Is Harrogate a Good Place to Live? Full Area Report

Yorkshire and the Humber / North Yorkshire

Avg Property Price

£350,000

Avg Rent

£1,050/month

Crime Rating

Below Average

Schools (Good+)

80% Good or Outstanding

Broadband Avg

72 Mbps

Transport

Average

Flood Risk

Low

Population

75K

About Harrogate

Harrogate is an elegant Victorian spa town in North Yorkshire known for its Stray parkland, Betty's Tea Rooms, and a reputation as one of the happiest places to live in the UK. HouseCheckup area reports show Harrogate commands premium prices for Yorkshire, justified by its outstanding schools, very low crime, and beautiful surroundings in the shadow of the Yorkshire Dales. The town regularly tops quality-of-life surveys and attracts families, retirees, and professionals from across the north.

Pros of Living in Harrogate

  • Consistently ranked among the happiest and best places to live in the UK
  • Very low crime rates and a safe, well-maintained town environment
  • Outstanding school performance well above the national average
  • Beautiful parks including The Stray, Valley Gardens, and RHS Harlow Carr
  • Easy access to the Yorkshire Dales and stunning countryside

Cons of Living in Harrogate

  • Property prices are high relative to Yorkshire averages
  • Limited public transport — the town has no rail service to Leeds without changing
  • Nightlife and entertainment options are limited for younger residents
  • Can feel insular and socially conservative

Frequently Asked Questions About Harrogate

Harrogate is one of the best places to live in northern England, consistently topping quality-of-life surveys. The town offers outstanding schools, very low crime, and beautiful parkland and Dales countryside. It appeals to families, retirees, and professionals seeking a genteel northern lifestyle. The main consideration is the higher property prices compared to nearby towns.
Harrogate's average property price is approximately £350,000, a premium for Yorkshire. The most desirable areas near The Stray and Duchy Estate can exceed £600,000. More affordable options exist in Starbeck and Bilton where family homes start from around £250,000. Detached properties in prime areas regularly exceed £750,000.
Harrogate has below-average crime rates and is one of the safest towns in England. All residential areas are considered safe and well-maintained. The town centre is pleasant to walk around at all times. North Yorkshire Police report very low rates of violent crime. The strong community spirit and prosperous environment contribute to overall security.
Around 80% of Harrogate's schools are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. The town has several outstanding state schools, including Harrogate Grammar School. Independent options include Harrogate Ladies' College and Ashville College. The emphasis on education is a major reason families relocate to Harrogate. Academic results are consistently above national averages.
Harrogate has direct trains to Leeds in around forty minutes and York in thirty minutes. Connections to London require a change at Leeds or York. The A1(M) is accessible via the A59, providing road connections north and south. Bus services operate to Leeds, York, and surrounding towns. The town centre is compact and walkable for most daily needs.

Check Any Property in Harrogate

Get a detailed HouseCheckup report for any address in Harrogate. Covers flood risk, EPC rating, crime statistics, school catchment areas, planning applications, and more — from just £14.99.

Try or search any UK postcode

Nearby Areas

York

Yorkshire and the Humber

£310,000

Leeds

Yorkshire and the Humber

£245,000

Bradford

Yorkshire and the Humber

£155,000

Durham

North East

£195,000

Newcastle upon Tyne

North East

£195,000

Last updated: