A Guide to Living in Leeds

Leeds Culture

Leeds is the unofficial capital of Yorkshire and easily reached by road rail or air. Visitors and tourists flock to Leeds for the culture, history, buzzing atmosphere. Or as a gateway to walking in the Yorkshire moors. Experian named Leeds as one of the top five cities in the UK for ‘vibrancy’. This could be due to the large student population; visiting for the eclectic music scene, first class shopping, numerous theatres, as well as major international sporting events.

Whilst 750,000 people live in Leeds a further 100,000 commute into Leeds for business and work every day. As a popular tourist destination thousands more visit and make the most of Leeds fantastic shops, restaurants and range of attractions on a daily basis.

The City Centre

Leeds City centre is a popular place to live. It has recently received large investment by Leeds property investors and developers, taking advantage of newly built or converted penthouse apartments with views of the River Aire.

The fact that Harvey Nichols opened their first out-of-London store in Leeds is a testament to the spending power of the residents. With over 1000 stores Leeds takes shopping seriously and deserves its ‘Knightsbridge of the North’ reputation.

The Victoria Quarter, a stunning Grade II listed building, that houses some of the major high end brands and stores. The Corn Exchange sits nearby, a beautifully converted building that houses unique or independent boutiques. This stunning domed structure is an iconic image often associated with Leeds. Only a few steps away you will discover the Kirkgate Market, a huge open air market which is the largest in the country. With over 800 specialist traders you can find almost every food in the world!

The best rated places to live in Leeds

Leeds has a reputation as one of the hippest cities in the UK. The city centre overflows with quirky cafés, stores and bars and everything is easily accessible on foot. From the train station you can walk within 5 minutes to The Victoria Quarter, The Corn Exchange and Kirkgate Market. Near the station you will find a number of developments including Waterside Apartments and Whitehall Quarter. Both of which are rated as great places to rent in Leeds.

“Handy for walking to work. Very accessible, but bit close to main road.” – Alex, Verified Resident of Waterside Apartments

Headingley and Hyde Park are north of the city centre and easily accessible. There is a large student population in this area as it is conveniently located between the city centre and greener areas beyond the city limits. With the younger population has come an injection of craft beer bars and shops catering to vegans/ vegetarians as well as some of the coolest bars in the city.

Holbeck Urban Village is one of the up-and-coming locations in Leeds. Dubbed the home of the creative and media businesses operating out of the city. With the increase of businesses moving into the area there are new residents discovering the area and staying beyond the 9-5.

Not far from Headingley is the suburb of Chapel Allerton. Filled with independent shops, cafés and bars it is one of the nicest areas of Leeds. More up-market than its neighbouring areas, Chapel Allerton has been referred to as the Notting Hill of the North. Just inside the ring road, between Chapel Allerton and Headingley is Meanwood. With a village-like atmosphere with many parks it offers a greener lifestyle on the outskirts of the city.

You can find out more about living in the Leeds by reading reviews from residents. Click on the developments below to find out more about residents’ experiences and also, to discover the best places to live and rent in Leeds. Moreover, If there’s a Leeds property that you can’t see on HomeViews,  you can add a new listing and leave your review here.