Moving to York: Area Guide
York is a city with a rich history and a thriving present. York has plenty of traditional charm; it’s a walled city, founded by the Romans, with a famous medieval cathedral to boot.
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Today, York is a thriving modern city and a truly exceptional place to live. It’s got a specialist local food scene, including the famous York ham, and it’s also a top UK beer destination for any pint lovers.
If you’re planning on moving to York, then keep reading to get a taste of what it’s like to live in this much-loved city.
Where is York?
York is a cathedral city in Yorkshire, around 175 miles north of London.
York’s neighbouring cities include Harrogate, Leeds, Wakefield and Doncaster. As York’s name might suggest, the North York Moors National Park is nearby, as are the famous Yorkshire Dales.
A brief history of York
York is a city which has seen all sorts of important historical events play out.
York’s local region has been inhabited since the Mesolithic era, and the city of York was founded in 71 AD by the Romans, who established a military wooden fortress above the River Ouse. The city later became the capital of the Roman province of Britannia Inferior.
In the post-Roman era, York entered a period of decline, before becoming a settlement of the Angles in the 5th century.
In 866, the Vikings captured York. It then became a major river port, playing a key part in the extensive Viking trading routes of northern Europe.
The construction of York Cathedral began in 1080, led by Archbishop Thomas.
In the 12th century, the city of York enjoyed a period of great prosperity, thanks to its thriving trading activities. York was a significant importer of wine, cloth, wax, canvas and oats from France, the Low Countries and the Baltic. It also became an important cloth manufacturing centre.
Another period of decline started in Tudor times, when the monastic houses were put to an end.
In more recent history, thanks to the emergence of tourism, York became a designated conservation area in 1968
An in-depth look at York
Who lives there?
York is home to a whole mix of people; it’s a lively city filled with young people, families, professionals and elderly couples.
Types of property in York
There are all kinds of properties in York, although terrace houses are especially common.
You’ll also find some more modern apartment buildings, which are particularly available in development areas.
If you’re planning to move to York, you can expect to pay £600-700 pcm for a one-bedroom flat on average.
Prices for a two-bedroom property are around £750-900 pcm. Three-bedroom properties usually enter the market from £1,100-1,300 pcm, and a six-bedroom house can go up to at £3,300 pcm.
York transport
York has a great range of transport options to get you wherever you need to go. Thanks to its great location, with close proximity to nearby cities, it’s one of the most easily accessible northern hotspots.
York Railway Station is one of the main stops on the East Coast Main Line from London to Edinburgh. It takes about 2 hours to reach London, with regular direct trains. TransPennine Express services also link York to Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool and more.
Trains aside, there are lots of bus routes operating in and around York. The closest airports are Manchester Airport and Leeds Bradford Airport.
Restaurants and shops
York has a lot to offer when it comes to eating and drinking out, from traditional tea rooms to trendy new restaurants featuring international cuisine. And with some excellent retail options, you’ll never be at a loss for things to do.
Betty’s Tearoom
Betty’s has been famous since the beginning of the 20th century, when the founder – Frederick Belmont – was so impressed by the splendour of the Queen Mary ship that he employed the ship’s designers to take on his elegant café. Betty’s is a unique gem of the city, much loved by locals and tourists alike. Make sure to stop in for a delicious cake and a refreshing cup of tea or coffee.
Golden Fleece
The Golden Fleece is an historic inn with a free house pub and guest rooms. The venue dates back to the early 16th century, claiming to be one of the most haunted buildings in York. York is well known for its beer, and at this pub, you can be sure that you’re tasting the best of the best.
Skosh
Skosh is a very popular restaurant in York, serving contemporary British food with some international inspiration. Skosh specialises in tasty, refined dishes – using the freshest seasonal ingredients – in an informal atmosphere.
WME Café
WME Café offers an intriguing combination of Asian and Italian cafe culture. This independent, locally owned coffee shop serves up freshly roasted Italian coffee, as well as popular Asian drinks such as bubble tea, iced fruit tea and green tea. They’ve also got a great lunch menu, including a Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwich, Chinese Peking crepes and authentic Italian pasta.
Shopping
The best places to shop in York are located in the city centre; these are mostly small, independent outlets, so it’s easy to support local businesses in the area. If you prefer big shopping malls, then be sure to check out York Designer Outlet or for Coppergate Shopping Centre.
Socialising in York
As a bustling, popular city, it’s no surprise that York has loads on offer when it comes to fun activities and entertainment venues.
- Visit the York Minster, the city’s famous Gothic cathedral.
- Learn all about the Vikings at the Jorvik Viking Centre.
- See the terrifying York Dungeon.
- Try the chocolate at the York Chocolate Story.
- Go back in time at the National Railway Museum.
- Take a walk around the city’s medieval walls.
- Go for a browse at York Art Gallery.
Moving to York
York offers the perfect balance between historic interest and modern-day attractions.
If you want to experience this fascinating city first-hand, then it might be time to make a move and start your property hunt in York.
