The 7 best places to live in Leeds

Leeds is the largest city in the county of West Yorkshire, housing over 810,000 people. The city has a great student population – probably due to having so many unis dotted around – which means that there are lots of student-friendly neighbourhoods to choose from. But where are the best places to live in Leeds?

1. Horsforth

Lying roughly five miles north-west of Leeds city centre, you’ll find Horsforth. This cute civil parish is known to be one of the best places to live in Leeds and has a population of roughly 18,000 (according to the 2011 census). Horsforth has been home to many notable individuals including James Milner (footballer) and Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom!)

 2. Chapel Allerton

Looking for a hip, quirky and cosy village-like suburb? Chapel Allerton is where it is at. Centred on Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton draws all sorts of people to its bookstores, boutiques, independent cafes and traditional pubs. By day, stroll through Chapel Allerton Park and by night hit the cultural hub, ‘Seven Arts’: a versatile arts space for film, theatre, dance, music and spoken word.

3. Roundhay

Roundhay is a beautiful residential collection of Victorian homes bordering the stunning 19^th century Roundhay Park. Families frequent the woodland which is rich with wildlife and also the sports grounds which include a 9-hole golf course. Other points of interest include Canal Gardens, Tropical World and Waterloo Lake.

4. Headingley

Known for its laid-back and suburban atmosphere, Headingley sits just fifteen minutes from Leeds city centre. Headingley is dotted with Indian and Mediterranean eateries which are popular with the large student population. Traditional pubs run down Otley Road and, of-course, Headingley stadium hosts some of Leeds most talked about rugby and cricket matches.

5. Alwoodley

Got a big budget? Alwoodley is one of the most affluent areas of Leeds. 5 miles out from the city centre, Alwoodley was reported to contain the most expensive housing in Yorkshire and the Humber by the Times. Some top sights include the Eccup Reservoir, The Donkey Sanctuary and Adel Woods: a great place to spot deer, kingfishers and woodpeckers!

6. Bramhope

Bramhope is a small village and civil parish with a population of 3,400 (according to the 2001 census). The village is 9 miles north of Leeds city centre and is in the LS16 postcode area. Into your sports? Well, the gold/bronze medal-winning Brownlee brothers lived here! Maybe it is a sign to finally wear those running shoes you have lying around.

7. Otley

Finally, we have the market town and civil parish of Otley. Home to Otley Bridge ( a 7-span stone bridge and ancient monument) and the marketplace, Otley is a great place to go walking and settle down. Otley has a diverse range of cultural organisations including The Buttercross Belles (Ladies Northwest), Flash Company and Kitchen Taps (Appalachian Step). There is something to suit everyone here.