Park, Breezy Knees Gardens and Museum Gardens.
The region also boasts some wonderful places of historic interest including Brimham Rocks, Askham Bog and Mother Shipton’s Cave. For the little ones, the Web Adventure Park provides hours of fun.
Employment Opportunities
York enjoys an exceptionally low unemployment rate and jobs are not usually hard to find. Major employers include Norwich Union Life, York Hospitals NHS Trust, Network Rail and City of York Council. Additionally, as York is popular with tourists, there are plenty of service industry jobs to be had all year round.
The Possibilities Are Endless In York…
The UK offers a wide and diverse range of options when it comes to choosing somewhere to live. Whether you’re a nature lover or a city slicker, York offers the best of both worlds. Surrounded by stunning countryside and wide-open spaces, York is also a modern and cosmopolitan city within easy reach of other major cities such as Leeds, Bradford and Hull.
Ideal for couples, families and students, affordable housing and a low cost of living along with stunning scenery and a dynamic social scene are just some of the reasons why York is a great place to buy a house.
And if you’re keen to visit for a weekend to get a feel for the place, do check out these 7 IDEAL things to do on a city break in York. When can we expect our postcard?
*Please be advised that this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a trained property professional. Be sure to consult a property professional if you’re seeking advice on buying a house in York. We are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.*