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Original poster

Manchester or Leeds

31 replies

PerfectlyImperfectx · 20/09/2018 08:22

I’m hoping you lovely mumsnetters can help me. I’m mid twenties, no children yet or partner - I joined when I was with an ex and children were on the cards. I don’t have much family and I have a few close friends.

I have recently made the decision to move up north (from the South East) and am thinking either Leeds or Manchester. I have been to both a few times but only for a couple of days.

If you were choosing between these two places, which would you chose and why? Could anyone familiar please recommend some areas for me to look at?

I have a modest budget from the sale of my property here so around £150k. This is one of the reasons behind my move, I can get so much more for my money.

I have been looking at a few houses. I’ve found one I like in Seacroft, which I understand is a few miles from the city centre and also Crossgates.

Any other suggestions would be great! Thank you

OP posts:
whatsthecomingoverthehill · 22/09/2018 15:05

Firstly, no need to apologise for not being a mum!

I'm in Leeds so probably a bit biased. I love it as a place though. Seacroft doesn't have the best reputation I'm afraid. If I was you I would be looking at nicer areas, even if it didn't give you as much for your money. Meanwood, Chapel Allerton, Headingley, Kirstall are all busy with young professional types.

The other thing is whether there is a difference between Leeds and Manchester for your job.

Original poster
PerfectlyImperfectx · 22/09/2018 16:57

Aww thank you Blush

Thank you for your reply. Thank you for the recommendation of areas, I will be having a look at those. I ideally want to be fairly close to Leeds City Centre and near a train station but I know I’m asking a lot with my budget. I do drive so as long as I’m within driving distance I guess this wouldn’t be too much of an issue. I would like to be near some bars and restaurants, and a supermarket if at all possible. Would those areas you suggested still fit with this?

With my job, I was hoping for a direct transfer to either Leeds or Manchester but It seems unlikely something will become available in the near future so it’s back to the drawing board. I’m thinking I may have apply for a new role with another company but logistically its a bit of a nightmare!

OP posts:
Ooforfoxsakeridesagain · 22/09/2018 17:01

I moved from London to Manchester 8 years ago.

Love it here.

Loads to do, not far from anywhere. Anglesey is less than two hours away for some amazing coastal scenery. Loads going on.

There’s a few threads on Leeds/Manchester if you have a root around.

Whichever you choose, I much prefer life up here. Smile

Original poster
PerfectlyImperfectx · 22/09/2018 17:34

Thanks ooforfoxsake! Love your username by the way.

I’m really torn between Manchester and Leeds. I’ve had a look for similar threads and the one I found was overwhelmingly in favour of Leeds. They mentioned a drugs problem in Manchester which I personally didn’t see while I was there but as I said, I am judging it on a few days.

I’ve lived in London and hated it. I’m now in a largish city in Essex. I’m glad you said that you love it. I’m hoping I will too. I’m a bit worried about loneliness, so I want to be close to bars and restaurants. Also single, so I feel I’ll never meet anyone if I don’t go anywhere lol!

Manchester, I was looking at Gorton. Any opinions? I’d quite like a new build for an easy life due to the lack of partner I mentioned up thread, and there’s a bit development near there.

Thanks so much x

OP posts:
Original poster
PerfectlyImperfectx · 22/09/2018 17:35

*big development

OP posts:
Feenie · 22/09/2018 17:42

Headingley has all the things you mentioned.

Ooforfoxsakeridesagain · 22/09/2018 19:38

I’d say no to Gorton.

Somewhere on the metro link tram.

Original poster
PerfectlyImperfectx · 23/09/2018 11:17

Thank you Feenie. Will check out Headingley.

OP posts:
finova · 23/09/2018 11:18

Crossgates or Garforth are affordable and have train stations (and are cheaper as not trendy).

Original poster
PerfectlyImperfectx · 23/09/2018 11:19

Thank you, will rule Gorton out then. If anyone has any more suggestions I’d be greatful Grin

OP posts:
finova · 23/09/2018 11:20

Chapel Allerton or Horsforth worth a look, or maybe a flat off Street Lane which is expensive but has bars/cafes.

Feenie · 23/09/2018 11:29

No train station, though.

Original poster
PerfectlyImperfectx · 23/09/2018 12:41

Thanks Finova. Have had a look at Chapel Allerton, I’ve heard it’s lovely but also expensive (relatively) Will check out Horsforth. I can’t get my head around the property prices, it will make such a difference to my standard of living!

OP posts:
Original poster
PerfectlyImperfectx · 23/09/2018 12:43

Thanks for the update Feenie. No train station might not be an issue depending on the job. I assume it has decent buses and I drive. I’ve found a job I’d love, it’s in Ilkley which I’ve heard good things about. Although it’s not near the centre of Leeds as I understand it?

OP posts:
Feenie · 23/09/2018 13:27

Ilkley is about half an hour's drive from the city centre. Traffic gets quite congested on the main road in and out. It's beautiful, though.

whatsthecomingoverthehill · 23/09/2018 15:27

Driving to Ilkley wouldn't be so bad as you are going against the main traffic flow, and Ilkley is a lovely little town, in great countryside. If you wanted to live in a smaller place then Ilkley or otley would be great.

Saba15 · 13/01/2019 17:55

Hi
I'm planning to move with my husband and 2 kids aged 6 years and 3 years to be and I need suggestion about good schools and area to live with good neighborhood

Saba15 · 13/01/2019 18:00

Coventry to Leeds

Obsidian77 · 13/01/2019 18:02

I would be perfectly happy to live in either one

Saba15 · 13/01/2019 18:07

Moving from Coventry to Leeds

Cattus · 13/01/2019 18:21

I’m in Salford near Manchester. You might associate it with Coronation St style back to backs but much of it is green and criss crossed with country walks, with relatively easy and quick access to Manchester centre compared to parts of South Manchester. If you’re interested, look on Rightmove at Worsley and Monton. Also we’re only minutes from The Trafford Centre.

I wouldn’t necessarily rank Manchester over Leeds. They’re both great cities with good access to coast and countryside.

Cattus · 13/01/2019 18:27

This flat is in a lovely area of Monton. You can walk from it easily to bus, tram or train into Manchester centre.
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-67004512.html

ZenNudist · 13/01/2019 18:29

Im Mancunian so biased. Maybe get a job sorted in either city then nove and rent until you find an area you like. Manchester isnt cheap. Salford suggestions are goood ones (monton Worsley) see also new development in Carrington and Partington (might be a long time coming). Wigan is on train line into city centre and has nice cheap houses. Warrington way similar. Look for houses on commuter foutes.

How about Huddersfield which us in between both. Very commutable and up and coming.

ZenNudist · 13/01/2019 18:32

Sorry i thought you meant £150k for a house. Are you looking for flats? City centre living is very popular in Manc. Colleague of mine got a 2 bed in your budget recently salford side if manc city centre. You need to move then look for a flat. They go quickly.

Tiredeyes21 · 13/01/2019 18:37

@Saba15 very much depends on your budget Leeds wise, Roundhay Chapel Allerton Horsforth Adel are all excellent but pricey.

Garforth is nice, Cross Gates, Pudsey are nice and cheaper. Rodley is nice as well