Leeds and Yorkshire (best and avoidable areas to live)

Rachel2016

Hi, I am saving and looking to buy a 2 bed flat in Leeds in around 2-3 years times.
I have only ever lived in the South East (Kent) so I do not know much about Leeds, I've heard of some of the best areas to live, are there any areas to avoid?
I also love Yorkshire, are there any best areas there? (And areas to not live)...
I am moving there alone, with absolutely no local family or friends, so I am hoping to find a reasonably popular, lively area to make new friends, good amount of jobs available, countryside, local towns, sightseeing (museums, etc) and most of all a safe area with low crime rate.

Rachel

starsnspikes

Hi Rachel,

I'm from Leeds, and i can give you a very rough idea of nice areas to live in although this is probably quite subjective based on my own experience. I also don't want to do a disservice to those living in other areas. That said, north and north west Leeds is a good bet, including Headingley, Horsforth, Rawdon, Guiseley, Roundhay, Alwoodley, Chapel Allerton, Moortown. Depends how near to the city you want to be...for example Guiseley is 9 miles out in the suburbs but only a 12 minute journey by train. Chapel Allerton is a nice area with plenty of cafes and bars. Roundhay has a huge park and is only ten mins or so from the centre. However, property in the places I've just listed tends to be quite pricey.

Areas of higher crime where property would be much cheaper are the inner city areas such as Harehills, Seacroft, Burmantofts (in the east), Beeston, Holbeck, Middleton (south), and to a lesser extent Armley, Bramley (west). Kirkstall is a mixed bag, some not great areas, quite a few students, good points are that it has decent amenities and close to the centre. Possibly worth checking out Kirkstall Forge which is currently under construction (Google it).

Bear in mind that these are sweeping generalisations about areas based partly on personal preference (but I also do a job that involves working across the city so I have a relatively good knowledge of different areas). An area to definitely consider is Headingley, lots of students and young professionals. Good access to city centre and loads of shops and bars.

Based on the fact that you'd be living alone and starting out with no local network, I'd suggest starting by looking at somewhere like Headingley or Chapel Allerton. Alternatively you could look in the city centre, if that's your thing.

If you're looking wider than just Leeds then it's hard to suggest places without producing a huge list, as Yorkshire is a massive area. I could suggest areas that are further out than Leeds and more suburban/nearer to countryside but they'd maybe be less suitable for someone relocating to the area alone.

Hope this helps, and happy to try and answer any questions.

Rachel2016

Hi starsnspikes,
Thank You so much for such an extensive and helpful reply.
I will use this as a helpful guidance when property searching.
Due to the unfortunate flooding in and around Leeds and Yorkshire I am a little cautious as to where the medium and high risk flooding areas are, are you aware of any areas which are of medium to high risk of floods? Or which rivers to live a good distance from? I am aiming to find a second story flat or above just incase this happens.
Many thanks again for your reply.
Rachel

sew_what

Whilst I'm delighted that you're considering God's Own County as your next home, a couple of points;
Leeds is in Yorkshire - it's not a different place!
Yorkshire (and Leeds) are pretty hilly - to avoid floods, avoid the valleys or alternatively consult a website like http://www.checkmyfloodrisk.co.uk/
Good Luck with your move!

Rachel2016

Oops lol, great Thank You.
I will check the website suggested, thanks!