In a survey conducted by Redrow, 64 per cent of Yorkshire respondents said having private outdoor space and bigger kitchens were the top priorities, as well as being near green open space and smaller shops for essential items. And, while many are still working from home, 47 per cent of respondents said they suspect that they will continue to go into the office part-time when lockdowns are lifted – so easy access to the city centre is a must.
But you want to live close enough to Leeds city centre for work but be able to branch out and have plenty of space at home – where should you buy a new home?
Places like Horsforth, Far Headingley and Roundhay are frequently touted as the most desirable addresses, but subsequently come with higher price tags.
However, there are new developments elsewhere in Leeds that may tick all the boxes.
Here are 10 great areas to move to be closer to nature and have more family-friendly space - all within commutable distance to the city centre.
7. Cross Gates
Cross Gates in east Leeds is an excellent suburb for commuters. The Cross Gates railway station has excellent links to Leeds and York, and the area is also close to the A64 dual carriageway and the Leeds Outer Ring Road. It also has good bus links to Seacroft. For a bit of nature, people can head to Manston Park or Primrose Valley Park, and it is also not far to Temple Newsam. The area has its own popular shopping centre and is only a short drive from new retail park The Springs, which has restaurants, gyms and a cinema.
8. Rothwell
Rothwell in south Leeds, is situated between Leeds and Wakefield. The former market town is part of the historic Rhubarb Triangle and has nearby Springhead Park and Rothwell County Park to explore. The nearest station is Woodlesford railway station but the area is also served by buses. It has several primary schools and two high schools - Royds School and The Rodillian Academy.
9. Pudsey
Pudsey village is located between Leeds and Bradford. It is served by a railway station with regular trains to both cities, and direct lines to Halifax and Manchester. It has its own bus station. It was one an independent town but was incorporated into the Leeds metropolitan borough in 1974. As you would therefore expect, it has it's own thriving centre with plenty of shops and lots of pubs and restaurants. It has three secondary schools: Crawshaw Academy, Co-op Academy Priesthorpe and Pudsey Grangefield School.
10. Far Headingley
Headingley is known as a student area but slightly further up Otley Road, towards West Park, is Far Headingley. Students still live in the area but also plenty of families. It has its own parish church, St Chad's Church and the Cottage Road Cinema. It is also the start of the Otley Run pub crawl which begins at Woodies and the Three Horseshoes. It has regular buses into Headingley and into Leeds city centre.