Yorkshire is blessed with an array of beautiful villages and towns that offer everything you need for a blissful way of life.
Looking for the best places to live in Yorkshire? From well-connected commuter villages to peaceful Dales hideaways and vibrant coastal towns, these locations offer a mix of strong transport links, community feel and stunning scenery – whether you’re relocating, upsizing or just dreaming of a slower pace of life.
Quick picks: Best places to live in Yorkshire
Marsden
© Copyright Yorkshire-List 2026
You can find this picturesque West Yorkshire village in Colne Valley in Huddersfield, surrounded by incredible countryside scenery. It’s well positioned – with easy access to the M62 and a dedicated railway station with services to Leeds and Manchester – but it doesn’t compromise on a sense of rural peacefulness. There are loads of parks, green spaces and walking routes, alongside all that rolling moorland.
There’s also a great sense of community here. Regular events are held throughout the year, including the renowned Marsden Jazz Festival and the Cuckoo Day Festival, with plenty of independent shops, pubs and eateries to explore too. With a low crime rate, good schools in the area and lots of amenities and attractions, it makes an excellent home for everyone from families to young professionals.
Best for: Commuters who want countryside living with direct links to Leeds and Manchester.
Local council: Kirklees Council.
Population (2021 Census): 3,692.
Average house price (2026): £275,479.
Slaithwaite
© Copyright Yorkshire-List 2026
Another Colne Valley jewel with bags of character is Slaithwaite. It’s been recognised as one of the best places to live in the North by the Sunday Times – and it’s not hard to see why. It boasts a prosperous heritage from its role in the textile industry, as well as picturesque surroundings overlooking the Pennines, and a commutable location, with the M62 nearby and a train station with services on the Huddersfield line.
Life in ‘Slawit’ – as the locals know it – is vibrant, safe and community-focused. Residents are well served by the independent coffee shops, pubs, eateries and even breweries – with The Handmade Bakery being a particular local legend. Community events take place throughout the year, such as the Slaithwaite Moonraking lantern festival, while further afield, there’s an abundance of sprawling hills, luscious woodland and tranquil waterways to get well acquainted with.
Best for: Creative, community-led living with easy access to nearby cities.
Local council: Kirklees Council.
Population: 9,244 (population figures for Lintwaite/Slaithwaite).
Average house price (2026): £308,678.
Haworth
© Copyright Yorkshire-List 2025
When it comes to places in Yorkshire that are steeped in history and literary significance, few compare to the delightful Haworth. Nestled right at the heart of Brontë Country, and adjacent to spectacular moorland, it truly feels like somewhere special. Haworth’s Main Street is adorned with postcard-perfect cobblestones and a range of indie stores, quirky boutiques and inviting pubs that are appealing no matter what the weather.
It serves as a brilliant base for families, nature lovers and culture vultures too, with the Brontë Parsonage Museum, Keighley & Worth Valley Railway and the enchanting Haworth Moor all on your doorstep, ensuring you’re never short of things to do. Throw in good transport links via rail and road, excellent educational facilities, and a low crime rate and you have all the ingredients to the perfect place to call home.
Best for: Characterful living with history, culture and moorland on your doorstep.
Local council: Haworth with Stanbury Village Council.
Population: 5,681.
Average house price (2026): £214,293.
Appletreewick
Appletreewick is a true hidden gem of a Yorkshire village – with its residents hoping it stays a well-kept secret. It originally served as a resting place between Fountains Abbey and Bolton Abbey for monks, and today, it remains a serene and attractive place to settle down in the Dales. The charming stone houses hark back to its monastic heritage, while the Wharfedale’s lush green surroundings envelop it in tranquility.
The population of Appletreewick is tiny compared to most of the other locations on this list – and that comes with its benefits and obstacles. The crime rate is very low – 99% lower than the national average – but there are limited amenities. There are no schools in Appletreewick (although there’s some well-regarded options within travelling distance) and a lack of shops. But if you don’t mind making your way to nearby areas, the laidback atmosphere, traditional pubs and backdrop of the stunning Yorkshire Dales should be all you need.
Best for: A peaceful rural lifestyle in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Local council: North Yorkshire Council.
Population: 207.
Average house price (2026): £970,000 (skewed by larger detached properties).
Oxenhope
Just eight miles west of Bradford, you’ll find the quaint little village of Oxenhope. It was once home to the Brontës – proving Yorkshire’s literary icons had excellent taste when it comes to places to live. Here, you’ll find a really close-knit community, with a quiet pace of life befitting of its extraordinary surroundings. The outdoor scenery here spans green fields, sprawling moorland and rolling hills, which means plenty of walking, cycling and perfect picnic spots to be enjoyed.
There’s good amenities to be found in the village too, with takeaways, cafes, pubs and a village store serving your day-to-day needs. Transport is covered by well-maintained roads, good bus services and the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. And for families, there’s several ‘Good’ rated primary schools in the vicinity, with family-friendly play areas and events – from the annual village fete to the Oxenhope Straw race – along with a strong-family presence and a low crime rate.
Best for: A close-knit village feel with access to countryside and family-friendly amenities.
Local council: Oxenhope Village Council/City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council.
Population: 1,897.
Average house price (2026): £268,051.
Saltaire
Credit: The Canal and River Trust
Saltaire has a heck of a lot going for it. Not only is it a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it’s previously been recognised recently by the Sunday Times as one of the best places to live in the whole of the country. The former mill town is famous for its Salt Mills, which is where you’ll find a huge collection of artwork by Bradford-born David Hockney. It’s also beloved for its selection of vintage stores, boutique shops and lovely places to eat, drink and unwind – including its very own brewery and tap room.
From its annual cultural events to its art-focused sense of identity and sublime canal-side walking routes, there’s so much to love about Saltaire. It has two centuries of history to its name, but as a place to live, it manages to effortlessly keep in step with the needs of modern living. A range of property types, excellent transport links, a low crime rate and ‘Outstanding’ rated schools in the vicinity makes it an easy choice for many homebuyers.
Best for: Culture, connectivity and period charm in a well-connected village setting.
Local council: City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council.
Population: 9,094 (population figures for Saltaire & Baildon West).
Average house price (2026): £207,192.
Saltburn-by-the-Sea
It’s a dream to live by the coast and Saltburn-by-the-Sea is an excellent option for homebuyers looking to fulfil just that. The balance between historical charm and modern life is just right in this North Yorkshire town, with Saltburn being coloured by its Victorian past. The attractions here are simply spectacular – stroll along the iconic pier, take a ride on the Saltburn Cliff Lift or Miniature Railway, or explore the gorgeous parks, before watching the sun set on the sandy stretches.
Of course, daily life can be just as breezy here, from stocking up on your weekly shop to enjoying a meal out or simply commuting via the excellent rail, road and bus links. There’s a low crime rate and a real feeling of safety in the village, with community at its heart. This can be felt in its annual events, such as the Saltburn Food Festival, to its supportive family population who benefit from the ‘Outstanding’ educational options in the area.
Best for: Coastal living with a strong community feel and seaside charm.
Local council: Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.
Population: 5,874.
Average house price (2026): £252,400.
Holmfirth
The West Yorkshire village of Holmfirth, situated in the exquisite Holme Valley, is such a quintessential slice of British beauty that it served as a filming location for Last of the Summer Wine. And if it’s wine you’re after, you’ll be well catered for with the Holmfirth Vineyard, where you can sample tastings, go on a tour or attend annual events. Away from the grapevines, Holmfirth also serves up plenty of activities and attractions, from walking routes to play areas and even live music venues.
There’s substance to go with all that style, with Holmfirth offering its residents lots of amenities in shopping options, a selection of eateries and pubs, as well as the Holmfirth Pool & Fitness Centre for those wanting to take the splash and buy property here. The Peak District National Park is nearby with its endless supply of places to explore, while local bus links and the nearby M62 keep you connected. It’s an especially excellent option for families, owing to its low crime rate, ‘Outstanding’ schools and high population of families, allowing you to build life-long friendships with your neighbours.
Best for: Scenic surroundings with plenty of amenities and things to do year-round.
Local council: Kirklees Council.
Population: 4,978.
Average house price (2026): £310,553.
Addingham
Those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of big Yorkshire cities should consider Addingham. This West Yorkshire village makes for a splendid place to lay down your roots, replete with calming countryside views, traditional stone properties and bundles of community spirit. Its best asset is its setting, situated right on the Yorkshire Dales National Park’s doorstep. This means residents here are utterly spoiled for choice when it comes to exploring the great outdoors.
Both recreational and day-to-day needs are covered here, with Addingham offering a good array of shops and eateries in the forms of cafes, pubs and little tearooms. The travel options are somewhat limited though, with no dedicated train station and bus services that are not as regular as some other areas. If you can get around by car, though, there’s good access with the A65 nearby. Families won’t have to travel far though, with ‘Outstanding’ schools in the area, a load of recreational space and a supportive environment all on offer here.
Best for: Quiet village life on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.
Local council: Addingham Parish Council.
Population: 3,249.
Average house price (2026): £494,858.
Ilkley
Credit: Visit Bradford
We’d be remiss to round up our top places to live in Yorkshire without giving a huge shout out to Ilkley. The Victorian spa town in West Yorkshire landed at the top of Sunday Times’ list of best places to live in the North in 2025. Its enviable location on the southern end of the Dales means it’s blessed with no shortage of incredible views to bask in, from the plentiful moorland to the dramatic Cow and Calf rock formation that overlooks the town.
It’s the largest spot on our list, meaning you can expect an impressive wealth of things to do, see and explore, whether you’re doing your weekly shop or planning a fun weekend. There’s Yorkshire staples like Bettys Tearoom, summer hotpots in the form of Ilkley Lido, and charming shops, eateries and recreational centres to enjoy in every season. You should have everything you need within the parish but if you do need to venture further, it’s made easy with rail, bus and road connections. It’s also one of the safest small towns in West Yorkshire, and with a selection of successful schools in the area, a friendly atmosphere and a wide selection of property types, it’s no surprise it’s so admired by homebuyers.
Best for: Families looking for great schools, amenities and access to the outdoors.
Local council: Ilkley Town Council.
Population: 14,854.
Average house price (2026): £272,137.
