Anyone live in Skipton or Harrogate areas?

[FraterculaArctica]

DH just been offered a job in this part of the country, we're getting our heads round the idea of relocating (from the Home Counties). Would love to hear from anyone who loves in this area - where is good to live? Do you feel you have a good quality of life?

I know the Harrogate area and really like it. But I would say don’t assume it will be cheap just because it’s up north. House are pricey in the desirable areas especially those close to good schools.

I live in Skipton. I moved accidentally 16 years ago, post uni, and now somehow now have DH, 3DC and 2 cats! I have 3 DC (6,4,2) and live under 10 minutes walk from the centre of town and I'm happy here. All of the primaries are good, we still have the grammar system which I'm not sure I'm in favour of but am stuck, but there are still years to go before mine hit that age. I love the fact that within 10 minutes walk i can be in town or I can be out in proper countryside. My one bugbear is that to get anywhere it takes nearly an hour to get to a motorway !

Thanks! I've had a quick look on Rightmove, I realise prices in this area (Harrogate especially) are not particularly low, but I still think we'd get more for our money than down here. We are both really into walking and that appeals a lot. Oldest DC is 4 and will be starting Reception in September, are the schools usually full? We'd be looking at an in year application.

Its great for walking - and cycling if you don’t mind the hills! Probably worth speaking to admissions in the LA to find out about schools. We aren’t in Harrogate itself but the schools here are all full.

I would also look at the Otley / Menston / Ilkley area but I guess it depends where your dh is going to be working

I live in Pendle which is driving distance to skipton (I went there yesterday) and I've ridden my bike there a couple of times. Pendle is pretty cheap and still beautiful. I think so anyway lol

West Craven recently popped up on one of the best places to live survey.
It covers an area near Skipton.
There are some beautiful places to live around here, I am in Pendle.

Harrogate traffic is a nightmare.
Check the journey to his work before making a decision

Thanks all. We need to go up and start researching the area but I think we are inclining towards the Skipton area. There seems to be a lot of variation in how good the primaries are? I guess we should decide whether we want to run the gauntlet of the 11+ to work out whether to live in its catchment. How selective are the Skipton grammars I.e. what's the applicants to places ratio? We have a DS and a DD. If anyone can recommend a nursery too that would be great - feel free to PM me.