York house buying guide

Located just two miles south of York city centre, Fulford is a leafy suburb nestled between green spaces, the River Ouse and University of York. If you dream of a peaceful life in the North Yorkshire countryside but you don’t want to sacrifice the convenience of living close to a city, Fulford offers the best of both worlds. Fulford Ings, Danesmead Wood, and Walmgate Stray are just a few places to spend your spare time, whether you’re walking the dog, going for a jog or meeting friends for a picnic. 

You’ll find a selection of pubs, cafes and supermarkets around Fulford Road, but you’ll probably find yourself heading into the city centre or surrounding towns quite often.

Transport

York’s city centre is just a 10 minute drive or 40 minute walk away. There’s also the 26 bus which will take you right into the centre of town, meaning it couldn’t be easier to get around.

Property price growth

Over the last year, property prices in Fulford were 3% up on the previous year.

History

The area of Fulford has been occupied since Neolithic times, indicated by finds of worked flints in the area. The woodlands in the area were largely cleared from the Anglian, Saxon and Norse period right through to the later medieval period, showing evidence of the land being occupied and used.

Fulford was also the scene of the first battle in the year 1066! The English were under threat from a Norse army from the north, and lost the battle of Fulford on 20th September!

Historically, Fulford was once two townships - Gate Fulford (also known as Over Fulford) in the north and Water Fulford (also known as Nether Fulford) to the south. Fulford is mentioned in the Doomsday Book 1086, with the Manor at Gate Fulford being owned by the Earl of Northumbria.

Eventually the land was given to St. Mary’s Abbey in York, and in the 15th century the boundaries between the city and abbey were drawn, marked by the Franchise Cross, which you can see today on Fulford Road.

You’ll find the beloved town of Clifton just north of York city centre. This lively residential area holds the city’s hospital and is considered to be one of the best places to live in York. Whether you buy a beautiful townhouse in the north of Clifton or a charming Victorian terrace in the south of the town, you’ll never be far from York’s most popular attractions.

Home to a number of parks, sports clubs and places to eat, this is a town with something for everyone.

Transport

Hop on the bus and you’ll reach the city centre in around 20 minutes, perfect if you want to visit York Minster, explore the National Railway Museum, or enjoy a stroll along the city’s Medieval walls.

Local schools

Clifton has a number of good nurseries and primary schools too, making it an ideal place to raise a family. St Peter’s School is particularly notable, as it’s the third oldest school in the UK and the fourth oldest in the world!

Property price growth

Over the last year, property prices in Clifton were 2% up on the previous year.

History

People have propbably lived in Clifton since the Anglo-Scandinavian period, as the name Clifton derives from Anglo-Saxon origins. There was also a Roman road that ran through Clifton, and evidence has been found of early timber buildings and early burials.

But from the 3rd century onwards the area beyond St. Mary's was given over to cemeteries. Eventually, Clifton formed as a medieval village surrounded by large swathes of land owned by the church. There was however a windmill known as Clifton Windmill or Lady Windmill, which existed from the late 14th to the early 19th century. It was still operational right up till 1852!

In the 19th century Clifton become absored into the suburbs of the city as York grew, causing the development of 19th century housing. There are still some examples of older, timber-framed buildings but many have been reincorporated into newer builds.

The charming town of Osbaldwick can be found in east York. Blessed with a handful of good schools and the University of York on its doorstep, it’s popular with families and students alike. 

You’ll find some cafes, takeaways and traditional Yorkshire pubs in the village. Don’t miss the Derwent Arms pub which first opened in 1823! There are a couple of convenience stores in the area. For larger shops, head over Fulford or Layerthorpe - both just a short drive away.

Local schools

There is a local school - Osbaldwich Primary - but it's worth considering Hempland and Badger Hill Primary schools further afield, which are both rated good by Ofsted. For secondary schools, look at Archbishop Holgate’s School and Fulford School.

Transport

There’s a bus that heads into the centre of York, making it easy to get to work, explore the city, and meet friends for a night out.

Property price growth

Over the last year, property prices in Osbaldwick were 6% down on the previous year. 

History

The area around Osbaldwick has been occupied since Neolithic times. It's suspected that there was an Anglian or Anglo-Scandinavian settlement south of the Osbaldwick Beck, and part of a 10th-11th century toft enclosure was found west of Metcalfe Lane.

Osbaldwick itself was a Domesday village that was under the overlordship of the Canons of St Peter (York Minster) and centred on the medieval settlement (Osboldewic). But today, most of the buildings in the village date to the 18th and 19th century.

Osbaldwick remained islated until the 1930s, when York and the suburbs expanded, incorporating the village.