Leaving London

[siwel123]

Hi all, don't shoot I know there's life outside of London .
Me, my wife and 2 kids currently live in London and the wife has finally agreed to start looking at other places to live but as were both civil servants we have a limited range of places to choose from.

The options we've been given are Leeds or Manchester. AIBU to ask which would you choose and Why? And also what areas would you live in. We would have a 500k budget for the house so any suggestions appreciated.

That view looks amazing .

I have followed this thread with interest having now lived in Leeds for slightly longer than I lived in the south east, so most of my adult life. For all those who suggest moving to a commuter town I have never forgiven my parents for moving me to bloody Guildford for my teenage years. Going back to visit has not changed my opinion!

The first time I went to university it was in London and amazing but all friends who have stayed are zone 4/5 and when children come along (and even before) after getting back from work they just stay locally. It is dull.

Every time I visit family and friends they bang on about cheap houses prices up north (at the moment the people I know are having to offer over selling price, the market is fierce). They ignore the fact I can get to world class theatre/ballet/ amazing nightlife and restaurants etc. in about 10 mins. Taxis in Leeds are bloody cheap which helps. It is not a cultural desert.

When I first came to Leeds I fell in love with the city, I just had a perfect day. When applying for post grad I ended up here and bought a house very cheaply before the market took off in a less desirable part of town. I still miss that amazing terrace but I now have a wee Yorkshire lass and with luck moved to an area with an outstanding high school. I would ever leave and I would never take DD away from her city. Late DH who was born and bred in Edinburgh found Leeds to be the only place he was happy outside his hime town.

Finally if you want to move to Leeds, as lovely as Ilkey and Otley are, you are not really in Leeds and the commute will be a nightmare. As for Harrogate and York you might as well be in the home counties. There are lots of great places nearer the centre. I suggest you find a school you like and start from there.

Any suggestions for amazing places @willstarttomorrow.

Given everything you've said I would go for Horsforth. Two train stations now, one at either side of the town. Good schools (there's maybe one primary that isn't as well regarded as the others). Very close to beautiful countryside (I can walk out of my house straight into open fields for a walk). A few minutes drive and you're at Otley Chevin, the picture was from the other weekend, and it's not far at all to get to proper hills in the Dales. The only thing that might put you off is that a lot of people do move to Horsforth for the schools, so it's not as happening as say Chapel Allerton or Headingley, which have lots of young professionals.

I love Otley, both for the community (supposedly the highest number of pubs per head of population, and a big climbing scene) and access to the countryside, but it would add significantly to your commute.

Manchester is much nicer than Leeds. I looked at Leeds for uni and thought it was horrid, whereas two of my siblings went to Manchester and thought it was a fabulous city.

I think the main thing I would recommend is good public transport links. So whether you live in a nice suburb or town outside make sure you're on a good, reliable train line.

We moved out of London to a city nearby with fast transport links into London and we've never regretted it. All the advantages of London + a charming place to live and countryside on the doorstep.

Thanks @whatsthatcomingoverthehill. Horsforth is one of our top choices. We looked at Google maps and it looked far from countryside but glad to know it isn't too far.

@Juneau. Thanks as well.just to let you know we have chosen Leeds over Manchester oops. The way I see it is we can get more house for money up north and be nearer my parents. Also we won't be too far from London in Leeds as it's only 2 hours by train.

No it's not too far at all, and is the better side of Leeds for going out towards the Dales. 10 minutes to Otley Chevin, half an hour to Bolton Abbey, an hour to Malham. Even got up to Ambleside in not much more than an hour and a half (on a good run). If you like cycling then it's very easy to get out to pretty quiet country lanes. If you're in Otley or Ilkley you can walk out your door to nicer countryside but it's just the compromise of being further away from Leeds.

Wow great to hear @whatsthatcomingoverthehill.
I think that's what me and my wife have to discuss, do we want to be closer to the city and the amenities it offers or do we want to be closer to the countryside.

As I said further up as long as I can be in countryside in around 25 minutes, and commute to work in around 30 in haply

Hi all just a quick update.
We absolutely love Leeds! Love the compactness of the city centre while still having some amazing culture. And some very good bars .
And the easy access to the countryside is lovely!

We've done a lot of lists, like the saddos we're and have decided on Horsforth.
Love the look of the place, good community and access to the countryside. Still fairly close to the city centre as well.

House budget wise as previously mentioned is 500k still. However if we could get something to 350k to 400k that would make me very happy.

Thanks for the update. Always really nice to find out what happens. Good choice Horsforth Had friends who used to live there but they moved away a while back now. Used to be two schools, one good, one not quite so good. They moved because in the wrong catchment area, so check that out.
All the best op

Thanks @nursy1

I posted before under a name change. So glad to see you love Leeds! The compactness of the city is why I love it too (and maybe the bars ). I've just read that the Domino Club has been rated in the top 10 best bars in the world!

Horsforth seems like a great choice for you. I hope you manage to find the perfect house.

Sorry only just saw the message .
Thank you, yes we love love love Leeds.

We're looking now for one and it's very exviting

Hi @siwel123! Aware this thread is a little old but just to say I live in Leeds with my dh, ds and I'm brewing dc#2 as we speak. I grew up in London but went to uni here and never looked back! Live between Meanwood and Headingley now (LS16)but know Horsforth well as I worked there for years and still spend quite a bit of time there. Please feel free to hit me up if I can help with anything!