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Moving to Selby? Here's Why Selby Is the Best Place to Live

Moving to Selby? Here are six reasons why Selby is the perfect place to live in England: affordable homes, good schools, and a connected transport network

Quick answer: Selby is a popular place to move to for its more affordable homes, good schools, transport links to York, Leeds and beyond, and a friendly market-town feel. We move people to and from Selby regularly, as part of our removals across Yorkshire.

When it comes to moving house, there are several factors that you have to consider. And so today, we take you through several reasons that make the market town of Selby an ideal place for you and your family. Moving to Selby is a brilliant idea, as it's within a commutable distance, whether you work in York or Leeds. Unlike the surrounding areas, Selby is pretty affordable and with great amenities. Here is exactly why you should consider moving to Selby.

Moving to Selby, tips from 1 Van 1 Man in York

Affordable Homes

Selby offers more affordable homes than many other parts of North Yorkshire, where villages such as Escrick and Osmotherley command much higher prices. Check current sold prices before you set a budget, and see our Selby removals page when you are ready to move.

More than the home prices, there have been several residential development projects in the recent past. You can never miss just the right home for you and your family. Besides, nearby villages of Barlby, Brayton, and Thorpe Willoughby are also sprouting with new homes.

Schools

Anyone with a child knows that finding a good school is crucial when moving to a new place. Selby won't disappoint. There are several highly reputable primary schools in the town. Among the top-rated primary schools include St. Mary's Catholic Primary School, Selby Abbey Church of England Primary School, Longman's Hill Community Primary School and Selby Community Primary School, among several others.

Suppose you have high-school going children. You'll not be short of choices. Brayton academy and Selby High School Specialist School for the Arts and Sciences have good ratings and are highly reputable.

Schooling options are as many as they can get. If you're looking for universities and community colleges, Selby college won't disappoint. The college offers A-levels, business training, vocational courses, apprenticeships and adult education courses.

And it doesn't stop there. The University of Leeds is only 40 minutes away, while the University of York is 25 minutes drive. Furthermore, Northumbria Durham and Newcastle University are within reach. It will also interest you to know that there is a wide range of nurseries that will be an excellent fit for your toddlers.

What else would you ask for when Selby has all the education levels your child needs throughout her life?

Transport Network

Selby is well connected in terms of the transportation system. Whether you want to get to the busy town of Leeds or head to York, you need not worry. You can also easily access Harrogate and the market town of Knaresborough. The town has good roads and railway links. Suppose you need to travel further afield. The airport is a stone's throw away.

Did you know that Selby was among the first towns in the U.K. to have a railway station way back in 1834? Now, you know! The railway station that's currently in use was constructed in 1840. The station has regular services to York, Leeds, Hull and Manchester. The railway also connects to the London King Cross. More than that, the train serves the local destinations.

Selby also has a bus station with regular services to the local destinations and long distances such as Waterfield, York, Pontefract, Leeds, Goole and Doncaster. Talk of convenience!

The Leeds International Bradford airport is only 34 miles away. It takes roughly one hour and thirty minutes if you are using the train. If you settle for the bus, you'll be at the airport in an hour.

With the good transportation network, moving to Selby is a perfect choice whether you are working in Leeds or Harrogate.

Leisure and Amenities

We can confirm without a shred of doubt that Selby is home to beautiful parks, high street retailers and good food. Selby's cultural heritage is not lost to us. Selby Abbey has a rich history dating back to 1069AD. This historic church receives visitors throughout the year. It also hosts performances and concerts.

Right at the doorstep is the Skipwith Common National Nature Reserve. At the centre of Selby is Selby park, which opens all year round. There are also several other parks, including Leeds Road Park, Croftway Park, and Selby Amphitheatre and Waterfront Garden.

When it comes to dining, Selby has loads of options. The locals' favourites include Sapori Italian restaurant, the Black Dog Inn, Loftsome Bridge and Boutique Hotel and Restaurant and the Olive Branch Bistro, just to mention a few.

When considering shopping, Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury, and Aldi won't disappoint. Three Lakes Retail Park, the Market Cross Shopping Centre and the Abbey Walk Retail park are excellent options for high street shopping.

Local Events and Activities

There is more to Selby than the affordable homes, schools, and amenities. Moving to Selby will open up an array of activities. First, there's the annual Selby food festival. The festival is one of its kind. It's characterized by cookery demonstrations, testing offerings, live music and street entertainment. Secondly, the Selby Globe Cinema runs classic and contemporary screenings within the town and throughout the districts.

The Selby Superbowl is the perfect spot for the whole family for weekend activities. Suppose you are a fitness enthusiast. The Selby Leisure Centre is your go-to gym. The centre has a wide range of high-quality gym equipment and several classes. Besides, there are swimming pools, motor racing, and football, cricket, and rugby clubs.

Safety and Crime

Selby has been voted many times as the best place to live in England, and for a good reason. The crime rate in this market town is low compared to other North Yorkshire towns. Selby residents particularly take an active role in reducing crime as they have several initiatives through the local neighbourhood policing team.

When Are You Moving?

There's a lot to do in Selby that you'll never be short of activities to indulge in. The amenities are great, so are the schools, transport network and even homes. So, what's holding you back from moving to Selby? 1 Van 1 Man Removals is ready to help make your relocation as smooth as it can get. Get in touch with us today!

Last updated 8 November 2026

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