Locals are well aware of the region’s charm and scenic beauty, and its towns and villages frequently feature in national rankings of the UK’s best places to live.
In this feature, we highlight the eight top places to live in Yorkshire in 2026, according to online travel guide and lifestyle magazine Muddy Stilettos.
The list includes Skipton, recently named the UK’s happiest place to live by Rightmove in 2025, as well as a town in Leeds where Hollywood stars Kiefer Sutherland and Rebel Wilson recently filmed a new Christmas movie.
Here are the eight best places to live in Yorkshire, according to Muddy Stilettos:
1. Harrogate
Muddy Stilettos calls Harrogate an elegant Georgian spa town with a high quality of life, combining period charm with modern living. It offers excellent schools, 'one-off' shops, cafés and restaurants, attractive parks and green spaces, and easy rail connections. Its proximity to the countryside makes it popular with families and professionals alike. Photo: Archive
2. Hebden Bridge
Muddy Stilettos describes Hebden Bridge as a quirky, creative and inclusive market town set on the steep hills of the Calder Valley. It highlights its unique character and welcoming vibe, celebrating its independent spirit and charm. Photo: Archive
3. Ilkley
Ilkley is no stranger to acclaim, having been named the best place to live in the UK on several occasions. Muddy Stilettos calls the town a great place to live thanks to its outstanding schools, proximity to the Yorkshire Dales, and a vibrant high street with excellent shops and eateries. | Iconic
4. Saltbun-by-the-sea
Muddy Stilettos describes Saltburn‑by‑the‑Sea as a ruggedly beautiful Yorkshire seaside town with a cool, laid‑back vibe, perched on the coast and offering charm, scenery and lifestyle appeal. It’s celebrated for its coastal setting and character as a seaside gem. | Iconic Photo: James Hardisty
5. Skipton
Skipton is described as thriving market town on the edge of the Dales with plenty to offer - including a lively food scene, rich heritage, beautiful countryside and a friendly community vibe. Its mix of culture, outdoor access and town‑centre charm make it appealing as a place to live. It was also named the best place to live in the UK according to Rightmove's 2025 Happy at Home Index. | YPN Photo: Tony Johnson
6. York
The ancient city of York is described as a vibrant city with amazing restaurants, superb transport links and a lively, modern atmosphere. Muddy Stilettos calls York a hip, happy and happening place to live. | Iconic Photo: Tony Johnson