While it’s not one of the major employment hubs in the region, Harrogate is a popular place to live and work. The town’s economy is a thriving yet varied one, with a select few world-famous companies such as Bettys and Taylors of Harrogate and Harrogate Spring Water being based in the vicinity. It is also home to one of the biggest conference and exhibition centres in Europe, called the Harrogate International Centre. Many other businesses make it an important employment hub in the North Yorkshire region and you may just be reading this article because of it! Below we explore some of the best surrounding areas to consider if you’re relocating and commuting into Harrogate.

Wetherby

A good choice, if you’re looking to drive or get the bus into Harrogate, is Wetherby. This quaint market town has everything you need to live comfortably and is a popular region of West Yorkshire, particularly if you’d rather be in more of a built-up environment but away from the bustling city. By car, you would be looking at around 25-35 minutes depending on traffic and around 30-40 minutes by bus.

Leeds

If you’d prefer to be nearer a city, then Leeds still provides good access to Harrogate by any form of transport. By train, the journey takes around 35-40 minutes and by car, you’re looking at around 40-50 minutes depending on when you travel. The city has a wide range of districts and properties for all different budgets, including new houses around Leeds and a great selection of older properties. Being nearer the city centre will bring more noise and energy but you may prefer the convenience of access to the city.

Ripon

North of Harrogate lies Ripon – a picturesque Cathedral city with beautiful attractions and scenery. It sits at the edge of the Yorkshire Dales which are some of the most stunning landscapes in all of England and is a great choice if you’re a fan of the outdoors. You’ll be far away from the hustle and bustle of Leeds and only 30-40 minutes away from Harrogate by car or train.

Boston Spa

Just on the outskirts of Wetherby is a lovely village called Boston Spa. If you’re looking to be close to local amenities but in a village environment then this may be the place for you. It will add 5-10 minutes to your journey each way but the stunning properties and community feel could make it all worth it. Ideally, you’ll be driving into work if you live in Boston Spa.

Otley

The final suggestion is Otley, which sits almost in the middle of Leeds and Harrogate. It’s another market town that is popular with locals because of its position at the foot of the Dales and traditional community feel. It has all the local amenities you need, as well as local sports clubs, schools and convenient road networks to Leeds and Harrogate. The commute by car is a stunning one too, with breathtaking views that you’ll never get bored of.