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Anyone know Utley at all?

27 replies

MovingToPlan · 29/10/2023 20:45

It's on the edge of Keighley, which doesn't have a great reputation. We'd be looking further out for schools, no question. But is it a decent enough place to live?

Also looking at Riddlesden for similar reasons. Any local insights would be appreciated!

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Oopnorf · 05/10/2024 00:44

MovingToPlan · 29/10/2023 20:45

It's on the edge of Keighley, which doesn't have a great reputation. We'd be looking further out for schools, no question. But is it a decent enough place to live?

Also looking at Riddlesden for similar reasons. Any local insights would be appreciated!

I saw this thread and thought I would copy in a post I made on another thread. I hope it helps!

In terms of Keighley, people don't consider how large the Keighley district is. There are truly lovely villages around the town, with very friendly people, charming architecture (cottages, barns etc) and stunning scenery.

Back in the days of its Victorian wealth people bathed in it's success, thus it's some 40 square-mile catchment enclosed a lot of areas. As an example, villages bordering Skipton have Keighley on their address, despite being in North Yorkshire, whilst Keighley is mostly in West Yorkshire. Lothersdale is one example.

Yes, the town centre has sadly seen better days, which is a shame, but the surrounding villages do make up for it. We moan and moan to have our beautiful architecture preserved but Bradford Council don't seem to be interested... We do try, but what can you do?

I am able to live anywhere due to remote working from London, but I always gravitate home to my village a few miles out of Keighley centre due to family connections but also the genuinely friendly bunch of people here. I always say I am from Keighley, and when people ask where abouts in the town I am always entertained by the change in tone in conversation when they say "oh its lovely there". Why someone should be treated differently based on where they are from or chose to live, I have no idea. But small minds exist everywhere (yes, even in Chelsea!).

Other parts of Yorkshire are more prosperous, but they can be quite snobby (not everyone, of course) but taking Ilkley and Harrogate as examples of more prosperous towns, not all areas in both places are picture perfect ... But they have lovely town centres. Keighley is the opposite really.

Places to recommend in Keighley?

Central Keighley - Utley and Spring Gardens were very wealthy back in the day, and still retain lovely architecture. Cliffe Castle is an example of how things used to be. Whilst the area has changed in terms of demographics, you could still have a decent time living there.

Outskirts - villages such as Oakworth, Laycock, Goose Eye are a few miles out and comprise conservation areas so remain green - they are basically farming villages. Further out, places like Cononley on the way to Skipton are recommendable. Being next to Skipton but in Keighley means the same country vibe but cheaper property prices (although not cheap).

Don't discount Keighley - you get a bit of everything here and it adds to its eclectic, open vibe. I know teachers, lawyers, doctors, judges etc that live in the Keighley district. What do they have in common - they are friendly with no hang ups about themselves. And they say they are from / live in Keighley! Not near Keighley, but Keighley. We are a proud lot!

I hope this helps! I'm happy to help should you have any more questions.

Good luck with your move - I hope it's a happy one.

MovingToPlan · 05/10/2024 08:23

Very interesting thank you! We've actually moved now, in Riddlesden, and quite happy with our decision. 😊

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