Want to escape the bustle of the city and swap it for something more serene? Perhaps the appeal of a smaller town in the north of England just draws you in? Well, there is plenty of variety in our list of the best commuter towns for Leeds.
From leafy suburbs to towns with a pulse, many commuters find their money goes further when looking outside the vibrant city of Leeds. Read on and see if you can find your next move in one of these commuter towns.
And if you’re on the move and looking to sell your house fast in Leeds, get in touch with us to see how we could help you.
Bramham
Famous for being the home of the Leeds Festival, held in the sizable Bramham Park, there is more to this commuter town for Leeds than live music. Historically important, it is known for the Battle of Bramham Moor in 1408 but nowadays it is home to a thriving commuting area, a sought-after primary school and a couple of excellent local pubs.
For the commuter, it takes around 45 minutes to get to Leeds city centre, but up to 30 minutes via the M1 and A64. Want to get to the beautiful city of York, too? It’s only a 24-minute drive away.
Burley
Less than two miles away from Leeds, Burley is just 1.6 miles away. Driving should take no longer than 11 minutes on an average day to the city centre but there is also a train station for commuters who want to avoid parking.
Housing costs are modest and Burley’s known as being a good place to live if you still want a bit of the hustle and bustle within proximity. Home to luxury student rooms, with plenty of amenities such as shops, retail parks, and bars, locals will never be short of something to do.
Chapel Allerton
It sounds pretty, and it is. Chapel Allerton was named one of the best places to live in the North in 2021, and it wasn’t the first time. This was by the Sunday Times who labelled it their favourite corner of Leeds… high praise indeed!
Well-connected to Leeds via public transport, and with enough major employers close-by, ensuring it remains a thriving area, there are plenty of 1 to 3 bedroom properties for professionals to choose from.
Guiseley
At 9.3 miles from the city centre, Guiseley is far enough away that you don’t feel like you’re attached to the city of Leeds, and has its own identity. There is a train station making the commute easy and takes just 25 minutes.
An Uber will cost more but should only take around 35 minutes door to door. There is also beautiful countryside nearby, making it a great escape for those who like the rural life but work in Leeds. Close to the Yorkshire Dales, there are plenty of opportunities for picturesque walks and picnic spots near Guiseley.
Harrogate
When you think of Harrogate, most people recall the beautiful parks and gardens and stunning scenery. But there are also plenty of restaurants and cafes, entertainment, and a commuter-friendly distance to Leeds.
The quickest train can take as little as 29 minutes to get to the big city, and driving won’t take much longer than 40 minutes.
Horsforth
Just over 5 miles from Leeds is Horsforth, a popular commuter town for Leeds. It is often listed as the number one place to live in Leeds, and the commutability to the city centre is a bonus.
Horsforth has a train station, getting you to Leeds in 20 minutes. However, driving only takes a couple of minutes longer, plus there are plenty of buses around Horsforth to take you there. With desirable schools, cafes, parks, and plenty of shops, this pretty town has enough of a buzz to make you forget the city when you’re not there.
Ilkley
A spa town is always going to be popular, and with Ilkley Moor in the area, walkers are never going to be short of activities. A popular place with young professionals and families due to the reasonable property prices and excellent commuter links.
It is another town with its own railway station which gets to Leeds in around 30 minutes. Driving takes a little longer, but many will find the 40-minute commute to be well worth the reward of living in Ilkley.
Kirkstall
Kirkstall is just 2.7 miles from Leeds city centre and boasts a train station which gets commuters into the city within 10 minutes. Already a popular place to live, Kirkstall does have a suburban vibe to it, but is close to Leeds.
There are plenty of pubs and restaurants to mean you don’t need to venture back into the city after work, as well as the Kirkstall Bridge shopping park with well-known brands aplenty. Some of the houses have been described as ‘Tardis-like’ because they are bigger on the inside than they look, and there is also a cinema in the area for movie buffs (or a date night).
Menston
Menston neighbours Guisely and can be found around 11 miles outside of Leeds. The town has a reputation for being a safe area with a village feel and plenty of green spaces to make it a picturesque place to live.
Expect the commute to take around 40 minutes by car and young families will be drawn to the outstanding school of St. Marys. To add to the ‘community feel’, Menston has an array of excellent shops selling local produce in the farm shops.
North Rigton
A small village just north of Leeds is the Harrogate District area of North Rigton. One for the outdoor adventurers, Almscliffe Crag is close by and is known for being one of the UK’s best rock climbing locations.
For those less adventurous, the 30-minute commute to Leeds may still appeal, and the nearest station is Weeton. Think cottages and plenty of semi-detached houses with plenty of postcard-worthy corners to choose from.
Slaithwaite
A vibrant village known for its independent feel, there are plenty of pubs and restaurants that stay clear of the usual chain-fare here. There is a train station in Slaithwaite, connecting it to Leeds in 36 minutes and Manchester directly in just 42 minutes.
Driving will take around 35 minutes to get to Leeds on an average day. Slaithwate is known for being the only village in England that has a canal and a main street that runs side by side, and was named the best place to live in the North and Northeast in 2022.
Sowerby Bridge
A market town that is not quite as well-known… but this can be a good thing. House prices are reasonable and although it is a former industrial town, there are plenty of thriving restaurants and pubs in the high street.
A train station connects Sowerby Bridge to the big city, making it one of the best commuter towns for Leeds where you still get the full village experience. Driving from Sowerby Bridge to Leeds city centre takes around 37 minutes.
Wetherby
Another popular market town, Wetherby is often among the top places to live in Northern England.
A quaint town by the River Wharfe, it is close to the North Yorkshire border and offers plenty of shopping and entertainment for somewhere so picturesque. Leeds city centre can be reached in 40 minutes, and there is a bus that can take a little over an hour.
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