June 17 2021
If you’re thinking of moving to Leeds, no doubt you’ve been drawn in by its cosy feel, great location and thriving cultural scene. The city’s location offers close proximity to major motorways and great transport links to other UK destinations, making it easily commutable to other places such as Manchester, Liverpool and Sheffield, while residents are also in easy reach of the stunning scenery in the Yorkshire Dales or the Peak District.
In fact, research conducted at the start of 2020 listed Leeds as the fourth happiest place to live in the UK after Bristol, Birmingham and Liverpool, with a score of 7 out of 10. So, if you’re thinking of moving to Leeds, but don’t know where to begin, we’ve put together a guide of everything you need to know including:
- Where to live in Leeds
- House prices in and around the city
- The cost of living
- Living in Leeds and things to do
- Education in Leeds
- Employment opportunities
- Travelling around the city
- A handy moving checklist
Where should you live in Leeds?
Like with any city, where you decide to live depends entirely on your budget and location, the type of property you want and the lifestyle you’re looking for. These are our top picks in and around the city:
Horsforth
Consistently named as one of the best places to live in Yorkshire Horsforth is a suburb situated just west of the city. Which attracts families and young couples alike. With its country feel and community spirit, you’d never know that Horsforth was just a quick 15-minute train journey away from the centre.
Residents can benefit from its sprawling green spaces such as Horsforth Hall Park while the area also boasts a bustling high street with some great independent offerings and quirky coffee shops, its own 18-hole golf course and the picturesque Kirkstall Abbey are just a few miles away.
Roundhay
Just a 5-minute drive from the centre of Leeds, Roundhay provides central living with a community feel. The high street offers a great mix of both chain and independent shops and cafes while the area also has a good range of bars and pubs for those who don’t want to venture into the city centre.
The popular Roundhay Park is one of the largest parks in Europe and contains a number of lakes, green spaces, gardens and woodland and offers the perfect place for picnics, dog walking or days out.
Chapel Allerton
Often referred to as the ‘Notting Hill of the North’, Chapel Allerton is a quaint suburb located just an 11-minute drive away from central Leeds, making it popular with professionals and young families. The area itself is charming and perfect for family life with great schools and plenty of independent delis, cafes and restaurants on offer along with a good mix of popular and more well-known businesses.
Shadwell
With its distinctly rural feel, you could be forgiven for thinking you were miles from the city in Shadwell, when in actual fact it’s just 6 miles from the centre of Leeds. The village itself is home to a pub, a few fish and chip shops and a post office while half a mile away Slaid Hill offers residents more amenities such as a dry cleaner, a bakery and the popular Shadwell Tandoori Indian restaurant.
Leeds Waterfront
If you’re looking for a central location with a bit of character then Leeds Waterfront is ideal. With its renovated warehouses and character properties along with cobbled streets and plenty of charm, this area offers residents a slice of calm in an otherwise bustling city.
With everything on your doorstep, you don’t need to walk far to access the huge variety of bars, restaurants and shops on offer while its central location means excellent transport links to the rest of the city and surrounding areas. The best part? The stunning views over the River Aire.
Adel
Nestled five miles from the bustling city centre of Leeds, Adel offers a blend of urban convenience and idyllic countryside living. Its close proximity to the city allows for an easy commute while providing a serene sense of escape, especially with Golden Acre Park a stone’s throw away.
The majority of properties in Adel consist of three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached homes, along with spacious bungalows that aren’t on the market for long. The area also offers a range of amenities, including a cluster of local shops situated along Leeds-Otley Road, and residents enjoy the convenience of an Asda supermarket located at the top of Farrar Lane.
Headingley
Renowned for its student population and trendy cafes and bars, Headingley is a vibrant suburb of Leeds. Still, however, it manages to offer a pocket of calm away from rush-hour traffic, allowing residents to enjoy a little peace and quiet when needed.
In terms of housing, here you’ll find anything from roomy townhouses to modest semi-detached. If you also venture near Kirkstall Lane, it’s worthwhile to consider the reasonably priced and well-kept terraced houses. Additionally, the community is home to the Leeds Rhinos and Headingley Stadium where the team have played home matches since 1890.
House prices in Leeds
When comparing house prices in Leeds with those in London, the average rent in the capital is 145.4% higher, making moving to Leeds a much more affordable option for a range of buyers. Over the last 12 months, the average sale price of properties in Leeds was £257,268, according to Rightmove, while terraced properties sold for an average of £189,487 and semi-detached houses (on average) £256,243.
Renting in Leeds
Leeds rental prices are slightly higher than those of other Northern cities, with the average rental cost in central Leeds £1,610 PCM versus Sheffield’s £979 a month, according to home.co.uk.
However, this obviously depends on where you live, as according to Numbeo, a city centre three-bedroom flat will cost on average £1,606.25 a month while a similar property outside the centre will only set you back £1,033.33.
The cost of living
According to Payscale, the average salary in Leeds is roughly £31,000 a year. Research from the savings account website Raisin UK, which looked at the cost of happiness, found that in order to enjoy living in Leeds, residents need an annual salary of at least £32,308, so living comfortably in the city is well within reach.
On average, the cost of a pint in the city is £4.15, while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost roughly £60 for two, according to Numbeo. So, while the cost of living in the city is slightly higher than its other Northern counterparts, there are plenty of job opportunities, and the salary you can expect is likely to cover the cost of living when moving to Leeds.
Living in Leeds and things to do
In 2017, Leeds was named the UK’s best place to live for culture and is currently in the middle of its bid to be crowned the European capital of culture 2023. With its hugely diverse offerings along with its recent and ongoing cultural investment, this isn’t surprising.
Shopping
You can’t talk about Leeds without mentioning the huge variety of shopping on offer. Back in 2017, Victoria Gate was named the best shopping centre in the world, while Leeds Trinity shopping centre Leeds is also home to a wide range of independent shops and boutiques, with the beautiful Grade 11-listed Victorian Grand Arcade offering something a bit different.
Nights out
A Leeds night out is a right of passage for anyone living in the area and at the heart of the city’s cultural offerings lies its thriving independent food and drink scene. The city offers a huge range of nights out – from lively clubs to chilled rooftop bars.
For those on the hunt for the perfect night out: head to Merrion Street, one of the most famous hotspots in Leeds for those looking for a mix of buzzing pubs, bars and restaurants.
For those searching for something a bit different: Leeds also boasts some great alternative options, from karaoke to mini-golf – you can even challenge your friends to a game of beer pong or shuffleboard at the Roxy Ball Room, or play some classic board games at Outlaws Yacht Club.
For avid foodies: head to Leed’s lively Trinity Kitchen for a range of global street food restaurants and interesting pop-up offerings. Or, if you’re looking for something more eclectic, a visit to Kirkgate Market stalls – one of the largest indoor markets in Europe – is a must.
Eat out
If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Leeds, we’ve got the roundup right here. According to Time Out, the city won’t leave your taste buds lacking.
The Man Behind The Curtain – don’t worry, this is just the name of the place; he doesn’t actually hide. Chef Michael O’Hare actually cooks in full view of diners. Here, expect the unexpected with high-concept dining – it’s number one on the list for a good reason.
Bundobust – with its vegetarian menu and laid-back approach, Bundobust offers flavoursome Indian street food and craft ales. It’s also suggested you head here with a large group of friends to try the Bundo Combo. This way, you can try every small dish on the menu.
Sushi Bar Hanamatsuri – if you’re always the last one to order, let the chef do it for you. An omakase dining experience is where you trust the chef to pick what you eat. Headed up and owned by chef Kaoru Nakamura, this is an incredibly popular place, so make sure to book well in advance.
Home – if you’re moving to Leeds and making the city your home, where better to eat than in a restaurant that goes by the same name? Led by Masterchef semi-finalist Elizabeth Cottam, Home is a fine-dining establishment and boasts an excellent set menu of the finest Yorkshire ingredients.
House of Fu – influenced by Tokyo’s vibrant food scene, House of Fu is the latest addition you’ll find on the city’s trendy Headrow. Head here for comforting bowls of ramen and gyozas that melt in the mouth – you can even enjoy Karaoke after dessert.
Arts and Culture
Leeds is a hotspot for art and culture lovers and is the only UK city outside of London home to its own opera (Opera North) and ballet company. (Northern Ballet). The city also boasts its own art gallery, four theatres, an arena and a range of other venues for live music, shows and other entertainment. It’s also home to the Hyde Park Picture House which, built in 1914, is one of the oldest running cinemas in Britain.
Similarly, the city is also known for its range of art on offer. For example, the Henry Moore Institute, housed in what was once a Victorian warehouse and established back in 1997, is a must for sculpture lovers, while Leeds has a rich street art history which can be seen across the city. Follow the street art trail to see what’s on offer.
Sports
From Headingley Stadium to Elland Road, Leeds has a strong sporting heritage and is home to teams like Leeds United, Leeds Rhinos and the Yorkshire County Cricket Club, which was established over 150 years ago. The city is also known for its world-class sporting events – from the World Triathlon to its role in the Tour de Yorkshire – and is home to a multitude of golf courses along with climbing centres and trampoline parks for those looking for something different.
Education in Leeds
It’s no secret that there are four top universities located in and around the city- the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett, Leeds Trinity and Leeds Arts University. But, the city is also home to some great primary and secondary schools, too.
According to Locrating, these are the best primary schools in the Leeds area:
- Beecroft Primary School – Ofsted Grade 1: Outstanding
- St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School – Ofsted Grade 1: Outstanding
- Roundhay School – Ofsted Grade 1: Outstanding
- Shire Oak VC Primary School – Ofsted Grade 2: Good
- Weetwood Primary School – Ofsted Grade 2: Good
Here are also Leeds’ top secondary schools:
- Roundhay School – Ofsted Grade 1: Outstanding
- Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College – Ofsted Grade 1: Outstanding
- University Technical College Leeds – Ofsted Grade 2: Good
- Luminate Education Group – Ofsted Grade 2: Good
Where to work in Leeds
A leading financial hub, Leed’s boasts one of the UK’s largest financial areas outside of London, with companies such as First Direct and Yorkshire Bank both having headquarters in the city.
Leeds also has a bustling creative and technology industry – Channel 4’s headquarters recently relocated there, creating an additional 250 jobs for those in TV and production roles, while companies such as GHD, Asda and Sky Betting also have head offices in the city.
Leeds has seen a huge boom in recent years in the technology industry, while its Financial Quarter is also home to the largest financial and professional services community in England. There are more than 30 national and international banks located in the city including The Bank of England, Aviva and Lloyds TSB have established their regional offices. In fact, as of September 2020, there are 1,560 legal companies based in the Leeds region. It’s no surprise, then, that Leeds City Council announced plans in 2020 for an inclusive growth strategy to use the benefits across all sectors to boost the local economy and tackle inequalities across the city.
If you’re a business looking to relocate, then a move to Leeds could be ideal. While office space is slightly more expensive than in other nearby cities, Leeds’ working population of 1.37 million and its range of great universities means that the city is home to a highly-skilled workforce, perfect for building up a business.
Travelling around Leeds
Moving to Leeds? Expect to pay around £75 for a monthly travel pass. Whether you prefer the bus or a stroll, it’s easy to get around Leeds – here are just some of the options in this well-connected city.
- Rail – located on New Station Street, Leeds Train Station provides a vibrant hub for national and regional travel. Conveniently positioned, it allows easy access to both the city’s attractions and exciting journeys beyond, promising seamless travel and unforgettable experiences. Get your times and train tickets here.
- Buses – Leeds boasts a highly efficient and extensive bus network managed by renowned companies such as First Bus and Arriva. With over 60 services, buses operate seamlessly across the city and its outskirts, offering a dependable and convenient transportation system for both residents and tourists alike.
- Park and ride – in Leeds, you’ll find convenient Park and Ride options across the city, allowing commuters to easily park and catch a bus to the centre.
- Cycling – a fun and affordable way of getting around, Leeds boasts a well-connected cycle network.
- Walking – Leeds is a pretty compact city with an array of footpaths, especially in the city centre.
- Air travel – just half an hour’s drive out of the city, Leeds Bradford Airport offers both domestic and international flights, serving as a gateway for air travel in and out of Leeds.
Moving to Leeds: relocation checklist
1. Double-check the details
It might sound obvious, but double-checking all of your moving materials, dates and paperwork is the key to making sure you’re on top of everything and don’t miss anything out. Similarly, you’ll want to check as soon as possible when you can move into your new property and when you have to return the keys for your existing one. After all, there’s nothing worse than messing up the dates and finding yourself without a bed but with a whole truckload worth of stuff and nowhere to put it.
2. Don’t forget to notify people and organisations of your change of address:
- Government bodies (such as the electoral register, HMRC and DVLA)
- Utility providers
- Insurance companies
- Banks, lenders and credit card companies
- Bill companies (such as broadband and mobile phone contracts)
- Doctors and health providers
- Subscriptions and pet databases
3. Declutter, declutter, declutter
There’s nothing more satisfying than a good clear out, and there’s no better time than when you’re moving house. Having a clear plan of action can prevent you from feeling overwhelmed and keep you on track. Here are our top decluttering tips:
- Gather up everything you need, such as bags and boxes, before you begin
- Work through one room at a time
- Keep separate boxes for keeping, donating and throwing away
- Be ruthless – think carefully about the last time you wore or used an item, and immediately throw away anything that’s damaged or broken.
If a large amount of your decluttering process involves sorting out your wardrobe, take a look at our top tips for clearing out and storing your clothes between seasons.
4. Pack up your boxes
As tempting as it might be to leave it to the last minute, it’s a good idea to get started on your packing early to avoid any last-minute stress. A good tip is to start packing all your non-essentials a month or before you move and to keep everything you might need in the first few days such as a toaster, kettle, a few plates, cups and cutlery sets in a separate box for ease when you move in.
Go one step further when labelling your moving boxes and colour code each by room using coloured markers or washi tape – you should do this both on the sides and the top so you know what’s in it no matter how your boxes are stacked. While it would be ideal to write each item within on the outside of the box, in reality, this is time-consuming.
Instead, write down some of the key items in each box such as ‘bedding’ or ‘kitchen utensils’ to help you know what to unpack first when you move in. and avoid rummaging around in endless boxes. Just be careful with valuable or expensive items and never label these to deter any potential thieves. For more detailed tips, take a look at our moving house packing guide now.
5. Hire a removals company
If you’re relocating, with so much to sort out it can often be easier to hire a removals company to take care of your furniture and other belongings and to make your move go more smoothly. Typically, when you get in touch about an estimation you’ll need to tell them the date of your move along with timings and addresses, how much stuff you need moving, to make sure you have a large enough van and if you need any assistance unloading or assembling furniture. If you’d prefer to drive your own belongings, or have less to move, you can also make use of.
6. Have you thought about self-storage in Leeds?
Chances are, if you’re moving to Leeds for the first time you’ll need a bit of time to get settled and scout out the various areas and sights on offer before you figure out where you want to live. Self-storage offers a great opportunity to scout out potential areas to live without worrying about having the space to fit everything in. Similarly, if you’re buying a property that needs some upgrading, self-storage provides the perfect place to keep your items until your renovations are complete. Read our top storage unit packing tips now.
So, why store with us?
At Ready Steady Store, we offer our customers three separate self-storage facilities across Leeds, so no matter where you are you can make use of our services:
We also offer:
- Flexibility: if you need to, you can scale up or down your storage unit to suit your needs. Just get in touch with your local store today, and only pay for what you need.
- Updated safety procedures: all of our Leeds self-storage stores offer online registration and contact-free move-ins along with social distancing policies so you can be certain you’re staying safe when you store with us.
- Security is our top priority: we have 24-hour CCTV at all Ready Steady Store facilities for peace of mind while most of our sites also feature high perimeter fencing and PIN code access so only our customers can enter our sites outside of office hours.
- On-site extras: for all of your packing needs, head over to our box shop now whole we also offer shelves and racking to keep your unit tidy along with trolleys and lift access for ease when moving in and out.
Got a question about our Leeds self-storage? Get in touch with our team today for more information or visit your local store now.
