Advice for trying before buying in/around Leeds?

[Nutterroast]

I'm relocating to Leeds from London for work later this year - looking for a fresh start. Where would you recommend I look for somewhere to rent that would help me get a feel for the place? I'm looking to buy a small 2 bed house eventually, maybe a nice cottage or terraced in the outskirts of the city perhaps, or in a town/village just outside. But I want to rent for a bit to make sure I like the area first.

I'm 35, love hiking, walking and cycling. Would like to be near to safe green space/parks as I have an energetic dog and like to go for long walks fairly early in the mornings. Walkability in the local area and public transport links are important, although I do drive.

Otley ticks all of those boxes

It depends on your budget, but Otley, Ilkley and Saltaire would be high up where I'd look. Horsforth or Kirkstall if you want to be closer to the city itself.

Thank you @UKreturnee and @EddieVedderSingsToMe I'll look into those. Sorry should have said budget. My max is about 325k.

What’s your budget? The nice houses/areas might not be as cheap as you think.

Thanks! Should have mentioned that! Around 325k. And yeah I know there are some pricey areas. Worth noting I'm also not a Londoner who's cashing in on property and thinks I can afford a mansion in 'the North.' I've rented all my life. Moving to Leeds because I have the opportunity to transfer offices and I love Yorkshire (have lived in York and Sheffield) rather than for the (marginally) cheaper housing.

If you have to commute to Leeds then cross Otley off the list - no direct train line. Anywhere on the trainline between Leeds-Skipton or Leeds-Ilkley will suit you. Saltaire, Bingley, Silsden and Baildon, Guiseley, Menston, Burley, Ben Rhydding. Lots of choice of nice places to live!

For what you’re looking for, you should be able to get something in Horsforth at the point where you buy. A friend of mine has just bought there, partly because of the public transport links (it has a train station and some trains direct to London, apparently).

Calverley, Bingley or Saltaire, Saltaire is a 20min train journey

How often do you need to be in Leeds itself? You could commute in from Huddersfield villages like Slaithwaite, Marsden as both have train stations with trains into Leeds (and Manchester). I did it for many years 5 times a week and it was a lot but now I WFH and only venture in once or twice a week it's much easier. And a beautiful place to live, lots of walks, and my money went a lot further so I was able to buy a house as nice as colleagues who live in Adel for a lot less!

Although there are so few places to rent - it's a huge issue on the Facebook pages here. There are properties to buy though.

Roundhay, Shadwell, Scarcroft and surrounding areas are all close the city (by car, trains nonexistent that side and buses can be pretty rubbish) and might be worth a look.

DD has plenty of lovely dog walks in Meanwood. They find everything is very walkable in the area, and they have nice neighbours.

@furryleopard Thanks for the advice. I'd need to commute to Leeds 2 days a week. Office is right by the train station. Currently travelling 1hr 20 mins to work on the train, 2 days a week, which is fine, but less time commuting would be good! I'd also be quite keen to cycle to work if possible. And yes you're right, there seems to be a real lack of rentals in the outer areas of Leeds.

Anywhere in north Leeds is close to the centre and the countryside. Horsforth is nice and Farsley is up and coming.

Not great for public transport

You could buy a great 2 bed in Harrogate for that
Excellent train links into Leeds (3 stations)
Surrounding countryside and access to the Dales etc
Loads of spaces to walk dogs off leads in town and around

I was going to say Meanwood and Headingley Hill. There are loads of hidden backstreets to live on with access to the Ridge and Meanwood Urban farm and the Hollies it's really nice. You can walk back to the town centre in about 40mins or regular buses.

@TangoinTokyo I like Harrogate but thought it was super expensive. I'll have a look, thanks!

Lots of options given above. Most places have pros and cons, If your looking to rent first then you may need to consider areas close to the general area your aiming for.
Another few options:
Rodley small village on the canal, closer to Leeds no train station but bus to city centre and options reach a station eg Kirkstall Forge and take the train from there. You can cycle along the canal into Kirkstall and the city. From a while ago house prices were cheaper with no station.
Apperley Bridge feels more urban and on the edge of Bradford, although these is open country around, has a park and ride station about a mile away.
Baildon nice large village has direct access to the moors. A train ride to Leeds involves a change at Shipley.

Not for a 2 bed or even 3
search for sold prices as well on Rightmove and it will give you an idea of what comes up rather than just what is for sale now

Renting with a dog will be tricky though

I would rent and not buy there as buying in Leeds will be a depreciating asset.

Why do you say that?

Depending how rural and close to the train station I'd also look at Riddlesden or East Morton, both within a 5 minute drive to a train station and takes about 30 minutes to get to Leeds

Riddlesden is lovely with a real community. And straight onto the canal if cycling to work is your thing.

I third Meanwood (plus far Headingley and Weetwood) given your comments. All of North Leeds is close enough in a car for good walking, but Meanwood park is excellent for dog walking and if you go under the ring road you can just keep going all the way to Adle and beyond. In fact the lengthened version of the Dales Way starts just outside Meanwood. It's really close to loads of good shops and cafes and has a bit of the city vibe missing from other suburbs.