Moving to… Leeds
Leeds is a former mill town that now stands as one of the most vibrant cities in the UK. It has transformed into a property hotspot with a thriving cultural scene, several universities and enviable shopping locations, from boutiques to malls. Here, we’re taking a deeper dive into the city for anyone interested in moving to Leeds, from house prices to the cost of living and more.
A brief history of Leeds
A small manorial borough in the 13th century, Leeds grew into a major centre for production and trading by the 17th and 18th centuries. In 1893 it was awarded city status and is now the largest settlement in the region of Yorkshire.
Where is Leeds
Leeds is a city in the county of West Yorkshire, lying in the valley of the River Aire. It’s located in the Yorkshire and the Humber region, around 30 miles from York and 45 miles from Manchester. It’s 169 miles northwest of London.
Moving to Leeds
You will find a good selection of housing types in Leeds, whether your property search is in the city centre or suburbs. Expect to find mews and terraced houses, as well as period homes and brand-new developments.
Buying in Leeds
The average sold price in Leeds is £279,468, which is lower than the UK national average of £329,547. Expect to pay an average of £397,209 for a detached home, £204,571 for a terraced house and £140,619 for an apartment.
There’s a varied selection of estate and letting agents in Leeds, with chain and independent options available to help you find a home.
Renting in Leeds
One-bedroom homes rent for an average of £765 per month in Leeds, with two-bedroom properties fetching in the region of £955 per month. For larger homes, expect to pay an average of £1,195 per month.
Cost of living
If you’re moving to Leeds, you can expect to pay similar prices to the UK national average for everyday living. A meal for one person is around £12, while a cappuccino and a pint of milk cost about £3.16p and 88p respectively.
Utility bills are much higher than the national average (UK average £155) in Leeds, at around £205 per month for electricity, heating, cooling, water and waste disposal. Expect to pay around £31 per month for broadband.
Living in Leeds
Open spaces
If you’re seeking open spaces, visit Roundhay Park with its 700-plus acres of woodland, gardens and lakes. Nearby Yorkshire Dales is also a popular destination for anyone looking to get back to nature and enjoy a day trip out and about.
Transport links
Leeds train station provides services to other cities, like Manchester, London and Liverpool. Drivers benefit from easy access to the M1 and M62 motorways, while anyone flying abroad is just 30 minutes from Leeds Bradford International Airport.
Shopping
Leeds is known for its shopping, and there several shopping centres selling everything from high-street brands to independent items. Trinity Leeds and Victoria Leeds are both popular spots, while Kirkgate Market is one of the largest covered markets in Europe.
Eateries
The city offers an eclectic dining scene and caters for all occasions. With British menus with chargrilled dishes in sleek industrial restaurant settings.
Nightlife
With several universities, it won’t be surprising to learn that Leeds has a buzzing nightlife scene. Venues with big-name DJs playing indie, rock and alternative dance. There are also many bars and pubs located throughout the city.
Art & culture
Visit Leeds Art Gallery with its many exhibitions and galleries. Or pop into The Tetley to discover modern and contemporary art. If you want to learn more about the city and further afield, Leeds Museum has six galleries detailing both local and global history. There’s even an Egyptian mummy.
Things to do
Leeds has its fair share of fun things to do, from cultural activities to sporting events. The Leeds Festival takes place once a year and attracts some of the biggest names in music. Leeds is also a one-club football city, and a trip to Elland Road to watch Leeds play in the Premier League can be enjoyed by everyone.
What’s not to like?
There’s no tram service, which may put off some looking for a more connected city. However, plenty of walking trails mean it’s easy to get around.
Who lives there?
Leeds has a population of more than 793,000 and a median age of 38.
Typical broadband speeds
The average broadband speed is 95mbps in Leeds, which is much higher than the UK national average of 67mbps.
Crime rates
The overall crime rate in Leeds averages around 127 crimes per 1,000 people.
Moving to Leeds
Move iQ’s property report provides an in-depth analysis of specific properties as well as details about the local area of Leeds. If you’re thinking of moving, make sure you get one first!
Last Updated: November 1st, 2024
