Landed a job in Leeds, but not sold on moving into the city centre? Then you’ve come to the right place. There are lots of popular commuter towns near Leeds that will enable you to escape the bustle of the city, while still being close to the action. Plus, many people find they get more for their money when looking slightly further afield. But which spot is best for you?
From bustling market towns to leafy suburbs, read on for 11 of the best commuter towns in Leeds and the surrounding areas. We’ll also provide a breakdown of average house prices and commuting times, alongside the fastest way to sell your current home. Let’s get started!
11 of the best commuter towns near Leeds
Chapel Allerton
Dubbed one of the UK’s coolest neighbourhoods by Time Out Magazine, Chapel Allerton is amongst the top-rated commuter towns in Leeds. Full of independent shops, bars and cafés, this trendy spot is just 3 miles outside the city. Yet its various community initiatives and artsy vibe offer a more relaxed feel for families and working professionals. Plus, although there’s no train station, Leeds city centre is just a short drive away and buses run every 10 minutes.
Average house price: £300,458 (with plenty of semi-detached homes for families)
Farsley
If you’re after an affordable area with a short commute to Leeds, then Farsley could be the answer. This up and coming town 6 miles to the west of the city centre has everything you need, including supermarkets, schools, gyms, salons and parks. There’s also a number of good pubs and restaurants serving everything from Turkish dishes to wood-fired pizzas. By car, you can reach the middle of Leeds within 20 minutes, or you can catch the bus instead.
Average house price: £239,804 (a quieter and more budget-friendly suburb)
Guiseley
9.3 miles from the city centre, this commuter town near Leeds offers the best of both worlds. The Dales are only a stone’s throw away for weekend adventures, yet the local train station makes the journey into Leeds just 20 minutes long. Guiseley also has its own leisure centre with pool, a community theatre, two retail parks and new bars and cafés appearing all the time. There are several good schools and Leeds-Bradford Airport is only a 10 minute drive.
Average house price: £315,055 (considerably lower than neighbouring Ilkley)
Harrogate
Known for its beautiful parks and gardens, boutique quarter and renowned Betty’s tearoom, Harrogate is located 16 miles north of Leeds. This pretty spa town has also been ranked one of the happiest places to live in Britain in a recent survey. And, despite being in a separate county, it’s just a 40 minutes from Leeds via road or train, so we just had to add it to our list!
Average house price: £404,496 (though several premium areas have pushed this up!)
Horsforth
Just 5 miles from the city centre, you’ll find Horsforth. This popular commuter town in Leeds frequently tops lists of the best neighbourhoods in the area. And given its high-performing schools, array of cafés and plentiful green spaces, it’s really no surprise. It’s also close to Leeds Trinity University and the airport for convenience, and buses run into Leeds every 15 minutes. Alternatively, the train takes just 20 minutes or driving will set you back half an hour.
Average house price: £334,627 (a mix of central terraces and larger semis further out)
Ilkley
Winner of the Sunday Times’s Best Place to Live in the UK accolade for 2022, Ilkley is both practical and picturesque. Nestled at the foot of Ilkley Moor in Wharfedale, this historic spa town’s surrounding countryside is popular for walking, cycling and rock climbing.
Its thriving high street with upmarket shops is another draw, as are its top schools, regular events and many restaurants. And even though it’s only 30 minutes from Leeds via rail, Ilkley feels a world away from busy city life. This makes it a perfect rural retreat for local commuters.
Average house price: £536,439 (sought-after location – much higher than the city’s average)
Kirkstall
Searching for somewhere that offers a short commute to Leeds and bags of charm? Kirkstall is less than 3 miles from the city centre, with direct train journeys taking just 10 minutes. In addition, the town is home to an impressive abbey ruin, local nature reserve and an award-winning chip shop. Not to mention several cosy pubs, a state-of-the-art leisure centre and pretty canals. It also attracts students and graduates due to its proximity to the university.
Average house price: £221,098 (mostly new builds and terraces – many larger than it seems!)
Morley
Just 5 miles south of Leeds, this Victorian market town was overlooked by many young professionals up until recently. However, thanks to recent Government investment, Morley is now well and truly on the map. Going forward, residents can expect improved green spaces, new learning centres and more rail connections to nearby towns. Trains take just 20 minutes to reach Leeds, and there’s a large retail park and public gardens to explore in your free time.
Average house price: £210,114 (a great option for first time buyers and young families)
Otley
Recently highlighted as one of the best areas to invest in the UK, Otley is home to cobbled streets, independent shops and regular farmer’s markets. It also boasts one the area’s best performing schools – Prince Henry’s Grammar. Nearby, you can enjoy scenic hikes up the Chevin or even wander over the border into North Yorkshire. Meanwhile, Leeds’s booming city centre is just over half an hour away by car or around 50 minutes via the X84 bus.
Average house price: £358,437 (up and coming area – good for working families)
Sowerby Bridge
If you’re happy to venture further afield, Sowerby Bridge is one of the most affordable Leeds commuter towns going. Located in the Upper Calder Valley near Halifax, this former industrial town offers quick access to the M62. Better yet, the train ride into Leeds takes just 40 minutes. For residents, there are lots of thriving restaurants and pubs on the high street. This is topped off with lovely canalside walks and a friendly atmosphere that adds to the community feel.
Average house price: £174,439 (plenty of affordable terraces for those on a tighter budget)
Wetherby
A quaint town by the River Wharfe, Wetherby is within touching distance of North Yorkshire. Just 12 miles out of Leeds, this small town has a host of independent shops, traditional pubs and a small cinema. There’s also a popular fish and chip restaurant, plus a local racecourse with year round fixtures. And while Wetherby lacks a train station, it is well connected via road. The A1 is on the doorstep and regular buses will take you into Leeds in as little as 45 minutes.
Average house price: £384,825 (though affluent nearby villages have pushed this up!)
The fastest way to sell and move to a Leeds commuter town
Eager to make a move to one of these top commuter towns in Leeds and sell your house fast? Then you need a reliable buyer who can pay up quickly. Luckily, We Buy Any Home has a team of reputable cash house buyers in Leeds, who could buy your home in just a few days.
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*Average house prices based on data from the last 12 months, according to Zoopla
