‘Top schools, top-speed broadband and top grub’ – Why York has been named as one of the best places to live
York is hitting the heights again in the Sunday Times Best of Britain listings.
It’s not quite replicated its 2018 form, when the paper declared it the top place in Britain.
In the 2021 listings, out today, York makes the list of the top ten places to live in the North.
And so does Easingwold!
“York is still a northern star thanks to its top schools, top-speed broadband and top grub,” the paper declares.
“It’s not just a charming and impeccably connected cathedral city, but also probably the best place in the country to guarantee your kids superior schooling — at least 90 per cent of state school pupils attend a school that’s rated good or outstanding by Ofsted, according to York city council.
“Last year Fulford School was named The Sunday Times comprehensive of the decade in the Parent Power guide, and if that’s still not good enough there’s a choice of high-ranking independent day schools.
“All that learning — coupled with a tech-savvy university — has helped to turn York from an antiquated day-trip destination into the UK’s first ‘gigabit city’, aiming for internet speeds of up to 1 Gbps for almost all.
“The quirky markets and homeware shops add an air of low-key cool, and the dining options are increasingly fine. Tommy Banks’ seasonal British grub at Roots York earned the city its first Michelin star in January.”
Deep pockets required
But it’s not a cheap place to live, the paper concedes.
“However, you’ll need deep pockets in your big coat to live within walking distance of the station. Georgian and Victorian period properties and contemporary homes in Bootham and around York Minster can sell for more than £2 million, often off-market.
“Meanwhile, younger buyers and renters, many of whom settle here after studying at one of the two universities, are now colonising South Bank, priced out of more established city centre areas such as Clifton and Heworth, but none the worse for it.”
Easingwold is also named in the top ten places in the North (Ilkley is at number one).
It’s described as a “Georgian gem that has gone from afterthought to sought-after thanks to its free parking and plethora of pubs”.
“All parking in the centre is free, helping to turn “the ’Wold” into a regular social hub. In normal times the three main pubs, the Angel, the York and the Commercial, attract their regulars, but the Olive Branch bistro is a happy alternative hangout,” the paper says.