Best Leeds Commuter Towns To Move To

West Yorkshire’s crowning city, Leeds, is the commercial capital of the North with booming businesses, a growing economy, and speedy transport routes. Brimming with excitement and a wealth of culture, there’s no doubting that Leeds is one of Britain’s great cities.

But, for some, it’s not the idea of the perfect home. If you’re someone who loves to enjoy the highs of city life on your terms, before returning to a simpler, quieter, or more family orientated setting, we’ve got you covered with our collection of favourite towns near Leeds. Featuring some of the nicest towns in Yorkshire, we’ve compiled the best places to live near Leeds, exploring the overall benefits of each, average house prices according to the latest Zoopla estimates, and the commuting costs*.

Ilkley

Average house price: £375,227

Distance to Leeds: 30 minutes by train; 40 minutes driving

Cost to commute: £1,272 annually

An historic town rich in heritage and amongst the nicest towns near Leeds, Ilkley is fortunate enough to be surrounded by picturesque beauty, with the Moorside and Cow and Calf to one side, both within easy walking distance, and Bolton Abbey and the Yorkshire Dales National Park to the other.

The town itself offers lively luxury, with various coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants ready for you to explore in your downtime, and an independent cinema, outdoor lido, and various sports clubs on hand to keep you and the family entertained. Whether you choose to settle down in the town itself or neighbouring villages Ben Rhydding or Addingham, you’ll enjoy the benefits of relaxed living, while never being more than a half hour train journey or 45-minute drive from the energetic city centre.

While house prices might be amongst the highest on our list, it’s worth recognising the potential investment value of choosing to live in Ilkley. In fact, Zoopla included the town as one of its top commuter hotspots in 2018, so if you can afford to extend your budget to something a little more lavish, it’s worth the extra expense.

Horsforth

Average house value: £277,078

Distance to Leeds: 15 minutes by train; 15 minutes driving

Cost to commute: £640 annually

Set six miles north of the city centre, between Guiseley and Headingley, Horsforth is ideally positioned for professionals seeking closeness to the excitement of Leeds life without feeling the weight of metropolis on their doorstep. Just a short drive or train journey from the central hub, Horsforth’s proximity to Leeds has made it a popular choice for commuters from all walks of life.

Full of character, this tight-knit community feels closer in atmosphere to the villages near Leeds’ periphery than a suburban town, with a variety of independent bars, pubs, and eateries only enhancing the cosy country feel that puts you at immediate ease. For families, there are various high-achieving schools, for all ages, either within the centre or just beyond the town boundary. Voted a top town for quality of life in 2017, Horsforth really is one of the best places to live near Leeds.

Chapel Allerton

Average house value: £257,908

Distance to Leeds: 10 minutes driving

Cost to commute: ~ £250 by car, depending on petrol consumption

Just a stone’s throw away from the city, Chapel Allerton is one of our favourite towns near Leeds. Offering countryside charm in waves, this could perhaps be the ideal spot for any would-be-commuter looking to keep their finger on the pulse of city life without being situated within the central hub. Faraway from the mania just a few miles away, this suburban town allows for quick and easy travel between work without losing the coveted feeling of escape once you get home.

Ideal for young professionals and families alike, Chapel was listed amongst the best places to live in 2018, helped along the way in part by its vibrant buzz, safe community, and wide collection of eateries.

There may not be a train station within the area, but this is countered by the extremely well-valued local property market and immediate proximity to the city, which can easily be reached by car in 10 minutes or even foot if you fancy a long stroll.

Harrogate

Average house price: £354,970

Distance to Leeds: 37 minutes by train; 40 minutes driving

Cost to commute: £1,716 annually

Venturing just over 15 miles north of Leeds, crossing the county line into North Yorkshire, you’ll be greeted by the charming and sophisticated spa town of Harrogate, up there with the nicest towns in Yorkshire and recently voted one of the happiest places to live in Britain. Ideally positioned as the triangular point connecting Leeds and York, each between 40-50 minutes away by car, enjoy easy access to both, whether for work or play.

If you’re hoping to stay a little closer to home, however, you’ll be impressed by the abundance of bars, restaurants, and coffee shops all within the town centre – and let’s not forget that renowned luxury tearoom Betty’s calls Harrogate home! Alternatively, avoid all sense of busyness and enjoy meandering the famous market town of nearby Knaresborough, the local Yorkshire Dales, or Nidderdale’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, all on your doorstep.

For the family, the area has a proven selection of top schools situated within the town and neighbouring villages, while the sporting offering includes local family-orientated Football League side Harrogate Town, primed to become your second team.

York

Average house price: £296,478

Distance to Leeds: From 23 minutes by train; 40 minutes driving

Cost to commute: £1,960 annually

If it’s city life you’re after, but on a smaller, quainter scale, then Yorkshire’s county capital could be your perfect pick. With direct trainline routes to Leeds, making commuting a breeze, you’re also within an hour of northern Newcastle and the Northumbrian countryside for a real weekend away and just over an hour in the car from a day out at the beach.

Enjoy all the delights this old city has to offer, from admiring the beautiful architecture and York’s famous Minster and becoming absorbed in the rich culture to browsing the charming collection of eateries. Importantly, for young families hoping to find the right place to raise children, York was voted in 2020 as one of the safest cities in Britain, and the safest in Northern England. After spending your working week in the relatively bustling environment of Leeds, York is excellently placed to offer a welcome reprieve without taking away any of the practical benefits of city living.

Whether you’re looking to make the move away from the hustle and bustle, hoping to settle down with the family, or relocating from elsewhere in the country, there’s a wealth of outstanding towns and villages near Leeds to choose from, with some of the nicest towns in Yorkshire each offering an escape from the madness of city life.

Smoothen out the move and take advantage of our simple postcode checker to receive a quick and easy cash offer for your home or uncover the latest in the property world with even more expert guidance.

*Commuting cost is the cheapest annual rail season ticket, unless specified.