Leeds and surrounding area

[kerrymill]

My husband will be taking a new job in Leeds. Can anyone point me in the direction of good area's or area's to avoid. We ideally don't want to live in the city, so don't mind a reasonably short commute. We also have little ones, so schools will be an issue in the future. Thanks in advance.

Kerry

[suffragette]

I have friends who live in a cottage in Farsley, which is part of the Pudsey area, bordering Leeds. They like it there and work in Leeds, but they haven't any children as yet, so I'm unable to help on that score.

[shammydodger]

Well, avoid anywhere which will require using the M62 or M1 to get into work. I live in Mirfield, about 11 miles from Leeds city centre, and if I set off at 8am it will take an hour, give-or-take, to get into the city. How long do you mean by "reasonably short"?

[kerrymill]

When i say reasonably short, half an hour' drive maybe? Preferably with rail links though.

[shammydodger]

Okay.

Areas to avoid:

Seacroft
Beeston (suicide-bomber territory)
Armley
Chapeltown
Chapel Allerton

Roundhay is a nice area, as is the area around Moortown golf club

[flipflop104]

Well for half an hour's drive into Leeds, Horsforth would be a good area, also has train links that are a 10min ride. Is a good area and has decent schools I think (haven't got kids though so don't know for sure).

Anywhere in North Leeds is usualy fairly good (bear in mind, I'm biased cos I'm from North Leeds - Cookridge/Holt Park to be exact). I would recommend Cookridge/Holt Park - (next to Horsforth) as it also has good transport links and is close enough to communte each day (20/30mins).

As said above, Farsley and surrounding areas (Pudsey, Stanningley, etc.) are pretty decent as well. Otley & Pool-in-Wharfedale are also lovely but a little further out. Roundhay has some nice areas in it and a great big park (where Robbie WIlliams did his recent concert) that the kids would love.

Avoid Beeston, Gipton, Chapeltown, Harehills, Middleton, East End Park.... um that's all I can think of for now.

[shoemad]

Garforth is about eight miles to the East of Leeds and has two train stations and an excellent bus service. Train journey takes about 12 minutes. There is a Main street with a reasonable selection of shops and a big Tesco supermarket. Also a good Italian restaurant and a great Indian restaurant - The Aagrah- plus several pubs. There are a number of primary schools and the local secondary school is Garforth Community College which has a good reputation. Although Garforth has grown over last 20 or so years, there is still a community feel to it. There's a thriving musical society and a drama society plus a Residents Association and other local groups. Only downside is that there has been a bit of a problem over recent years with groups of youths hanging around although I think this has improved recently.
As other people have mentioned, avoid Gipton, Seacroft, Chapeltown, Harehills, Beeston and possibly Middleton and East End Park area. Some parts of those areas are probably fine but unfortunately they have a built up a bad reputation.
wherever you choose, I hope you enjoy living in Leeds, it's a great city.