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10 reasons to move to the Yorkshire Dales

9 Comments

 
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Toying with the idea of moving to the Yorkshire Dales? Do it! We've plenty of space and a warm welcome awaits. Here are my top ten reasons why you should think about moving to the Yorkshire Dales: 

1. Children can a have "proper" childhood. They can play safely outdoors, collect treasures for a nature table. They can make dens and grow strong on fresh food and Yorkshire Dales air. There are spaces in local schools, where year groups tend to be smaller. 

2. It's calming. There's less noise (unless you count birdsong and babbling brooks), less pollution and more space to think and just be. Stand outside on a cold clear night and look up - the starry skies are really wonderful. 

3. People care. When I first moved back to Yorkshire, instead of asking "what do you do for a living" as they did in London, people frequently asked me "are you happy here?". They rally round when help is needed, and look out for each other. My mum once didn't show up to an event she'd said she'd be at so the vicar rang her at home to make sure she was OK. She didn't answer so he rang me and at the same time asked some one to pop round to her house to make sure she was alright. 

4. There's a warm sense of community. People greet and talk to each other, even when they don't know who they are. As I walk up the little lane from my home I often meet walkers coming down it and within a few seconds can tell whether they are local or visiting from a town. The locals all say hello and pass comments on the weather... The others just look surprised when I greet them and turn to look behind to see who I'm talking to! 

5. People are happier. It's true! This is because we breathe fresh air, can enjoy nature, are kinder to each other... Repeated studies have shown that when people have the chance to exchange even a few words with each other on a regular basis, they are noticeably happier and healthier. 

6. You can easily be part of the latest craze - mindfulness. Many city dwellers spend good money to work out how to feel less stressed and more at peace. They go on courses and read books to study mindfulness. In the country, it's easy to put this into practice. Just stop and listen to the birdsong, smell the fresh hay or just take in the timeless views stretching on for mile after mile. 

7. There's space. Plenty of it. The Yorkshire Dales is MAMBA country (Miles and Miles of Bugger All) It's hard to convey the sense of freedom you'll feel when standing on the top of a hill gazing across the landscape towards another dale. 

8. You really get things into perspective. Living in the countryside you're much more conscious of the changing seasons, the cycle of life, how small we are and how huge is the universe. 

9. You can get fit without the expense of a gym. Whether you prefer walking, cycling, horse-riding or log chopping, it's easy to enjoy them all. 

10. The countryside feels safe. Crime rates tend to be lower. Not obsessing about closing windows and anti-social behaviour is another reason the Yorkshire Dales feels more relaxing. 

There is one downside to living in the Yorkshire Dales: it's hard not to sound smug.

But the good news is that you could join us? 

9 Comments
Lianne
13/10/2017 09:39:07 am

The above are all the reasons I'm looking at buying a property in Hawes, upping sticks and starting again. The one issue for us is our eldest daughter who is 14 has started her GCSEs and is refusing to move until she finishes them in May 19. Meanwhile that perfect home and business opportunity I have found will pass me by! Going to have a good read of your site! Thanks :)

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Susan Briggs
13/10/2017 09:59:26 am

Thanks Lianne, we have some great schools here too! Let me know if you have any questions about living in the Dales as I have plans for lots more blogs on the topic and will happily cover your questions too.
Good luck

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melissa watson
12/2/2018 08:42:31 am

We too are considering a move to the dales having spent many happy years holidaying there,my worry is also schools ( 12 and 8 year old) and my husband is a self employed plumbing and heating engineer so starting over again in a new area is a massive thing. Any advice gratefully received. We are looking at the Askrigg to Hawes area. Thank you!

Reply
Susan Briggs
14/2/2018 03:10:59 pm

If you'd like to email me on [email protected] I'll happily offer some advice

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John Oxley
31/8/2018 03:12:12 pm

Hi, London resident of some 30 years here. Due to retire in 4 years. Half my family were from Harrogate but we lived in the south. Thinking of moving up to Harrogate when I finish work. Frightening leaving London because it’s so familiar, diverse, etc but I love walking, hate the hot summers we have here and would live exploring by car. Not sure. What did you feel when making the move? Thx John

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Susan Briggs link
4/9/2018 10:15:11 am

Hi John, I think moving anywhere different is always scary, but also potentially exciting? If you're planning ahead 4 years then you have time to make plenty of visits (good idea to do so at different times of the year) and to explore different areas and speak to people. After living in London for so long, you'll probably be amazed how easy it is to speak to people and ask them questions to get advice, even strangers in the street. This morning alone I had a lovely 30 minute conversation with a visiting farmer, discussing hay prices and his work load. We just met in the lane when I was dog walking...! You mention Harrogate - that's not exactly the Dales, but close by and you would have the advantage of more shops, theatre, activities and a train station by moving there.

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Carol Bratton
17/1/2019 05:05:29 pm

Coming back this year to retire early with my handicapped son. It's a big upheaval on my own but I have itplanned just need somewhere to rent. My divorce means I have to rent which is hard with my 2 Border Collies BUT I will try to advertise as many places as possibe. I know there is a good notice board in Leyburn and one in Hawes, can you think of anywhere else? I am also looking at Hoppers, GSC Grey and Hills estate agents.

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Susan Briggs
17/1/2019 06:11:56 pm

Hello I think you're right to try the estate agents as so many properties are let through them. Might be worth looking broader via something like Rightmove and there may be some facebook groups where you can post a request too. Good luck - hope you find somewhere are you're all happy here.

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Sandra & Craig
2/3/2019 04:07:14 pm

Hi Susan,
We are moving from the ‘Cotswolds to Snaizeholme having just bought a lovely old farmhouse. Beautiful as the Cotswolds are, the people are just not as friendly here. You are measured on what you have instead of who you are. My partner is from the North and we met when she bought a place here. After getting together we started to look both in the North & here in the Cotswolds. We love walking and after a most beautiful walk from Hawes we fell across the farm which we are very lucky to have bought. It needs lots of work but we have all the time on the world. We love nature, the outdoors, fresh air and just walking our bulldog. We love being part of a local community and when visiting Hawes we have found everyone so warm & friendly, its been heart warming. We are so looking forward to many happy years. Maybe see you around when we’re walking our dog Stanley.

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    Susan Briggs

    Yorkshire lass, lived in London for 20 years, glad to have moved back 14 years ago. Enjoying life in the Yorkshire Dales and keen to encourage others to do the same. 

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