The vibrant city of Leeds is widely recognised for its thriving arts scene and rich musical offerings. The city is renowned for its multicultural character and rich educational resources, attracting countless students from various backgrounds. The perfect mix of city and countryside makes Leeds a desirable place to live, along with a lively nightlife and a wide range of bars and restaurants. In addition, the city’s easy access to transport networks also adds to the city’s appeal. With around 70,000 students, Leeds is one of the most popular student cities in the UK. Considered a cheap city to live in, housing and entertainment, Leeds is home to a colourful student nightlife. Here is a guide to the best places to live in Leeds.
Is Leeds a Nice Place to Live?
Leeds, the largest city in Yorkshire, England and the fastest-growing economy in the country, has always been a nice place to live. Recently, Leeds was once again recognised by The Sunday Times as one of the UK’s most liveable cities in 2024 and has been described as ‘the jewel of the North and North East of England’. Leeds is an ideal place to enjoy good pay and a good life, with the highest salary levels outside of London, an economic and financial centre in the UK, and the city’s five universities providing a constant source of new life. Leeds is also the only city outside London to have its own opera, ballet and theatre companies. Economically, educationally and culturally, Leeds demonstrates its unique charm and appeal. Leeds provides its citizens with a more pleasant living environment while promoting sustainable urban development. There are many suitable student housing in Leeds, from semi-rural suburbs to the city centre district, and you can find many of the best places to live.
Best Places to Live in Leeds
City Centre
While there are many best places to live in Leeds, the city centre is the preferred choice for young people looking for convenience and excitement. One of the main reasons Leeds city centre is so popular is its central location. Many shopping malls, restaurants, markets, and theatres are within walking distance, which makes it ideal for young professionals or those who work in the city centre.
There is a wide range of student flats and hotels in the city centre, but it is important to note that accommodation in the city centre is more expensive than in other parts of Leeds. The surrounding area is full of amenities and lively landmarks. The Trinity Shopping Centre in Leeds city centre is a great place to visit, with a wide range of famous brands that will satisfy your shopping cravings! For everyday supermarket shopping, living in the city centre couldn’t be more convenient, with one large supermarket, Morrisons, as well as a number of other smaller supermarkets in and around the city centre, such as the Co-op and Tesco Metro, for everyday essentials. With the iconic Leeds City Hall and the picturesque Kirkgate Market also in the area, you can enjoy the convenience of living in the city centre.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park, located on the University of Leeds campus’s north side, is a popular accommodation choice for many students and is only a 10 to 20-minute walk from the campus. In addition to being in a great location, Hyde Park is also close to a number of cheap student flats, making it easy for students to find a room of their choice. If you choose to share a room, it’s even more affordable! However, students should be aware that many shared houses only offer long-term rentals, so those who want to rent a room for a shorter period may have to pay a relatively high fee.
Many students choose to live here because of the excellent transport links and the comfortable living environment. There are many supermarkets, such as Abu Bakr, where students can buy many unavailable ingredients in UK supermarkets. In addition, the entertainment life here is also famously interesting:
- Royal Park Pub and Hyde Park Pub are treasured places where many students choose to meet with friends.
- Brudenell Social Club and Hyde Park Book Club often organise a variety of performances and activities and are the resident places of many stand-up comedians and music fans.
- Independent cafes such as Oranise cafe for brunch are also super famous.
Headingley
Headingley is home to Leeds Beckett University Headingley Campus and is known for its elegant Victorian architecture. Students living in Headingley will usually cycle or take the bus to campus, or the city centre, and rents in Headingley are roughly the same as in Hyde Park. Students can also choose from relatively modern student flats, such as The Pavilion, which have different prices for different room types and cost from £188 per week.
Headingley is home to many of Leeds’ traditional pubs, such as the Headingley Taps. It also has a stadium that regularly hosts major events such as rugby and cricket matches. The area also has many quaint grocery shops, a good range of fruit and vegetable shops, and good-value restaurants! This is the place to be if you want to taste authentic British local life.
Burley
Burley is located between Kirkstall Abbey and Hyde Park on the west side of Leeds. The quaint neighbourhood is away from the hustle and bustle of the city and offers a relaxed lifestyle that attracts young professionals, families and students. Burley is ideally located for students, with easy access to the Burley Park train station and a wide range of independent shops, cafes and restaurants, creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Friendly and welcoming atmosphere. In addition, Burley Park provides a place to relax and have fun, where children can be taken to unwind and is a great place for residents to get some fresh air.
Woodhouse
Located close to the University and the city centre, Woodhouse is one of the best places to live in Leeds. Woodhouse offers a wealth of local amenities to cater for all the daily needs of its residents. Independent cafes, cosy pubs, and various restaurants line the streets, providing plenty of dining and socialising options. One of Woodhouse’s standout features is Woodhouse Moor, a large and beautiful park that serves as the community’s green oasis. As a residential area, life here is superbly comfortable, pleasant and quiet! With a wide range of restaurants and supermarkets, Woodhouse is a great place to live for a long time.
Chapel Allerton
Time Out has recognised the Chapel Allerton area of Leeds as one of the top 10 coolest neighbourhoods in the UK. It’s ideally located and conveniently close to Roundhay Park, one of Europe’s top 10 city parks, so you can get close to nature whenever you want. Above all, artistic creativity thrives in this part of Leeds, with independent art space Seven and charity arts centre Inkwell Arts, as well as the annual Chapel Allerton Festival, a week-long event in the summer that showcases the best of Leeds’ live music, stalls, family activities and a wide range of food. Allerton’s restaurants are equally unmissable. This includes George & Joseph Cheesemongers, shortlisted for the Guild of Fine Food Shop of the Year award, with a selection offering some of the best local Yorkshire and British cheeses. Then there’s Nash’s, which has been serving fish and chips and halloumi fries since the 1960s.
FAQ
What is the safest area in Leeds?
Horsforth is one of the safest areas in Leeds and is renowned for its low crime rate. It provides residents with a secure environment and a vibrant lifestyle.
What is the most posh area in Leeds?
Alwoodley is the most prestigious neighbourhood in Leeds. Located just north of Leeds city centre, Alwoodley offers easy access to the city’s amenities. Alwoodley is characterised by its luxury homes, which include magnificent detached houses, spacious bungalows and modern mansions. Many properties boast extensive gardens, private driveways, and high-end architectural designs, making Alwoodley a favourite amongst affluent residents.
What makes Leeds attractive for young professionals?
Leeds is home to a thriving business scene, with opportunities across various industries. It also offers a lively nightlife, diverse dining options, and an exciting cultural scene. Popular areas for young professionals include Headingley, Chapel Allerton, and Hyde Park.
