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The Best Places to Move to in the North of England
Andy Burnham’s arrival at 10 Downing Street – and the opening of his “No. 10 North” office in Manchester – has put the spotlight on the North of England. This article rounds up its stand-out towns and cities named in the Sunday Times’ Best Places to Live 2026 guide, from regional winner Skipton to Leeds, York, Slaithwaite, Morpeth and Saltburn-by-the-Sea.
There’s also a look at how Hamiltons Removals, a national removal company, can help with removals to the North of England, whichever destination you have in mind.
It will take about three to four minutes to read.
The North of England has rarely had a higher profile. Since Andy Burnham became Prime Minister in July 2026, Downing Street has opened a “No. 10 North” office in Manchester, as part of his pledge to rebalance power away from Westminster.
If you are considering removals to the North of England, there has never been a better time to look at what the region has to offer. The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Live 2026 guide, which judges locations across the UK on schools, transport, amenities and community spirit, named Skipton as the region’s top spot, with Leeds, York, Slaithwaite, Morpeth and Saltburn-by-the-Sea also making the list. Here, Hamiltons Removals takes a closer look at each destination.
Removals to the North of England with Hamiltons Removals
As a national removal company with more than 30 years’ experience, Hamiltons Removals can help with removals to anywhere in the North of England, whether you are moving house or relocating a business. We are British Association of Removers (BAR) registered, and also offer classic car transportation, fine art and antiquities removals, and house clearance services, plus free online quotes and video surveys to help you plan ahead. Call us on 01379 855203 to find out more.
Skipton – The North’s Best Place to Live
Skipton, in North Yorkshire, was named the regional winner in the Sunday Times’ 2026 guide, praised by judges as “properly grounded and strongly connected” to the surrounding Yorkshire Dales. The market town’s strong volunteering culture, including the Rotary Club’s Eco Day and Share Skipton’s community lending scheme, plus its excellent schools and relatively affordable property prices, were also highlighted. Skipton has form, too: Rightmove’s 2026 Happy at Home Index separately ranked it as the happiest place to live in Britain, citing its access to nature, green spaces and friendly locals.
Leeds and York – Yorkshire City Life
Leeds city centre made the list for its youthful energy, five universities and status as the UK’s fourth-largest urban economy, with plenty of job opportunities alongside riverside homes, shops, bars and restaurants within easy walking distance.
York, meanwhile, was praised for its “jaw-dropping” architecture and reputation as a liveable, walkable city steeped in nearly two thousand years of history, with two universities keeping it young and buzzing, and major employers including Nestlé, whose York factory still produces millions of KitKats every day.
Slaithwaite, Morpeth and Saltburn-by-the-Sea
West Yorkshire’s Slaithwaite was recognised for its creative, nonconformist spirit and strong sense of community, with a lively calendar of local festivals. In Northumberland, Morpeth impressed judges with its new leisure centre, thriving choirs, crafting groups and book festival, plus easy access to Newcastle and the county’s best beaches. On the coast, Saltburn-by-the-Sea offers what judges called a “surf and turf” lifestyle, with towering clifftops, England’s most northerly Victorian pier, a water-balanced cliff lift, and a growing scene of independent shops and cafes.
Moving to the North of England with Hamiltons Removals
Whether you are drawn to Skipton’s dales, the buzz of Leeds and York, the character of Slaithwaite and Morpeth, or the coastal charm of Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Hamiltons Removals can help you get there. Whether you are looking to move house to Yorkshire, Northumberland, or anywhere in the North of England, get a free online quote on our removals to the North of England page, or call us directly on 01379 855203.
FAQs
Q: What is the best place to live in the North of England in 2026?
According to the Sunday Times’ Best Places to Live 2026 guide, Skipton in North Yorkshire took the top spot, praised for its links to the Yorkshire Dales, strong community spirit and affordable property. Leeds, York, Slaithwaite, Morpeth and Saltburn-by-the-Sea also featured.
Q: Is it cheaper to live in the North of England than the South?
Generally, yes. Official ONS data shows London’s average house price fell by 3.7% in the year to May 2026, to around £545,000. By comparison, average house prices across the North of England remain significantly lower, with North West homes averaging around £225,000, Yorkshire and the Humber around £209,000, and North East homes around £169,000. This substantial price gap is one of the main reasons people relocate north for work, retirement or a change of lifestyle.
Q: How much does it cost to move house with a removal company?
Costs vary with distance, the size of your home and the level of service you need. Hamiltons Removals offers free online quotes and free video surveys, so you can get an accurate, no-obligation estimate for your move to the North of England before you book.
*all information correct at the time of writing
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