Best places to live in East Yorkshire: An area guide for buyers

Why live in East Yorkshire?

East Yorkshire towns and cities combine stunning natural landscapes with affordable living, excellent transport connections and thriving communities.

Location, transport links and connectivity

Towns and cities in East Yorkshire enjoy excellent connectivity. Hull provides direct rail links to London, Leeds and Manchester, making commuting easy. Its port offers international ferry services to mainland Europe, whilst Humberside Airport provides domestic and international flights. The M62 motorway connects the region to major cities across the North, with the A1079 and A63 offering additional routes throughout the county.

Cost of living and property prices

Cities in East Yorkshire can offer urban amenities while providing lower property prices. For more information on what you could afford, check out our article on mortgage affordability.

Employment opportunities and local economy

Cities in East Yorkshire offer excellent employment opportunities, as residents can commute to Leeds or York. East Yorkshire towns may also provide employment in retail, hospitality, agriculture and small businesses. The overall regional connectivity provides employment security and a strong local economy.

Lifestyle, countryside and coastline

East Yorkshire's lifestyle combines coastal living in Bridlington with green spaces such as Tophill Low Nature Reserve, offering residents plenty of outdoor opportunities. Cities in East Yorkshire, such as Hull, have a range of cultural attractions, shopping and dining.

Best places to live in East Yorkshire

East Yorkshire towns and cities offer unique locations, from the coastal market-town charm of Driffield to seaside living in Bridlington.

Bridlington

Located in the northern part of the county along the coast, Bridlington is a picturesque seaside resort. It retains its historic charm and offers beautiful beaches to walk and relax on. If transport links are your priority, the town is conveniently located near the A165 between Hull and Scarborough and the A614 between Bridlington and Nottingham.

Driffield

Considered the ‘Capital of the Yorkshire Wolds’, Driffield is found in the heart of East Yorkshire. Driffield is home to the annual Driffield Show, the UK’s largest agricultural show, as well as fantastic local amenities, including excellent schools, shops and cafes.

Cottingham

A stone’s throw from Hull, Cottingham is a dynamic town filled with plenty of things to do for both adults and children. It is conveniently located for the A164 and has its own train station, making it ideal for commuters. If you like the idea of living in a thriving community surrounded by nature while still being close to local amenities, don’t miss our Minster View development.

Beverley

Sitting on the western bank of the River Hull, Beverley is a brilliant place to call home. From scenic local parks such as Beverley Westwood to fine-dining restaurants, the town has plenty to offer. Residents can also enjoy great transport links connecting the town to York and Hull. Browse our elegant collection of 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom new-build houses for sale on the Wolds View site.

Hessle

Lying along the Humber, Hessle is a beautiful place to live, thanks to the spectacular natural surroundings. Unwind at Hessle foreshore and cross the Humber Bridge to appreciate the beauty of East Yorkshire from another perspective. Our modern selection of 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom houses for sale on Hawk View is within easy reach of local amenities and transport links.

House prices and property types in East Yorkshire

Mortgage affordability starts with house prices. By understanding the property market, you can budget realistically and identify areas offering the best value for money.

Average house prices

As of November 2025, house prices across East Yorkshire were £221,000 on average, with first time buyers paying £184,000 on average. Renters can expect to pay around £687 per month for properties in towns and cities in East Yorkshire.1

New build homes vs older properties

If you’re weighing up whether to buy a new build or an older home, there are a few things to consider. New-build homes in East Yorkshire can offer modern specifications, improved energy efficiency and added warranties that older properties may not have. They are often move-in-ready and unlikely to require rewiring or a new heating system.

 

Older properties can offer character and may be in more established locations. However, they typically require ongoing maintenance, efficiency improvements, and gradual modernisation, which significantly increase ownership costs.

 

While new-build homes can cost slightly more upfront than older homes, buyers may spend less overall because they encounter fewer problems after moving in. In East Yorkshire, the average cost for each type of home is:

• New builds - £297,345

• Older properties - £212,0272

What you can expect for your budget

Making sure you locate a budget-friendly property is key, and getting a mortgage in principle (MIP) can help to assess how much you can afford. If you’re looking for homes in East Yorkshire to suit your budget, these are the average prices you can expect to pay:

• Detached properties - £337,000

• Semi-detached properties - £214,000

• Terraced properties - £170,000

• Flats and maisonettes - £103,0003

For more information, check out our guide to mortgage affordability.

Education, schools and universities

If you’re a parent looking for highly regarded schools, quality education can be found across East Yorkshire.

Primary and secondary schools

East Yorkshire has both Outstanding and Good Ofsted-rated schools, offering education from early years to secondary level. Cities in East Yorkshire have more choice, allowing parents to find environments that match their children's needs, learning styles and interests.

Further education and universities

For older students and those looking for local universities, there are plenty of options. Hull College and East Riding College provide further education, vocational training and apprenticeships, while the University of Hull offers degree pathways.

Transport, commuting and accessibility

East Yorkshire is well-connected, thanks to the M62 motorway, which provides direct routes to Manchester and Liverpool. The A63 also connects Hull to the national motorway network efficiently, with the A1079 linking York to Hull.

 

Hull's railway station has direct services to London King's Cross, plus regular trains to Leeds, Sheffield, York and Manchester, making commuting easy. There are many local train stations across East Yorkshire, as well as a comprehensive bus network.

Things to do and local lifestyle

East Yorkshire's towns and cities offer a range of activities and attractions to keep residents entertained year-round.

Shopping, dining and entertainment

There are many shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities in the region, from major retailers in Hull's city centre to independent shops in East Yorkshire towns like Beverley. Cities in East Yorkshire offer additional entertainment, from major concerts and sporting events to local festivals.

Outdoor activities and green spaces

From parks and cycling routes to nature reserves, there are many outdoor activities and green spaces in East Yorkshire. The Yorkshire Wolds Way also offers long-distance walking through rolling hills and picturesque villages. Whilst coastal paths offer cliff-top walks with stunning sea views.

Coastal and countryside attractions

There are both coastal and countryside attractions across East Yorkshire. Bridlington's beaches offer traditional seaside fun, whilst Hornsea provides quieter coastal charm. Stately homes like Burton Constable Hall and Sewerby Hall offer cultural attractions, including beautiful gardens and historic exhibitions.

 

With its varied landscape and endless outdoor activities, it’s no wonder that homes in East Yorkshire are so desirable. Explore our buying guides to find out all you need to know when buying a new-build home in this region.

 

We are here to help you through your home buying journey. Get in touch with one of our Sales Advisers today to find out more.