What’s it like living in Halifax?
Located in the picturesque landscape of West Yorkshire, Halifax offers a unique blend of historical significance and modern vibrancy. As you consider making this town your home, let’s take a look at its varied neighbourhoods, market trends and environmental considerations.
Heritage and Culture
Halifax’s rich textile heritage is palpable in landmarks like the Piece Hall, a grand 18th-century cloth hall now transformed into a bustling hub for shops, restaurants and cultural events. The iconic Dean Clough Mills, once a sprawling textile factory, now houses creative businesses, studios and performance spaces.
Housing Options
From attractive Victorian terraces in Savile Park to modern apartments in the town centre, Halifax offers a variety of housing options to suit different lifestyles and budgets.
- Northowram: This sought-after suburb has excellent schools and a strong sense of community. Properties here range from traditional stone-built houses to contemporary family homes.
- Shelf: With its mix of traditional and modern properties, Shelf is popular with families and commuters due to its easy access to major roads and public transport.
- Ripponden: Situated in the Ryburn Valley, Ripponden offers picturesque scenery and a close-knit community. You’ll find old stone cottages and larger detached homes with stunning views.
- Bradshaw: This semi-rural village is known for its friendly atmosphere and good local amenities. Housing options include characterful cottages and converted farmhouses.
Community and Lifestyle
Halifax has a welcoming community with plenty of opportunities to socialise and get involved. Shibden Hall, a 15th-century manor house set in beautiful parkland, offers a glimpse into local history. The National Children’s Museum is a popular attraction for families, while the Victoria Theatre hosts a wide variety of shows and events.
Hidden Gems and Local Favourites
Beyond the well-known areas, Halifax has hidden gems like Copley, a thriving village with a strong community spirit and Warley, a picturesque area with stunning views and a good selection of shops and restaurants.
Transport
Halifax benefits from a good public transport network. Regular bus services operated by several companies connect different parts of the town and surrounding areas, with some routes operating late into the evening. The Arriva Yorkshire Tiger network extends to Bradford, Leeds and Wakefield, while the Burnley & Pendle Buses network connects Halifax to Burnley and surrounding towns. Additionally, the National Express coach network offers connections to major cities across the UK.
For travel further afield, Halifax railway station provides direct links to major cities like Leeds and Manchester, making it easy for day trips or weekend getaways. However, direct rail connections to major airports are limited. While there is no direct train service to airports, connecting routes are available. For example, a train journey from Halifax to Manchester Airport can be completed in under 2 hours with a change at Manchester Piccadilly station.
Environmental Considerations
Flooding
Halifax’s proximity to the Pennines means it can be prone to flooding, especially in areas near waterways like the River Calder and Hebble Brook. The Environment Agency’s flood risk map (https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/long-term-flood-risk) allows you to search by postcode and see if a property is at risk of flooding.
Before purchasing a property, it’s crucial to research flood risk zones and check the Environment Agency’s flood history data. This information can help you assess the flood risk for a specific property and make informed decisions. Additionally, some properties in flood risk zones may have flood protection measures in place, such as flood barriers or raised foundations. It’s important to factor these measures into your consideration when evaluating flood risk.
Radon Gas
Radon gas is another environmental concern in some areas of Halifax, like many parts of the UK. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes from the ground. High levels of radon can pose health risks, so it’s advisable to have a property tested for radon before buying. The UK Radon Association (https://www.ukradon.org/information/ukmaps) provides a radon map of the UK, which can give you a general idea of radon risk in Halifax. However, a professional radon test is the only way to definitively determine the radon level in a specific property.
Safety and Security
While Halifax is generally a safe place to live, like any town, it does have certain areas with higher crime rates than others.
- Crime Rates: You can access the latest crime statistics for Halifax through the West Yorkshire Police website (https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/crime-mapping). This website allows you to search for specific crime types and compare crime rates across different neighbourhoods.
- Safer Neighbourhoods: Generally, Halifax’s town centre and the more affluent suburbs like Savile Park and Skircoat Green tend to have lower crime rates.
- Areas with Higher Crime Rates: Areas like Ovenden, Park Ward and King Cross historically have had higher crime rates, particularly for anti-social behaviour, vandalism and theft. However, it’s important to note that crime rates can fluctuate, so it’s always wise to do your research on specific neighbourhoods.
- Community Initiatives: Halifax has several community initiatives aimed at improving safety and security. These include neighbourhood watch schemes, CCTV cameras in certain areas and educational programmes to raise awareness of crime prevention.
By familiarising yourself with crime statistics, taking necessary precautions and engaging with the community, you can help ensure your safety and security in Halifax.
Conclusion
Halifax offers a unique blend of history, culture and modern amenities, making it an attractive option for homebuyers. However, it’s essential to be aware of the town’s nuances, including flood risk, radon levels and varying crime rates across different areas. By conducting thorough research and seeking professional advice, you can make an informed decision about whether Halifax is the right place for you to call home.
Where is the best place to live in Halifax?
According to Ryder & Dutton Estate Agents, the top areas to live in Halifax include:
- Sowerby Bridge: Popular with first-time buyers and families, this area offers local businesses, shops, eateries and a train station with connections to major cities.
- Southowram: This quieter area is favoured by families due to its excellent schools, green spaces and rural feel, while still being close to neighbouring towns. It’s increasingly popular due to the growing trend of seeking access to nature.
- Rishworth: A semi-rural village with easy access to the M62 motorway, making it ideal for commuters working in Greater Manchester or Leeds. Rishworth also offers great local walks and excellent schooling options.
- Savile Park: Known for its period properties overlooking the park, this area is always in demand. It’s particularly vibrant in the summer with Savile Park and Manor Park Botanical Gardens.
- Skircoat Green: This popular residential area benefits from its proximity to Halifax Town Centre, local amenities, Savile Park and the Lloyds Banking Group offices, making it convenient for both work and leisure.
