There are many fantastic places to live in Leeds, which can be a problem in itself as depending on what you are looking for, one particular area may suit your needs more than another.
In this guide we aim to highlight the different benefits of the fantastic areas that we, as one of many letting agents in Leeds, operate in on a daily basis.
We have used data provided by DataLoft as well as the local profile of each of the best areas to live in Leeds, and listened to what the residents have to say, so you as the reader may make an informed choice of which area best suits your requirements.
For example, if you are a young professional or student looking to be near great transport links to your place of work or the universities, you may not be so interested in how many Ofsted rated primary schools there are nearby, although you may be interested to learn how many bars and restaurants there are per resident.
Is Leeds a good place to live? We definitely think so as there are many nice areas in Leeds, so, in no particular order, here is our top 9 best places in Leeds to live.
Headingley
Where is Headingley?
Headingley is approximately 2 miles out of the city centre, to the north west along the A660 road. Headingley is the location of the Beckett Park campus of Leeds Beckett University and Headingley Stadium.
Headingley Local Profile Data
- 57.8% of the population are aged between 16 and 24 which is above the regional average.
- There are 12,123 people living within Headingley.
- 16.5% of households include families with children.
- The most predominant industry of employment is Distribution, retail, hotels & restaurants representing 38.2% of the working age population. During the working day, the population decreases by –12.6%.
- There are 4,172 dwellings within Headingley. 29.3% of properties are flats, with houses making up 70.7% of housing stock. 30.1% of households own their own homes while 50.9% live in privately rented accommodation.
What the residents say…
“I really love Headingley. It’s definitely one of the best places to live in Leeds. I’m in my final year at Uni and we have a fantastic house and landlord, and we’re paying a lot less than in my first year in Hyde park. It’s mostly students like me living here but we have a mix of people like a few families, and older people that have lived here all their lives. It’s close to everything like town and uni, and there’s always a party on somewhere. There’s some great shops here, especially the charity shops, but also coffee shops, and KFC (lifesaver!). Lot’s of bars and pubs too, as it’s on Otley Run. Will definitely miss living here.” Daisy Midgley – Headingley Resident
Far Headingley & West Park
Where is Far Headingley & West Park?
Far Headingley & West Park are approximately 3 miles north of the city centre. Situated beyond central Headingley, on the way to Weetwood along the A660 Otley Road.
Far Headingley & West Park Local Profile Data
- 19.1% of the population are aged between 30 and 44 which is below the regional average.
- There are 6,821 people living within Far Headingley & West Park.
- 39.5% of households comprise just one person while 27.6% of households include families with children.
- The most predominant industry of employment is Public admin, education & health representing 35.6% of the working age population. During the working day, the population decreases by –9.2%.
- There are 3,358 dwellings within Far Headingley & West Park. 44.4% of properties are flats, with houses making up 55.6% of housing stock. 52.6% of households own their own homes while 19.3% live in privately rented accommodation.
What the residents say…
“I’m currently renting a flat in Far Headingley. The location suits me well because I work off the Ring Road which is minutes away. I can basically be sat at my desk in 10 minutes from leaving home. We have Headingley down the road so dipping back into a social life is very easy. It’s much quieter here than Headingley so the location for a young professional is perfect. It’s definitely a more mature population here than down the road. There’s some good shops off the main road, and the massive Sainsburys is a 10 minute drive down the Ring Road, if you want to avoid all the students in the Headingley one. Also some green space in West Park if you just want to chill. I can see myself staying here for a while as it suits many of my needs.” Aiden Stokoe – Far Headingley Resident
Kirkstall
Where is Kirkstall?
Kirkstall is a north-western suburb of Leeds, on the eastern side of the River Aire. To the west is Bramley, to the east is Headingley, and to the north are Hawksworth and West Park. Kirkstall is around 2 miles from the city centre.
Kirkstall Local Profile Data
- There are 8,850 people living within Kirkstall.
- 26.3% of the population are aged between 16 and 24 which is way above the regional average.
- 33.7% of households comprise just one person while 28.6% of households include families with children.
- The most predominant industry of employment is Public admin, education & health representing 31.5% of the working age population. During the working day, the population decreases by –33.1%.
- There are 3,656 dwellings within Kirkstall. 24.2% of properties are flats, with houses making up 75.8% of housing stock. 48.6% of households own their own homes while 22.8% live in privately rented accommodation.
What the residents say…
“Kirkstall is a quiet, friendly place to live in walking distance of the Leeds and Liverpool canal, river Aire and Kirkstall abbey. There are supermarkets, gyms, pubs and a lovely conservation centre and community run cafe in Kirkstall and more shops and restaurants in nearby Headingley or Horsforth. Mainline train stations are again within walking distance and you can cycle into the centre of Leeds (along the canal!) in 20ish minutes.” Alannah McGovern – Kirkstall Resident
Hyde Park
Where is Hyde Park?
- Hyde Park is an inner-city residential area of north-west Leeds, situated between the University of Leeds and Headingley.
- Hyde Park Local Profile Data
- There are 16,322 people living within Hyde Park.
- 66.3% of the population are aged between 16 and 24 which is above the regional average.
- 27.6% of households comprise just one person while 11.6% of households include families with children.
- The most predominant industry of employment is Distribution, retail, hotels & restaurants representing 41.6% of the working age population. During the working day, the population decreases by –21.4%.
- There are 5,547 dwellings within Hyde Park. 32.3% of properties are flats, with houses making up 67.8% of housing stock. 13.4% of households own their own homes while 68.1% live in privately rented accommodation.
What the residents say…
“Hyde Park is the place to live if you are a student in Leeds because it’s really close and there are students everywhere. I moved here after halls and I have loads of friends on my course living really close to me so it’s easy to hook up if we want to go out. There are lots of independent shops and cafes and there is always something going on, on Woodhouse Moor especially in the summer. We can walk to town in 15 minutes and Uni in less so this place works well for us. I’m definitely going to be staying here for my final year and hopefully when I get a job in Leeds too. For me, this is the best area to live in Leeds.” Amelia Paul – Hyde Park Resident
Burley
Where is Burley?
Burley is an inner city area of Leeds, 1 mile north-west of Leeds city centre, between the A65 Kirkstall Road at the south and Headingley at the north, in the Kirkstall ward.
Burley Local Profile Data
- There are 8,633 people living within Burley.
- 18.7% of the population are aged between 30 and 44 which is below the regional average.
- 35.3% of households comprise just one person while 19.5% of households include families with children.
- The most predominant industry of employment is Public admin, education & health representing 28.8% of the working age population. During the working day, the population decreases by –7.2%.
- There are 3,831 dwellings within Burley. 22.9% of properties are flats, with houses making up 77.1% of housing stock. 40.5% of households own their own homes while 38.5% live in privately rented accommodation.
What the residents say…
“My partner and I have not been living here very long but so far so good. When researching where to live Leeds offers everything we require. We decided to move here from Meanwood because you can get great value for money when it comes to renting a house and the houses tend to be large terraced properties. It’s also close to everything and has it’s own train station as well as loads of buses going all over Leeds. It’s made up mostly of families and professionals but you do get some students here, probably because the rent is cheaper than Hyde Park and Headingley. You can actually be in Headingley in less than 20 minutes if you can be bothered to walk, or 5 mins if you jump on the train or a bus. Kirkstall Road is down the hill which is lined with shops so lots close by including the Vue cinema, Virgin Active, and lots of food shops. My favourite restaurant is the Bengal Brasserie as it has cracking curries and service with a smile. Burley also has a park!” Sam – Burley Resident
Meanwood
Where is Meanwood?
Meanwood is a suburb and former village in north-west Leeds, approximately 2 miles from the city centre. The area sits in the Moortown ward of Leeds City Council and Leeds North East parliamentary constituency.
Meanwood Local Profile Data
- There are 17,267 people living within Meanwood.
- 23.2% of the population are aged between 30 and 44 which is above the regional average.
- 32.9% of households comprise just one person while 31.9% of households include families with children.
- The most predominant industry of employment is Public admin, education & health representing 37.8% of the working age population. During the working day, the population decreases by –27.8%.
- There are 7,822 dwellings within Meanwood. 20.3% of properties are flats, with houses making up 79.7% of housing stock. 56.7% of households own their own homes while 20.1% live in privately rented accommodation.
What the residents say…
“What is there not to like about Meanwood??? We have everything we could possibly need at our doorstep. We have bars if you want to meet friends for a drink and a natter. We have food shops including a huge Waitrose if you prefer your honey to be Manuka. We have restaurants if you really cannot be bothered to cook. And if you like walking then we have the world famous Meanwood Valley Trail that goes on for miles and miles. And, if you want to venture away from your doorstep, then Headingley is up the hill, or you can hop on the bus into Leeds City Centre and be there pretty sharpish. We also have a great community here and it’s mostly young working people and families. I can’t see myself moving away from Meanwood for a very long time. This is what makes Meanwood one of the best places to live in Leeds, for me.” Anonymous – Meanwood Resident
Horsforth
Where is Horsforth?
Horsforth is a town and civil parish within the City of Leeds, lying about 5 miles north-west of Leeds city centre. The area sits within the Horsforth ward of Leeds City Council, which also includes the southern part of Rawdon.
Horsforth Local Profile Data
- There are 18,895 people living within Horsforth.
- 20.9% of the population are aged between 30 and 44 which is above the regional average.
- 30.8% of households comprise just one person while 32.4% of households include families with children.
- The most predominant industry of employment is Public admin, education & health representing 34.1% of the working age population. During the working day, the population decreases by –5.1%.
- There are 8,605 dwellings within Horsforth. 16.9% of properties are flats, with houses making up 83.1% of housing stock. 72.7% of households own their own homes while 15.1% live in privately rented accommodation.
What the residents say…
“I grew up here back in the 90’s and then moved to London with work, but I moved back here a few years ago because of how amazing Horsforth is for families. There is so much to do here with kids such as parks and farms nearby, as well as all the bars and pubs for adults. I now work in Bradford but it’s only a 20 minute commute from home. If I want to take the family to Leeds we can jump on the train at Horsforth Train Station and be there in under 15 minutes. It’s has a great community feel and we all look out for each other on our street.” Lucie Proctor – Horsforth Resident
Leeds City Centre
Where is Leeds City Centre?
Leeds city centre is the central business district of Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It is roughly bounded by the Inner Ring Road to the north and the River Aire to the south and can be divided into several quarters; Arena Quarter, The Calls, Civic Quarter, Cultural Quarter, Financial Quarter, Holbeck Urban Village, and Shopping Quarter.
Leeds City Centre Local Profile Data
- There are 24,129 people living within Leeds City Centre.
- 22.6% of the population are aged between 30 and 44 which is above the regional average.
- 51.6% of households comprise just one person while 15% of households include families with children.
- The most predominant industry of employment is Public admin, education & health representing 24.4% of the working age population. During the working day, the population increases by 331.7%.
- There are 13,020 dwellings within Leeds City Centre. 80.9% of properties are flats, with houses making up 19.1% of housing stock. 18.8% of households own their own homes while 50.2% live in privately rented accommodation.
What the residents say…
“A good thing about Leeds is the fact that you can find everything in the city centre. Leeds city centre isn’t big, but that makes things easier if you don’t drive. Everything is within a walking distance and, if not, it’s well connected by public transport. It doesn’t feel like you are in a big city like London, where you definitely experience traffic all the time. If you are looking for something less overwhelming than a major city, Leeds is a great place to consider. Nightlife in Leeds is good too and there are plenty of places to go to enjoy a cocktail and all sorts of music – Spanish, R&B, etc. If you plan a night out, you definitely need to go to Call Lane, the most popular street with a good variety of bars and clubs. I have never been into clubbing, but Revolucion de Cuba would my first choice. The atmosphere is great and I love the music. Food wise, you will find anything from street food to fine dining, so it’s perfect for everyone’s budget. If you are looking for some quick but delicious to eat, Trinity Kitchen inside Leeds Trinity shopping centre is your best option. You can choose from many food stalls that serve Mexican, Thai, American food and much more.” Cristina – Leeds Resident
Bramley
Where is Bramley?
Bramley is a district in west Leeds. It is part of the City of Leeds Ward of Bramley and Stanningley. Located approximately 4 miles west of the city centre.
Bramley Local Profile Data
- There are 28,207 people living within Bramley.
- 21.5% of the population are aged between 30 and 44 which is above the regional average.
- 34.3% of households comprise just one person while 36.2% of households include families with children.
- The most predominant industry of employment is Public admin, education & health representing 25.9% of the working age population. During the working day, the population decreases by –20.8%.
- There are 12,755 dwellings within Bramley . 19.6% of properties are flats, with houses making up 80.4% of housing stock. 56.8% of households own their own homes while 10.4% live in privately rented accommodation.
What the residents say…
“What makes Bramley on of the best places to live in Leeds? Well, 1999 was the year I started my adventure of becoming a first-time buyer. When looking into Leeds areas I found Bramley to be ideal. Close enough to Leeds City Centre but having an abundance of shops, pubs and… might I say, the best fish n Chip shop ever!!! (Daisy) on your doorstep. Even when the time came to move to a larger house, I looked for a property in Bramley. Looking into good Ofsted Primary and Secondary schools. Brilliant for any young family. I would also recommend Bramley Park, it is superb for children and dog walkers. Even better when the amazing firework displays are orgainsed in November that can be seen for miles around.” Joy Gray – Bramley Resident
Conclusion
So, as you can see, there is no particular best area to live in Leeds, as each of these Leeds postcodes offer different benefits, depending on what you are looking for. A Leeds area that may perfectly suit one person may hold very little value for another.
What is evident though, is that when researching where to live Leeds offers so much to so many.
Sources
DataLoft, Wikipedia, Local Residents
