Blossoming with economic promise, a high standard of living, and an inviting community, Leeds is highly favoured as a place to live for Britains as well as expats. Like most of West Yorkshire, Leeds evolved into a flourishing town during the Industrial Revolution, with its flax, iron, engineering, and shopping industries. Now, it is a renowned university town enveloped by the luxuriant Yorkshire Dales, hosting Victorian architecture, modern history landmarks, and vibrant cultural venues including museums, galleries, and so on.
Armed with a mighty £64.6 billion economy, Leeds is a major financial and legal centre in England, driven by education, digital, manufacturing, F&B, and medical technology industries. It is also home to the UK's third-largest expat community, with 15.8% of its population comprising foreigners.
With its flourishing commerce, cosmopolitanism, and lively social scene, Leeds was named the best place to live in northeast England by The Sunday Times. Read on to discover the best places to live in Leeds.
Alwoodley
Tucked away to the north of the city centre, Alwoodley is an affluent suburb in Leeds. The region is believed to be of Saxon origin and grew into a humble farmland in the 11th century. It was incorporated into Leeds in 1928.
Today, Alwoodley is full of red-brick mansions, golf courses, and parks. The suburb is particularly admired for its boundless carpets of greenery, creating a gorgeous bucolic retreat ideal for those who prefer a country lifestyle. The suburb also hosts a range of schools, including Allerton High School and The Grammar School. The region's eponymous golf club is one of Britain’s top 100 golfing venues, and the neighbourhood football team is one of the most prominent competitors in the Yorkshire Amateur League.
There are few better areas in the city for an idyllic, family-oriented setting tucked away from metropolitan bustle. One of Leeds’ most expensive areas, the average house price in Alwoodley is £400,000.
Roundhay
Characterised by its bosky parklands — indeed, among the largest in Europe — Roundhay is another verdurous haven for nature enthusiasts. Dating to the 12th century, these coal- and iron ore-rich lands initially served as a hunting park. It became a well-developed settlement between the 16th and 18th centuries before being incorporated into Leeds in 1912.
The area’s crown jewel is the 700-acre Roundhay Park, encompassing lakes, rugged woodlands, and manicured gardens. It is nothing short of an enchanting wonderland, flourishing with swans, herons, deer, foxen, and rabbits, in addition to gorgeous beds of daffodils and bluebells. The region is also filled with historic mansions and Victorian residential offerings, including villas and terraced properties. Essential amenities and local conveniences are scattered throughout the neighbourhood, with the city centre just a short drive away.
Roundhay is perfect for well-heeled families eager to escape the cacophony of Leeds’ more built-up areas in pursuit of a serene, rustic existence. As one of Leeds’ most sought-after and affluent regions, the average house price in Roundhay is £361,000.
Bramhope
Bramhope is a charming village in Leeds, steeped in history and rich landscapes. Dating to the 11th century in the Domesday Book, Bramhope was once a manor belonging to Uchill, an Anglo-Saxon aristocrat. After being passed from one family to another, the estate slowly developed into a thriving settlement, housing more buildings and a larger population.
Embraced by the verdurous Yorkshire countryside, the village is characterised by winding roads, timber-framed houses, stone buildings, and bosky parklands. Its rural charm is complemented by a range of entertainment venues like pubs, restaurants, boutique florists, salons, and avant-garde fitness centres. The area also hosts seven schools, a few pharmacies, and a wellness clinic. With a well-connected transport network, the city centre is a mere 27 minutes away.
Bramhope is perfect for families and young professionals who want the best of a cosmopolitan city and a blissful countryside. A coveted, upscale postcode, the average house price in Bramhope is around £550,000.
Chapel Allerton
Chapel Allerton is a highly sophisticated and culturally rich suburb, located in the northeastern region of the city. It was named one of the best places to live in northern England by The Sunday Times. Initially an assemblage of farmlands, the region soon developed into a vacation spot for the rich, with wealthy businessmen building second homes here.
Chapel Allerton is defined by its staggering architectural landscape, abounding with Art Deco, mediaeval, and Victorian buildings. Bountiful gardens, churches, and resplendent heritage sites galore, the suburb is a visual treat. Charming old-school pubs also throng the streets, imbuing the neighbourhood with immense character. Retail stores, restaurants, care homes, and an arts centre make up the area’s public amenities.
The locale is perfect for people who find joy in history, local myths, and classical beauty. The average house price in Chapel Allerton is around£300,000.
Woodhouse
Woodhouse is a leafy residential neighbourhood located within proximity of the University of Leeds. It is known for its vibrant youth culture and community spirit, offering an ideal blend of old-world charm and modern dynamism. The very first mention of the settlement dates to the 12th century. An epitome of Yorkshire beauty, much of its land comprised rugged woodlands and forests. In the 18th century, it was referred to as a "large and handsome village” in the Directory of the West-Riding of Yorkshire.
Today, Woodhouse is a flourish of redbrick terraced residences, public parks, busy restaurants, supermarkets, and local pubs. Hosting the world-renowned University of Leeds and several reputed schools, the locale boasts an impressive multicultural society, creating a unique cultural experience. The locale is also served by an excellent transport network, with the city centre close by.
Woodhouse is ideal for young professionals, students, and families who seek a modern, comfortable lifestyle. Terraced homes sell for an average of £200,000, while semi-terraced properties are typically priced around £228,000.
Headingley
Headingley is a leisurely, eclectic suburb, chiefly populated by students and young professionals. The town was mentioned in the 1086 Domesday Book as a relatively vast settlement. Throughout the Middle Ages, the region blossomed beautifully with chapels and cottages. During the Industrial Revolution, with the city engulfed in pollutants, Headingley was a much-needed unspoiled retreat for Leeds' wealthy.
With Leeds Beckett University and the University of Leeds located close by, Headingley is one of Leeds’ most dynamic suburbs. Much like a town in its own right, the area boasts an abundance of delis, restaurants, bars, and other entertainment venues. The Headingley Stadium, esteemed worldwide for its cricket and football grounds, is the region’s crown jewel. Additionally, excellent transport links and attractive real estate are also on offer.
This locale is appealing to students and families who aspire to build an exciting life close to the city. The average house price in Headingley is £300,000.
With its rustic charm, cosmopolitanism, and commercial promise, Leeds’ appeal is versatile. Presenting a bustling student community, a promising business landscape, and a rich cultural heritage, the city delivers on several fronts. Whether it’s the rugged beauty of Roundhay or the bohemian zest of Headingley, these are some of the best places to live in Leeds.
