@Loics get to Leeds, so civilised now it will blow your mind 😁 We also have the biggest banking, law and finance hubs outside London. Obviously nowhere near as sophisticated as the home counties where nothing happens and you have to get a train into London for any action (I was moved to Guildford aged 8, it took many years to emotionally move on from this). Totally get what OP is saying. It is not grim up north, it is dynamic, full of talent and life. So pissed off that every time I visit family in the south their only comment is how much cheaper house prices must be. Well yes if you want a 4 bed in Holbeck which is the red light district .