Leeds Neighborhoods

Hi all,
   I'm moving to Leeds this fall and am looking for neighborhood recommendations.  We (we- being me and the boy who has lived in Leeds for 10 years) are looking at Rodley (close to school by bus for me) and some other areas.  We don't really want to live in the city centre and I only *have* to be on campus on Mondays.  Any suggestions?  Furnished would be great, although not necessary- and I think 2 bedrooms is a must.  Budget is flexible, although the boy finds any small flat over 600 pcm absurd.  Any help is greatly appreciated.  

Headingley is within walking distance and quite diverse - that's where we lived when I did my MA. Otherwise, neighbouring neighbourhoods of Kirkstall and Meanwood are options. Headingley / Meanwood border also has the Meanwood Valley trail - a 30 minute walk to uni and gorgeous. I'd pick these areas as you can walk or take the bus and there are cheaper bus ticket options. Also walking distance to city centre - about 45 minutes.

My vote is LS6 2BQ and surrounding 1/4 - 1/2 mile area - good location, mixture of postgrad students, undergrad students lecturers, researchers and young professionals.

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/find.html?locationIdentifier=POSTCODE^1136679&sortByPriceDescending=false&minBedrooms=2&maxBedrooms=2&displayPropertyType=flats&radius=0.5&oldDisplayPropertyType=flats

Rodley is nice, but far. What's your budget? 

Thanks MLG.  The boy insists that 600 pounds is the most we should pay, and since he's been in Leeds for ten years I'm letting him take the reigns.  Is this too little for a nice flat?

Thanks MLG.  The boy insists that 600 pounds is the most we should pay, and since he's been in Leeds for ten years I'm letting him take the reigns.  Is this too little for a nice flat?

Totally fine for a one bed - if you want two, the average is £650, but could be done for £600. You can get really nice 2 bed back to back terraces on the Headingley / Meanwood border for about £650.

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/find.html?locationIdentifier=POSTCODE^1136679&sortByPriceDescending=false&maxPrice=600&minBedrooms=2&maxBedrooms=2&displayPropertyType=flats&radius=0.5&oldDisplayPropertyType=flats

This one seems excellent value but may be a bit noisier, as on the corner of a busy road:
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/property-29281364.html

Where is he? Could you not move into where he is or is it a shared place?

He's with his brother in Rodley currently, and while his brother is a total sweetie- I'd prefer our own place.  I like the place you showed, I've been on Rightmove a few times today and don't know how I missed it.  I'm trying not to be the crazy "get a place noowww! girlfriend" haha, however he knows I'm a nut that wants everything done way way in advance.

He's with his brother in Rodley currently, and while his brother is a total sweetie- I'd prefer our own place.  I like the place you showed, I've been on Rightmove a few times today and don't know how I missed it.  I'm trying not to be the crazy "get a place noowww! girlfriend" haha, however he knows I'm a nut that wants everything done way way in advance.

Ok, that makes sense!

And Headingley / Meanwood border will have a Waitrose by the time you arrive. Also, you have in Headingley: Arcadia, the best place to go for a beer and Jino's Thai Cafe - excellent cheap Thai eats. Salvo's won Gordon Ramsey's best Italian and there is also The Olive Tree for Greek and the Cottage Road cinema. 

I want to try this Jino's!  Sounds fab.    And, thank you so much for the advice.

I want to try this Jino's!  Sounds fab.    And, thank you so much for the advice.

http://www.jinosthaicafe.co.uk/

Super yum! 

And how could I forget Pickles & Potter deli and The Bowery, voted in the Top 10 best coffee in the UK in Headingley? Also Citrus Cafe may have improved as apparently has been taken over by Salvo's.

http://www.qype.co.uk/place/445240-Pickles-Potter-Deli-Cafe-Headingley
http://www.thebowery.org/home.html
http://www.yelp.co.uk/biz/citrus-cafe-leeds-2

If you like charity shopping, Headingley is also fab! 

Sarah - you need a 2 bedroom as you already know you will have visitors - your only 90 min from me ;-)

Thanks MLG- those places sound great.  And Jenn- I agree!  90 minutes is just a hop, skip, and a jump.  Especially, when (not to brag) I make killer enchiladas!    We'll have to have the whole group of ladies over for tex-mex when I arrive.

Headingley's also got Shakey Jakes  http://www.shakyjakes.co.uk/  -  I'd be in real trouble if I lived nearer Headingley!

And to find walking routes:

http://walkit.com/cities/?welcome

I'd strongly advise a two bed, so you have a proper study and guest space.