Moving to York

York attracts tourists from near and far who come to admire its history, architecture and famous cobbled Shambles.

An olde-worlde city, York attracts people of all ages who want a slower pace of life but still want the amenities of a city on their doorstep. Modern shops, chains and supermarkets mesh well with York’s old roots, while independent shops and cafés keep the city’s history alive.

Eyeing up York as your new home? Find out how much it’ll cost you to ship your belongings there by popping a few details about your move into this short form. We’ll then put you in touch with our professional suppliers, who will contact you with free shipping quotes to compare.

History and culture

York’s history as a city dates back to the beginning of the first millennium AD, but archaeological evidence of people in the region dates back to between 8000 and 7000 BC.

The city celebrates its Viking and Anglo-Saxon past everywhere, while its 14th century Shambles, narrow river Ouse that drifts through the city, and breath-taking Minster – which happens to the largest gothic cathedral in Europe – provide a stunning escape from the modern world.

Cost of living

York offers great value for money when it comes to the cost of living. Average food bills are on the lower end of the scale, while petrol and utilities are also often average or below. Housing however can be relatively pricy for the north of England.

Property prices and rent

Most of the properties to buy in York are semi-detached and sell for around £251,000. Terraced properties are slightly cheaper at £234,000 and a detached home will go for around £365,000.

The average one bedroom apartment in the city centre will set you back around £610 per month. Outside the centre is more affordable, coming in at an average of £550 per month.

City centre houses are more difficult to come by, so expect to pay a premium. Rents range from £650 to over a £1,000 per month. Outside the centre, prices are more affordable, with an average of £700 per month.

Job market

Despite York’s quaint nature, the city is growing. Ideally located close to Leeds and Harrogate, York’s appeal stretches much farther than its city walls. As a result, businesses are flocking to the area in order to take advantage of the growing young demographic and the tourism.

Key sectors for employment

York boasts inspiring employment rates. In 2015, 73% of its population were in work, and of those, 43% of them worked working normal, full-time hours.

Tourism

With strong Viking roots, York has plenty of opportunities for people to release their inner Ragnar Lodbrok. The Jorvik Viking Centre, dungeons and ghost walks attract tourists of all ages, so there are always roles to fill.

Hospitality

Being a tourist attraction, there’s a myriad of restaurants, bars and old fashioned pubs lining the old, cobbled streets. Waiting jobs are popular with students and those who want flexible working, while chefs, managers and bar staff also thrive in the city.

Civil service

The City of York Council is one of the largest employers in York, with more than 5,000 employees working to keep its residents and visitors happy. Jobs here vary from office admin jobs, to communications, agriculture, leisure, and everything in between.

Schools and education

St Peter’s School is an outstanding boarding school, taking kids from three right up to 18. It has an impeccable reputation and first-class facilities. The Mount School is another great independent school that offers both day and boarding facilities.

Fulford School is one of the best state schools in the country and has produced some of the best GCSE and A Level results in the country. Bootham School is also well-regarded, with exam pass rates well above the national average.

Escrick Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School is regarded as the best in the York area for children up to 11.

Select the size of your move to get free quotes

Things to do

Being a top tourist place – and thanks to attracting young families – there’s plenty of places to go with little ones. Riverside Farm and Pear Tree Farm come complete with great play areas for kids to get rid of all that energy.

The large student population ensures the city comes alive at night. There’s a number of nightclubs ideal for all music tastes, Kuda being York’s largest nightclub. But if you prefer traditional pubs and quirky bars there are plenty to choose from. The Black Swan is steeped in history, dating back to the 15th century, while the charming 1331 bistro is the ideal spot for a quiet dinner with a loved one or group of friends. On top of this, there’s plenty of tearooms that are just ideal for a pit-stop in the middle of the day.

York offers plenty to do for any culture vultures. There’s even the York culture awards, which drives to reward innovation and excellence in fields such as dance, visual arts and writing. For history buffs, the York castle museum offers an inspiring day out for all the family.

If you have a penchant for live music, York’s Barbican is York’s largest live music venue with a capacity of 1900 and regularly hosts large music acts.

Sports and outdoor activities

York may not have the big sports teams that other cities do, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do for those who like to get an endorphin kick. York Sport Village and York Sport Centre provide excellent facilities, including a competition-standard eight-lane 25m pool and 18m four lane training pool, numerous fitness suites, a Velodrome and 1km Cycle Circuit cycling facilities and countless health suites.

There’s also the North York Moors, a 1,430 acres National Park that is home to the  largest expanse of heather moorland in the UK. It’s perfect for scenic walks and days out with the family.