Right, I have lived in Tingley and now live in Morley.
We relocated here 10 years ago and originally looked at North Leeds and then we actually drove down the ring road to get onto the M62, what a nightmare
and that was on a weekend, never mind rush hour.
If you are working near to the White Rose I would suggest that even on a weekend you try and drive down the ring road and envisage your daily commute.
We chose Tingley because of Westerton Primary school which has been outstanding for years and still is. We only moved to Morley to get within catchment for Morley Academy, again outstanding, which my oldest child now attends. We could not be more happy with the school.
There is a real snobbery with North Leeds people looking down on South Leeds. I am not from this area originally but for some reason people have very entrenched ideas. Personally I have no view on North Leeds in terms of where to live only that the ring road would massively increase your commute.
We chose Tingley/Morley because of the M62, M1 access and Morley train station. Dh wanted to be home in time for dinner with the children and not snarled up in traffic every day.
Transport wise, from Morley there are buses to take you into Leeds plus the train from Morley train station that also goes into Leeds so teens can get round under their own steam. Buses also run from Morley to White Rose and to junction 27 of M62 which is Batley where there is a shopping complex with a cinema and Ikea.
I agree avoid places like Beeston/Belle Isle/Middleton but on your budget you could afford 2 houses where I live!
Any more questions just ask.