Living in Harrogate – The Ultimate Moving Guide

Are you thinking of living in Harrogate?

Harrogate has become an increasingly popular location for a variety of different buyers.

This Yorkshire town provides locals with all the amenities of a big town together with the stunning Yorkshire countryside that surrounds the region.

By offering a balanced lifestyle, the town is rightly a popular option with many buyers.

Moving to a new city is never straightforward.

Before moving, it is vital that you gather as much insight into the area as you can.

We are here to assist those considering a move to Harrogate!

In this article, we hope to deliver a comprehensive guide full of tips for those thinking of calling Harrogate home.

Encompassing everything from the cost of purchasing a property to the best schools in the city, we aim to provide you with a thorough moving guide to the town.

If you are considering living in Harrogate, this is our moving ultimate guide to the area.

House Prices

The housing market in Harrogate is very diverse. Image credit: Unsplash

One of the most important things to consider when you are thinking of moving to Harrogate is the cost of purchasing a house.

If you are considering calling Harrogate home there are a range of buying options.

Harrogate offers buyers plenty of new houses and apartments.

These properties are perfect for younger buyers and renters and ensure the town retains an eclectic buying market.

There are currently 5 new build developments under construction in the town.

Dalesway and Jubilee Park, both Bellway Homes developments present excellent opportunities for those seeking a new build property.

So, what prices can you expect to pay when living in Harrogate?

The current average house price in the town is £412,629 according to Zoopla.

Keep in mind that prices will vary depending on the type of property you are considering buying.

For example, you can expect to pay £621,066 for a detached property in the town.

Semi-detached homes cost an average of £389,952, with terraced properties sitting at £328,635.

Those considering buying a flat can expect to pay an average price of £264,127.

Cost of Renting

Sometimes it is necessary to rent a property for some time, especially when moving to a new area.

Renting offers you the opportunity to get to know the area you live in before you finally decide which specific neighbourhood is best for you.

Being located so close to Leeds means that plenty of people choose to rent a property in Harrogate rather than live in the busy city.

Furthermore, the town also offers prospective renters a wide range of very appealing properties in the rental market.

Homes close to the town centre are always a popular choice.

In this location, you are always close to the action!

The average rent in the town currently sits at £1,586pcm, with 42 properties available for less the £1,000pcm.

A one-bedroom flat in the town will cost you £1,272pcm on average.

If you are renting with a family, you will require more space.

You can expect to pay £1,825pcm for a three-bedroom property in Harrogate.

Cost of Living in Harrogate

Overall, the cost of living in Harrogate is on the expensive side.

The high quality of life associated with this Yorkshire town has pushed property prices to record highs in recent years.

In these uncertain times keeping a check on our outgoings is not just sensible but necessary.

It does take a little time, patience, and planning but you will be surprised at what you can achieve when you set your mind to managing your budget.

Upcycling tired furniture instead of immediately ordering brand-new items is both money-saving and rewarding, so be sure to check out websites like Gumtree.

Other ways to save when you live in Harrogate is by shopping for your groceries and toiletries in discount stores such as Poundland and The Works and Harrogate has several of these stores.

They sell branded products but at cheaper prices.

Harrogate holds several markets during the week and like all towns and cities, markets are excellent places to purchase a bargain or two.

Harrogate Farmers Market is held on Cambridge Street on the second Thursday of every month.

As a general rule, here are the prices you can expect to pay for food when moving to Harrogate according to Numbeo:

• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant-£ 15.00
• Meal for 2 mid-range restaurants £60.00
• Fast food meal-£7.30
• Cappuccino or latte-£3.26
• 1 litre of milk-£1.09
• Loaf of bread-£1.30
• 1kg chicken-£6.07

Things to do in Harrogate

Prospect Square, Harrogate. Image credit: Envato Elements

Moving to Harrogate offers locals plenty of great things to do.

Harrogate’s town centre brims with unique independent stores, fashionable boutiques, and a range of dining spots, creating a diverse and vibrant retail and restaurant scene.

The Valley Gardens provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation.

Here you can enjoy the vibrant flower beds, perfect for leisurely walks or picnics.

The town is also home to a range of cultural activities.

The Harrogate Convention Centre is the go-to spot for exhibitions and concerts, while the Great Yorkshire Show annually celebrates local agricultural traditions.

For all you adventure seekers out there, the nearby Yorkshire Dales present stunning scenery ideal for hiking, cycling, and discovering scenic nature paths.

Overall, Harrogate offers a wonderful mix of urban activity, cultural richness, and scenic natural escapes.

These all make the town an appealing place to live.

Working in Harrogate

Around 9,000 firms are running out of the town, with these companies employing around 75,000 people.

This means there are clearly plenty of work opportunities.

Living in Harrogate means residents live in the UK’s leader in the conference and exhibition industry.

Harrogate International Centre is the UK’s 3rd largest conference and exhibition centre.

In fact, it is one of the largest in Europe!

The centre welcomes thousands of visitors every year when it plays host to business-orientated shows.

Harrogate International Centre brings in over £150 million to the local economy annually.

Both telecommunications and health services are expected to thrive in the town, with both set to become integral sectors in the future.

Transport Links in Harrogate

Harrogate Train station. Image credit: Wikipedia

One thing living in Harrogate offers in abundance is fantastic transport links.

This is certainly one of the reasons it is so desirable for commuters.

Served by four railway stations that provide services to Leeds, York, Bradford, and Sheffield.

While London North Eastern Railway operates a two hourly service to London King’s Cross (2 hours 45 mins).

Travelling by road is via several major motorway routes including the A1 and M1.

Additional B roads cross the region, offering access to other smaller areas of Yorkshire.

The nearest airport is Leeds Bradford Airport, 10 miles southwest, to which there are bus services on route A2 and train services on the Harrogate Line to Horsforth railway station, one of the closest stations.

Manchester Airport is accessible by rail via Leeds railway station (2½ hours) and by road 75 miles or around 2 hours.

With a convenient and regular bus system as well, getting around the region could not be easier.

Schools in Harrogate

Harrogate offers locals a variety of excellent educational institutions, catering to students across all age groups.

Among the primary education offerings in the town, Western Primary School stands out with an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rating.

Alongside these are several ‘good’ rated primary schools such as Bilton Grange, Pannal Primary School, Rossett Acre, Oatlands, and New Park, each providing a solid foundation for early learning.

Secondary education in Harrogate is equally commendable, with top-tier institutions such as The Grammar School at Leeds, St John Fisher Catholic High School, Harrogate Grammar School, St Aidan’s Church of England High School, and Ashville College, all highly esteemed for their academic excellence and nurturing environments.

Ready to Start Living in Harrogate?

White & Company Truck

Have you decided to start living in Harrogate?

This Yorkshire town has plenty to offer, meaning living in Harrogate is sure to appeal.

Living in Harrogate provides its residents with a wide range of excellent property types, some excellent things to do, and high-quality schools alongside some truly great shopping locations.

If you are thinking of living in Harrogate and have found your dream property, we are here to help you get moving.

You can start planning your move with the assistance of our Harrogate Removals service from White & Company today.

White & Company are also happy to offer our new video survey service.

During these unprecedented times, we can safely conduct remote removals surveys.

We can gather all the relevant information for your move from the comfort of your own home.

So, give us a call today or fill out a quick quote form to see how we can get your dream move to Harrogate in the works.

Max Peterson

Max is a seasoned writer and blogger in the real estate and home moving sectors, as well as a knowledgeable source of information for expatriates living and working abroad. His detailed insights have helped thousands of people move and live abroad with greater simplicity and ease.