Leeds offers exceptional family-friendly areas combining outstanding schools, safe communities, beautiful parks, and excellent transport links. Whether you're relocating for work or seeking the perfect environment to raise children, Leeds provides quality education and green spaces at a fraction of London costs.
Alwoodley is the destination for affluent families seeking outstanding schools and safe, leafy streets.
Primary: Alwoodley Primary School (Outstanding), Moortown Primary (Outstanding), St John's Wetherby Road (Good)
Secondary: The Grammar School at Leeds/GSAL (Independent, Outstanding, £13K-£16K/year), Allerton High School (Good)
Alwoodley Lane shopping, Alwoodley Golf Club, Moortown Golf Club, Adel Dam, Golden Acre Park nearby
Roundhay offers unbeatable green space with Roundhay Park and excellent family amenities.
Primary: Gledhow Primary (Outstanding), Kerr Mackie Primary (Good), Roundhay St John's CE Primary (Good)
Secondary: Roundhay School (Good, 2,000+ students), Allerton High School (Good)
Roundhay Park (playgrounds, Tropical World, lakes, sports), Street Lane (shopping and dining), Waterloo Lake (boating and picnics)
Adel combines village atmosphere with proximity to Leeds and excellent schools.
Primary: Adel Primary School (Outstanding), Adel St John the Baptist CE Primary (Good)
Secondary: Ralph Thoresby School (Good, nearby in Bramhope), Grammar School at Leeds (10 mins), Prince Henry's Grammar Otley (15 mins)
Golden Acre Park (lake, gardens, nature trails), Adel Village (local shops, post office, cafes), Adel Woods (nature reserve)
Bramhope is an affluent village on the edge of Leeds with outstanding schools and stunning countryside.
Primary: Bramhope Primary School (Outstanding)
Secondary: Ralph Thoresby School (Good, in Bramhope), Prince Henry's Grammar Otley (10 mins), Grammar School at Leeds (15 mins)
Cookridge offers excellent value for families seeking good schools and suburban living.
Primary: Cookridge Primary School (Good), Lawns Park Primary (Good)
Secondary: Ralph Thoresby School (Good, catchment area), Horsforth School (Good, nearby)
Alwoodley Primary School (Alwoodley): Ofsted Outstanding, 420+ pupils, excellent leadership, high standards
Gledhow Primary School (Roundhay): Ofsted Outstanding, 460+ pupils, inclusive, high achievement
Adel Primary School (Adel): Ofsted Outstanding, 420+ pupils, high standards, strong teaching
Bramhope Primary School (Bramhope): Ofsted Outstanding, 210+ pupils, excellent teaching, community focused
Moortown Primary School (Moortown): Ofsted Outstanding, 460+ pupils, near Alwoodley
The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) - Independent: Outstanding, 1,900+ students ages 3-18, fees £13K-£16K/year, A-Level A*/A: 60%+, GCSE 9-7: 75%+
Allerton High School: Good, 1,400+ students, Chapel Allerton location, above national average results
Roundhay School: Good, 2,000+ students, large comprehensive, solid and improving results
Ralph Thoresby School (Bramhope): Good, 1,100+ students, above national average
Leeds' Crown Jewel: Tropical World (indoor rainforest), Waterloo Lake (boating, wildlife), multiple playgrounds, sports facilities, Canal Gardens, regular events and festivals
Beautiful lakeside park with gardens, nature trails, playgrounds, family-friendly cafe, abundant wildlife
Historic estate with Tudor mansion tours, rare breed farm (children love it!), adventure play, extensive woods and trails, family festivals
Adel Woods (nature reserve), Meanwood Valley Trail (walking and cycling), Otley Chevin (stunning views, adventure playground)
Most families have cars for school runs. Leeds city centre 15-30 mins drive, free parking at most houses, easy M1/A1 access
Regular bus services from all areas to city centre, school buses available for some secondaries, monthly family passes available
Leeds improving cycle infrastructure with dedicated lanes, bike storage at most schools, cycling to school increasingly popular
| Area | 3-Bed House | 4-Bed House | Council Tax | Commute | Value Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alwoodley | £1,400-£2,000 | £1,800-£2,800 | £140-£180/mo | 20 mins | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Roundhay | £1,300-£1,900 | £1,700-£2,500 | £140-£180/mo | 10-15 mins | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Adel | £1,200-£1,700 | £1,600-£2,200 | £140-£180/mo | 20 mins | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Bramhope | £1,400-£2,000 | £1,800-£2,600 | £140-£180/mo | 25 mins | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Cookridge | £1,000-£1,400 | £1,300-£1,800 | £130-£170/mo | 20 mins | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Example: Family of 4, 3-bed house in Adel:
Total Monthly Cost: £2,490-£3,000
Required Household Income: £60,000-£75,000 for comfortable family life
3-bed house: Leeds (Adel) £1,400/month vs. London (Richmond) £3,500/month
Savings: £2,100/month = £25,200/year
Sports Clubs: Football (Leeds United Academy nearby), Rugby (Leeds Rhinos), Swimming (multiple pools), Tennis, Gymnastics
Arts & Culture: Leeds Playhouse (children's theatre), Leeds City Museum (FREE), Royal Armouries (FREE), Thackray Medical Museum
Weekend Activities: Tropical World, Temple Newsam Farm, Yorkshire Wildlife Park (30 mins), Eureka! Halifax (30 mins), Harewood House (20 mins)
Excellent library network with children's storytimes, homework clubs, school holiday activities, all FREE to join
Haus Properties specializes in family lettings across Leeds' best residential areas.
Haus Properties Leeds
Phone: 0113 887 7259
Email: info@haus-properties.com
Alwoodley (Grammar School at Leeds, Alwoodley Primary - Outstanding), Bramhope (Bramhope Primary, Ralph Thoresby - Outstanding/Good), and Adel (Adel Primary - Outstanding).
Yes, very safe. Areas like Alwoodley, Roundhay, Adel, and Bramhope have very low crime rates. Leeds is one of UK's safest major cities for families.
£50,000-£60,000 household income for comfortable family life in good areas (3-bed house). £70,000+ for premium areas like Alwoodley.
If you live within catchment area, chances are good. Alwoodley Primary, Gledhow Primary, Adel Primary, and Bramhope Primary are all Outstanding. Apply early (October before September entry).
Cookridge offers best value (£1,000-£1,400 for 3-bed), good schools (Ralph Thoresby catchment), safe area. Adel also excellent value.
Highly recommended. School runs, shopping, weekend activities all easier with car. Public transport good but car provides flexibility families need.
