If you are planning to move to the UK or to change cities, then you should probably consider moving to Leeds. While not as glamorous as places like London, there are so many good things about living in Leeds.
In this article, we’re going to consider what to expect when living in Leeds, the pros, and cons, the cost of living in Leeds, and some beautiful destinations that you might want to try out.
Living in Leeds Makes a lot of sense
Leeds is a city in the United Kingdom. It is located north of the city of Manchester. It has a population of well over 1 million people. Leeds is currently among the top 10 largest cities in the United Kingdom.
While London is the most popular destination in the UK, Leeds isn’t far behind. Leeds has been ranked as one of the top 100 coolest places to live in the UK.
However, it can be hard getting all the facts you need regarding this city. So, to begin, let’s talk about some of the pros and cons you can expect if you decide to move to Leeds.
Pros of Living in Leeds
1. Night Life
If you are someone who really loves your nightlife, you are going to find Leeds very welcoming. They have a lot of clubs, bars and restaurants to make your nightlife interesting.
You’ll find most of the sweet spots in the Northern quarter of the city. If it is nightlife you are searching for, Leeds has that in abundance.
2. High-Quality Universities
Education is one of the main reasons why people come to the UK. If you want to stay in Leeds as a student, then you have at least 3 universities to pick from.
These are the University of Leeds, Leeds Art University, and Leeds Trinity University. There are also several colleges and high schools in Leeds. Education is taken seriously in this city.
Plus, these universities are affordable. Thus, you can get in for prices that are moderate when compared with other parts of the country.
3. Rich Culture
Leeds is a city that is diverse and rich in terms of culture. Thus, living in Leeds will never feel lonely no matter where you come from.
You’ll always have someone you can relate to. Plus, you’ll get to see so many other cultures. It is simply amazing.
4. The Food is Amazing
As earlier mentioned, Leeds city has quite the culture. Thus, it only makes sense that this translates to the dishes available. You can expect a wide range of dishes from various cultures. That’s not all.
Leeds is also home to a lot of top restaurants. So, you can be sure that the food will be absolutely fantastic.
5. Shopping in Leeds is incredible
If you are a big fan of shopping, then you are going to love it here in Leeds. There are so many high-profile stores that are available in Leeds. This includes Louis Vuitton, Harvey Nichols amongst others.
The experience you get shopping in Leeds can easily rival what you are sure to get in London and Manchester.
6. Great Scenery
If you are a lover of nature, then you will enjoy living in Leeds. They are several parks and great pockets of nature around the city.
They are perfect avenues for you to take walks with your pet. It is also a perfect place to relax while reading a book or with your partner.
7. Great Transportation System
The transportation system is also great. London is about 3 hours away from this city while Manchester is about an hour away. Trains are running in either direction.
The buses are also a great way to commute from one place to another. Overall, you should have no problems with transportation even without a car.
8. Football is Alive in the City
With Leeds now in the English Premier League, football is buzzing in this town. If you are big on football and all the excitement that it brings, you will find this town to be very interesting.
Cons of Living in Leeds
1. Leeds Can Be Very Wet
The weather in Leeds can be a challenge. It rains a lot especially during the winter and even during the summer. Thus, if you are someone who looks forward to a lot of sunshine, you might be disappointed.
2. Small Airport
While Leeds’ internal transport system is awesome, you might find their external transport system quite limited. Leeds and Bradford have a very small airport.
This often means that flights from Leeds might be limited.
If you urgently need to leave Leeds, you can also use Manchester’s airport. It’s less than an hour away.
How is the Leeds Job Market?
If you are planning to settle down in Leeds, you’ll definitely be interested in the job market. Leeds is known to attract a lot of financial institutions. Their job market is quite buoyant.
However, since the outbreak of the pandemic, the job market in Leed has seen a decline. In a post by Yorkshire post, job applications have dropped by more than 17% since the outbreak.
This is an important factor to consider before moving to Leeds. Here is a list of the in-demand jobs in Leeds
Cost of Living in Leeds
If you are a new immigrant or a student, one of the things you will definitely be considering is the cost of living.
First, you should know that the cost of living often depends on your own habits and lifestyle. Thus, people who earn the same amount of money might handle it quite differently.
However, there are a few things that everyone will have to deal with when living in Leeds.
· Rent
If you are a single person living in Leeds, you can expect to spend about £500 on a one bedroom apartment away from the city Centre. However, if you are planning to stay closer to the business area of the city, a one bedroom apartment will cost you about £700.
If you are a family of four, renting a three-bedroom apartment outside the City Centre will cost about £950.
However, you plan to rent a 3 bedroom apartment close to the city Centre, the price goes up to £1250.
· Transportation
The amount of money you spend on transport will largely depend on your choice of transportation. If you don’t mind using the bus, you might spend about 60 pounds per month.
If you use a car, then you will have to pay for gas. This currently stands at about £1.5 per liter. Ridesharing apps can cost you £2.20 and above per ride.
· Food
You can expect to spend £115 upwards to about £200 per person on food monthly. The particular price you spend will largely depend on your eating habits. If you are someone that eats out a lot, that price is set to rise.
· Utilities
Utilities in Leeds include internet plans, electricity bills, water bills, and stuff like that. You can expect to spend roughly £150 on utilities.
As always, keep in mind that the particular amount will depend on your ability to manage your finances.
How Much Do You Need To Survive In Leeds?
To survive in Leeds, a single person will have to earn at least £1000. Considering the minimum wage in Leeds is about £8.72, this amount can be met easily.
If you are a student in Leeds, you might need only £500 to survive. In most cases, students take up shared housing. This reduces the amount they have to pay by half.
The Top Tourist Destinations in Leeds
Thinking of visiting Leeds soon? Here are some of the top tourist destinations you should totally check out!
1. The Headrow
If you are coming to Leeds for the first time, then you have to see the headrow. This is pretty much where all the activities take place in Leeds. At the headrow, there are enough cultural and shopping activities to keep you busy.
In the headrow, you will also be able to take in the town hall of the city. If you find yourself in this city, this should be on your bucket list.
2. The Royal Armories Museum
If you want to take a trip down memory lane, then visiting this museum will be perfect. It takes you back in time. In this museum, you get to see the various objects and weapons used in ancient Britain.
In this museum, you also get to see a wide range of arms that were used in the past. It’s simply breathtaking.
Here’s a list of other attractive places you might want to visit in Leeds
- Leeds Corn Exchange
- Civil Quarter
- Briggate
- Hareware house
- Leeds Industrial Museum
Conclusion
Living in Leeds is a good choice. However, people are different. So, make sure it fits your preferences before you make the move.
