Moving to the north is becoming an increasingly attractive option for people from the south due to several reasons, but 5 key ones. Especially with the new government making it harder for people to afford their life and the implementation of taxes such as ‘masion tax’ it’s pushing people to move further away to be able to afford daily life but also it’s just a much easier way to live in the UK right now.
Luxury With Fewer Crowds
While down south, many iconic shopping centres truly have everything, and stores from brands that you wouldn’t find in the north. However, you can still find luxury in the north without the stress of endless crowds that you find in the south.
The north is home to some amazing shopping centres in Leeds, Manchester and beyond, such as Selfridges, Victoria Leeds, Manchester Arndale, Harvey Nichols, the Trafford Centre, and many more, which are home to some of the most prestigious brands. The main perk of this is that you can shop without having to push through or dodge a million people with every step, which is ideal in all scenarios.
Value For Money
Almost everything costs more in the South. For example, the exact same bottle of water—from the same brand and even the same retailer—costs more in London than in any shop up North. The cost of living is just at a much greater scale, which makes it less appealing to most to try and live out a comfortable lifestyle there.
The North earns praise for its affordability across most areas, which is why more Southerners are moving north to take full advantage of it. From house prices right down to travel fair, everything is cheaper here, and if it’s a slight saving, it’s worth it and needed for most people.
Change of Character
Northerners show quick wit, charm, and a friendly character. These traits not only keep many Northerners away from southern England but also strongly attract people who dislike the lack of friendliness in the South—especially in central London, where stressed commuters navigate long journeys and crowded streets.
Either way, here in the north, you will find a large portion of people to be extremely welcoming and friendly, which is what entices people to stay.
Better Landscape Beauty
The likes of the Lake District and other surrounding areas are renowned for their natural beauty. Hills, lakes and greenery which bring people from all over to hike and explore this natural landscape. It’s unmatched with anything you will find in the south, which is another reason why this location brings hundreds of thousands of people here every year.
Other areas, such as York and the Peak District, stand out for their stunning landscapes and unique character, unmatched anywhere in the world.
Transport Improvements
The era of “difficult Northern travel” is finally ending. By December 2026, Greater Manchester will fully integrate its rail services into the Bee Network, creating a single transport provider. Passengers will no longer need separate tickets for buses or trams; instead, they can tap in and have the fare calculated and charged at the end of the day.
This introduces tap-in, tap-out contactless ticketing across trains, trams, and buses, bringing London-style commuting convenience to the North.
Projects like the TransPennine Route Upgrade and Northern Powerhouse Rail are reaching major milestones in 2026, slashing travel times between Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, and York. There is also talks about price capping to prevent jumps in prices for trains during peak times or peak days.
