In our latest blog we’re shining a spotlight onto our very own city, York! Here’s a few reasons why we love living and working in this historic city.
A City of History
Our daily commute is breathtakingly beautiful and never dull. Encapsulated by historic walls, the city merges the spectacle with the practical. The Minster can be seen for miles around, and a walk past it on the way to a morning coffee stop lifts any commute. A TouchRight lunch break frequently involves visiting the Shambles, York’s most famous medieval street! Just around the corner you will find the Shambles Kitchen, an eclectic hub of food from around the world. This is the place to soak up a lively atmosphere and pick up a tasty burger!
Speaking of tasty treats, York has a very sweet past. Terry’s chocolate factory ‘The Chocolate Works’ was born in York, and its stunning factory buildings are a monolith for chocolate lovers. On York’s outskirts sits a huge Nestle factory, offering both business and a tantalising aroma of chocolate to the entire city. Housed deeper in the city centre, you’ll find York’s Chocolate Story, a tourist attraction which details the rich history of chocolate making in the city.
Although it’s prone to flooding, the river Ouse sets a beautiful backdrop to the city. Whether you’re watching the rowing or taking a stroll along Millennium bridge, the Ouse is a consistently vibrant area. A previously vital transport system for goods, the river is now lined with premium property and ‘secret’ cafes.
A Unique Culture
With an urban population of 150,000, York has a buzzing atmosphere without feeling claustrophobic. Drawing thousands of tourists a year, the city is immersed in culture. York’s Viking past is on show at the must-see attractions of the Jorvik Viking Centre, York Dungeon and Clifford’s Tower.
If you’re looking for a quieter and more refined experience, head to the prestigious Betty’s Tea Room for afternoon tea and some famous fat rascals!
York comes alive on an evening boasting a rich nightlife and a buzzing music and film scene. Catch up-and-coming talent can be seen at venues such as Fibbers, The Fulford Arms, and The Basement.
Year on year, our city outdoes itself, especially during the festive period. The Christmas market has become a treasure to locals and a treat to tourists. Featuring an extensive mix of local artisan businesses, the Christmas market is quickly becoming a classic festive choice. More recently, the Ice Trail has gained popularity. A number of themed ice sculptures are placed around the city to be toured around and marvelled at.
York’s culture stretches beyond picturesque streets; it’s a place for learning and discovering. The Yorkshire Museum is currently housing the Jurassic World exhibition. Opened by David Attenborough last year, the exhibition offers a captivating journey through the Jurassic world. Trust us when we say it’s as much fun for adults as it is for children. Another ‘must see’ attraction is York Art Gallery which holds intriguing and diverse exhibitions that celebrate local and national talent.
Rich Property Environment
Take it from the Sunday Times’ 2018 poll; York is the best place to live in the UK! Described as a ‘mini metropolis’, everything from the local schools, range of properties and easy accessibility make it ideal for residents.
If that’s not enough, York his also third in the CNN ‘Globe’s Best Medieval Walled Cities’. Citing history, ghosts and simple beauty, it has deservedly become internationally recognised. Please be advised – none of us at TouchRight HQ have ever seen any of York’s ghosts, so don’t be scared!
York has become a treasure trove for landlords looking for commercial property. Our existing businesses residing in the city include AVIVA, Hiscox and national railway companies. As an ever-growing hub of business, York is a trusted investment opportunity. Our city’s letting and estate agents are fantastic and make any purchase or renting situation a smooth and quick process.
York’s wide variety of properties makes it an exciting and fruitful area for property professionals. The city centre blends brand new builds with classic properties. If you take a stroll down Micklegate, Fossgate or Museum Street you’ll see plenty of shining examples. Many properties overlook the Minster, city walls, or Clifford’s Tower, offering culture on your back doorstep. Our customers are frequently acquiring and letting unique and interesting properties. Families, couples and single occupants can access a full range of prices and styles of home.
Remember we mentioned the Terry’s factory? We thought we’d save it til now to mention that it’s now a high profile property development. Featuring apartments, penthouses and suites, the properties have quickly become amongst the most desirable in the city.
If it’s the city centre that beckons, Hungate is the spot! Slap bang in the city centre, Hungate a buzzing community that steps onto one of the trendiest streets in the city.
Students from both our universities benefit from a plethora of accommodation types, spanning the entire city and surrounding areas. York’s efficient bus system means you’re never far from your next lecture (or pub). The city is proud of the diverse culture it has attracted through its universities.
Need your fix of the latest fixture? Coming soon to the city is the brand new York City football stadium. This will likely be a new hub for the community, offering a cinema and shops, as well as our Minster men. The stadium will bring jobs, investment and business to York.
Continuing the theme of sport, no description of York would be complete without the legendary racecourse. As the third largest in the UK, York racecourse offers world class racing and an atmosphere that has gained national acclaim. The property around this area is attractive to buyers and renters alike, especially with families. Much of the housing has stunning views overlooking the racecourse.
So, what are you waiting for …head out and explore York!
Where to Go Next?
At TouchRight, we’re proud to based in York. We work with a number of letting agents in the area to help their property reporting processes. From student agents to recognised national brands and local independents, we provide a high level of service for our customers across the country.
We’re big fans of our own, beautiful city. But where should we shine our spotlight to next? Let us know about your city and what makes it unique. Drop us a line!