Right in the heart of the country and just 20 miles from the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park, Leeds is a perfect blend of city life and rural living.
After much investment and regeneration, the city can offer you all the amenities you could need, with some great universities, good transport links, and affordable housing in some very desirable locations.
So if you are thinking of moving to Leeds, this guide will give you all the information you need to find the perfect location for your new home.
You may also like to read: The Pros and Cons of Moving to Yorkshire. If you have not decided on an exact area of Yorkshire to move to yet, you may like to read this guide, which is packed with useful information.
Should I Move to Leeds?
Leeds city centre has a great blend of independent and high street stores
Leeds offers its residents a great quality of life and
work/leisure balance, with all the nightlife you could want, a huge range of
shops, and you will be surrounded by the great outdoors.
But just in case you need convincing further as to what a great place Leeds is to live, here are our top 6 reasons why you should move to Leeds.
#1Great Communities
When I lived in Horsforth, I found the people to be friendly and welcoming, which can always be a concern when moving to a new part of the country.
Leeds is a collection of some lovely villages all gathered around the hub of the city centre.
Each area has its own vibe and identity, which creates the perfect village atmosphere whilst still having the advantages of being close to a large city.
#2Excellent Transport Links
Being in the heart of the country, getting just about anywhere is fairly easy.
There are fast and regular train services to all the major UK cities including London, Manchester, and Liverpool.
Leeds is at the convergence of many major roads that cut through Yorkshire as well as being close to the M62, M1, and A1(M).
Just a half hour’s drive from Leeds is Leeds Bradford International Airport, which offers domestic and European flights.
#3World-Class Universities
Leeds is a great location for those wanting to go to college or university.
With four great universities and several excellent colleges, students are well catered for in Leeds; there are numerous bars, clubs, and activities all geared towards the large student population.
#4Stunning Countryside
From the stunning Yorkshire Dales of the north to the Peak District in the south, Leeds is blessed with an abundance of stunning countryside within very easy access.
#5Culture
Leeds can rival any city when it comes to culture.
The Grand Theatre and Opera House, The Tetley Art Gallery, Leeds City Museum, Leeds Art Gallery, Royal Armouries Museum, as well as two of the oldest operating cinemas in the UK.
Leeds will never cease to keep you entertained and enthralled.
#6Shopping
No guide to living in Leeds would be complete without mentioning the vast array of shops that Leeds has to offer.
From the arcades in Briggate, the Victoria Quarter with independent and chic boutiques, The Corn Exchange with a selection of cafes and independent stores, to any of the eight indoor shopping centres, you will certainly get your retail fix in Leeds.
You may also like to read: How to Decide Where to Live. In this guide, we suggest 12 things to take into consideration when deciding where to live next.
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Leeds City Market has beautiful buildings, plenty to do, friendly locals, and a great place to call home.
A quick internet search to find out how dangerous Leeds is will give you a variety of responses, ranging from surveys that say Leeds is one of the safest places to live, to those that say Leeds can be very dangerous, especially at night.
According to www.crimerate.co.uk, Leeds is the most dangerous major city in West Yorkshire.
Conversely, www.travelsafe-abroad.com rates Leeds overall as a fairly safe city whilst it does mention that the areas of Hydepark, Hareshill, Little London, and Chapel Town should be avoided, especially at night.
I have to say, when I lived in Leeds, I did not find it dangerous or scary; you just need to exercise caution and common sense as you do in most cities these days.
If you are planning on moving to Leeds, you can see what the latest crime figures are for the specific area you are moving to at www.police.uk
You may also like to read: Choosing Where to Live: Location, Location, Location. Where your home is located can often determine your quality of life. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of living on a main road, a cul-de-sac, near shops, a school, a park, or the river.
What is the Average Property Rental Cost in Leeds?
The average rental cost of a 1-bedroom home in Leeds is £906 pcm
The average rental cost of a 2-Bedroom home in Leeds is £1,164 pcm
The average rental cost of a 3-Bedroom home in Leeds is £1,398 pcm
The average rental cost of a 4-Bedroom home in Leeds is £1,898 pcm
Excluding packing costs, you can expect to pay, on average, the following home moving costs when hiring a professional removal firm to move you to Leeds from these other major UK cities.
Moving from London to Leeds costs an average of £1,655
Moving from Birmingham to Leeds costs on average £1,525
Moving from Liverpool to Leeds costs about £1,450
Moving from York to Leeds costs about £1,370
Moving from Leicester to Leeds costs about £1,490
Moving from Glasgow to Leeds costs about £1,690
Moving from Edinburgh to Leeds costs about £1,685
Moving from Bristol to Leeds costs about £1,675
Moving from Plymouth to Leeds on average costs £1,860
Moving from Cardiff to Leeds on average costs £1,720
On average, expect to pay about £275-£475 for a professional packing service for a 1-2 bedroom home.
Thinking of moving to the Leeds area? Here is a Leeds neighbourhood
guide with the best places to rent or buy a home in the Leeds area.
Going to Live in Leeds City Centre
The Waterfront at Leeds Docks is THE place to live in Leeds, with all that Leeds has to offer you right on your doorstep.
Here you will find many newly converted buildings offering characterful homes, but at a price.
Apartments in this area are in high demand, but if you are lucky enough to get your hands on one, then the Waterfront will offer you everything you need if you love city centre living.
The average cost of an apartment in LS1 is £205,773
Average Rental Cost in LS1
The average rental cost of a 1-bedroom home in LS1 is £1,085 pcm
The average rental cost of a 2-bedroom home in LS1 is £1,379 pcm
The average rental cost of a 3-bedroom home in LS1 is £2,000 pcm
Find out the latest crime figures for Leeds City at www.police.uk
Find local healthcare services in Leeds at www.nhs.uk
Moving to Farsley
The Fleece, Farsley
Farsley is a traditional little village on the outskirts of Leeds, with regular bus services to the city centre, just 6 miles away, and Bradford, just 4 miles away.
The village itself has a butcher, greengrocer, local pubs and restaurants, as well as lovely local parks.
Farsley is a favourite for families because of the well-regarded local schools, the quiet village life, and easy access to the supermarkets at Pudsey.
Between Farsley and Pudsey is New Pudsey Railway Station, which runs regular services to Leeds, Bradford, and Manchester.
Average Property Prices in Farsley
The average price of a detached home in Farsley is £586,570
The average price of a semi-detached home in Farsley is £285,811
The average price of a terraced home in Farsley is £238,220
The average price of a flat in Farsley is£140,865
Average Rental Costs in Farsley
The average rental cost of a 1-bedroom home in Farsley is£673 pcm
The average rental cost of a 2-bedroom home in Farsley is £928 pcm
The average rental cost of a 3-bedroom home in Farsley is £1,140 pcm
The average rental cost of a 4-bedroom home in Farsley is £1,311 pcm
Find out the latest crime figures for Farsley at www.police.uk
Find local healthcare services in Horsforth at www.nhs.uk
Moving to Morley
Morley Bottoms
Just 5 miles from Leeds city centre is the market town of Morley.
As well as an indoor market, there are plenty of local supermarkets from all the big-name grocers as well as a good range of local shops.
There is also the White Rose Centre, with over 100 stores, which attracts many shoppers to the town.
Commuting to the city centre is easy, and Morley has its own railway station which goes straight to the city centre.
There are regular bus services to Leeds, Bradford, and Wakefield. Both the M62 and M621 are easily accessible.
Many of the old textile mills and industrial buildings have been converted to flats and houses to accommodate the many people who are drawn to live in this lovely town.
Many good local schools, Victorian parks, and friendly residents draw many families to live in this vibrant and bustling town.
Average Property Prices in Morley
The average price of a detached home in Morley is £399,241
The average price of a semi-detached home in Morley is £249,848
The average price of a terraced home in Morley is £193,667
The average price of a flat in Morley is£114,130
Average Rental Costs in Morley
The average rental cost of a 1-bedroom home in Morley is £673 pcm
The average rental cost of a 2-bedroom home in Morley is £892 pcm
The average rental cost of a 3-bedroom home in Morley is £1,174 pcm
The average rental cost of a 4-bedroom home in Morley is £2,150 pcm
Find out the latest crime figures for Morley at www.police.uk
Find local healthcare services in Morley at www.nhs.uk
Moving to Otley
Otley and Wharfedale
Surrounded by Otley Chevin Forest Park, Otley is a rural market town with a great community spirit.
Just 10 miles from Leeds city centre, Morley sits on the border between North and West Yorkshire.
With cobbled streets, an 800-year-old town market that still runs 3 times a week, a monthly farmers’ market, stunning local countryside, an abundance of local history, and the River Wharfe to spend hours watching the local wildlife, it is not difficult to understand why Otley is such a popular place to live.
The village hosts several carnivals and festivals throughout the year, ensuring you will find a great community spirit in this quaint town.
There are 17 pubs in Otley as well as several trendy cafes and bars.
Otley is just off the A65 between Leeds, Bradford, and Harrogate.
Average Property Prices in Otley
The average price of a detached home in Otley is £670,623
The average price of a semi-detached home in Otley is £327,505
The average price of a terraced home in Otley is £295,334
The average price of a flat in Otley is£227,245
Average Rental Cost in Otley
The average rental cost of a 1-bedroom home in Otley is £737 pcm
The average rental cost of a 2-bedroom home in Otley is £1,114 pcm
The average rental cost of a 3-bedroom home in Otley is £1,395 pcm
Find out the latest crime figures for Otley at www.police.uk
Find local healthcare services in Pudsey at www.nhs.uk
Moving to Rothwell
Holy Trinity Church, Rothwell
Situated between Wakefield and Leeds is the market town of Rothwell, just a 30-minute bus ride from Leeds city centre.
Within the Rothwell area are several primary schools, two high schools, and two colleges of further education.
Rothwell is also home to Oulton Park, the home of the only 5-star golf resort in the north of England.
Springhead Park is a focal point of the town and holds various festivals and events throughout the year, as well as having three children’s play areas, tennis courts, bowls lawns, and plenty of places for a leisurely picnic.
Average Property Prices in Rothwell
The average price of a detached home in Rothwell is £484,477
The average price of a semi-detached home in Rothwell is £264,231
The average price of a terraced home in Rothwell is £204,683
Average Rental Cost in Rothwell
The average rental cost of a 1-bedroom home in Rothwell is £541 pcm
The average rental cost of a 2-bedroom home in Rothwell is £625 pcm
The average rental cost of a 3-bedroom home in Rothwell is £807 pcm
Find out the latest crime figures for Rothwell at www.police.uk
Find local healthcare services in Rothwell at www.nhs.uk
Moving to Wetherby
Wetherby Bridge
On the River Wharfe, on the border of North Yorkshire, is the market town of Wetherby.
There are many local employment opportunities with several large retail outlets as well as the Thorp Arch Trading Estate and Sanbeck Industrial Estate, which is home to many large businesses.
Wetherby is also a popular place for commuters and has easy access to the A1(M) as well as regular bus services to Leeds city centre.
There is a wide range of housing here, from large detached family homes to waterside apartments.
Average Property Prices in Wetherby
The average price of a detached home in Wetherby is £697,390
The average price of a semi-detached home in Wetherby is £381,388
The average price of a terraced home in Wetherby is £303,611
The average price of a flat in Wetherby is£240,071
Average Rental Cost in Wetherby
The average rental cost of a 1-bedroom home in Wetherby is £925 pcm
The average rental cost of a 2-bedroom home in Wetherby is £1,030 pcm
The average rental cost of a 3-bedroom home in Wetherby is £1,475 pcm
The average rental cost of a 4-bedroom home in Wetherby is £1,833 pcm
Find out the latest crime figures for Wetherby at www.police.uk
Find local healthcare services in Wetherby at www.nhs.uk
Moving to Yeadon
Looking out over Yeadon
Just 8 miles from Leeds and 6 miles from Bradford, Yeadon is home to Leeds Bradford Airport, a big local employer.
There is a weekly market as well as numerous independent and big brand stores.
The Victorian town hall hosts many local events; there is a library, and Yeadon Tarn, which is a very popular leisure area with a BMX track, children’s playground, and bowls lawn.
Average Property Prices in Yeadon
The average price of a detached home in Yeadon is £832,980
The average price of a semi-detached home in Yeadon is £340,936
The average price of a terraced home in Yeadon is £267,019
The average price of a flat in Yeadon is£165,736
Average Rental Cost in Yeadon
The average rental cost of a 1-bedroom home in Yeadon is £788 pcm
The average rental cost of a 2-bedroom home in Yeadon is £948 pcm
The average rental cost of a 3-bedroom home in Yeadon is £1,216 pcm
The average rental cost of a 4-bedroom home in Yeadon is £2,000 pcm
Find out the latest crime figures for Yeadon at www.police.uk
Are you thinking of moving to Leeds alone, perhaps as a student or for work? Is Leeds a good place to live for single people?
Here are some essential things to know when moving to Leeds as a single person.
Consider renting a room in a shared house, or flat sharing, if you want to save some money, get to know the area, and make instant friends in Leeds. Useful websites for finding rooms to rent in Leeds include: www.gumtree.co.uk, www.spareroom.co.uk, or www.nestpick.com
Join local social media groups to find out all the best places to go and get the lowdown on Leeds city life.
Consider volunteering in your spare time; it is a great way to meet new people and help the local community at the same time.
Is Leeds a good place for students? The 45,000 students who
study here would have you think so.
Leeds is regarded as one of the best cities in the UK for students; it has great nightlife, affordable prices, and the prospect of work once you have finished your studies.
Click on the links below to learn about each of the universities and colleges in Leeds, and below each, you will find the links for the Student union of that particular university or college.
Just a 20-minute bus ride from the city centre, Headingley has much to offer students who choose to live here.
Prices are more budget-friendly than in the city centre, but you will still have access to some great shops, restaurants, and bars.
Housing for students is pretty mixed here, from large homes for multiple occupancy to many terraced homes.
Leeds Trinity is just one stop on the train away, and cricket and rugby fans will love living here.
Hyde Park
Rental prices here reflect that this is a popular area with students and demand is high.
Halfway between the city centre and Headingley, Hyde Park is perfectly situated for not only easy access to the city centre but to the University of Leeds, which is about a 15-minute walk away or only a 5-minute bus journey.
Burley
If you are looking for a great area with cheap rent, you just found it.
Just a 20-minute walk to the city centre, Burley has much to offer students, with plenty of local amenities including a cinema, restaurants, bars, gyms, and supermarkets.
Woodhouse
Cheap and close to the Uni and the city centre.
That is this area’s best asset and explains why more and more students are looking to rent here, despite the area’s less-than-glamorous image.
Just a 10-minute walk from the city centre, local amenities are not quite so important, although you will also have easy access to Hyde Park Corner, where you will find plenty of pubs and cafes.
Each area has a different vibe and local amenities, but the transport system is so good in Leeds that you can get to any of the universities fairly easily.
Once you find your ideal place to move to in Leeds, you will want to secure the services of a top-rated removal firm to safely pack and transport your things to your new home and new life.
And no doubt you will have many more questions regarding your home move, so be sure to visit our resources section, where you will find a wealth of useful information to make your home move easier, cheaper, and safer.
We hope this has given you some useful information that
makes your decision about moving to Leeds just a bit easier.
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