I would second Leeds as a good place to live. My husband has lived all his life in Keighley, in Yorkshire, and so far I find Keighley OK but not where I want to stay for the rest of our married life. In travelling around Yorkshire I really like Leeds for "city" living and probably Haworth for village living, but who can afford to live in an historically rich village like that these days. Ugh.

Leeds has everything you need, has a direct train to London as well as easy train access to points north, and is just a nice sized city. Plus it has my favorite place on EARTH, Leeds Kirgate Market...I was sold on it after one trip!