About England |
It's a shame that when people think of the UK, the only city that only comes to mind is London. Though there's no denying that the British capital truly is a spectacle of a city, there are plenty of others in England that are just as noteworthy. Leeds, the bustling city in the northern county of Yorkshire, is a perfect example. You can say that this place is located in the English countryside, sure, but the city remains as urban as ever. In fact, it even has the potential to be just as bustling as London. It's an up-and-coming metropolis that's slowly but surely grabbing the world's attention. It's high time people choose to visit or even move here.
Leeds is the second-largest city in the UK after London. It has an area of around 551.7 km² and a current population of 1,902,000 residents. It ranks right after London, the country's capital city, in both area and population, further proving just how much the city has emerged over the years. Things are also quite hectic in Leeds, thanks in large part to its populous urban area and the fact that more and more people relocating here. And even as the city's international community continues to grow, English remains the prevalent language here. Those who don't speak it would benefit from learning the language if they want to settle down here.
It's no secret that the UK is among the coldest countries in the world. At times, it even gets rather chilly during spring. So if you want to visit the city when the weather is at its best, you'll want to come here during summer, around Mid-May to early September. The weather during those times is perfect for outdoor activities such as going to the park, walking your dog, exploring the city, and more. The only downside to this, however, is that summer is also the peak season for tourists in the city. Expect higher costs and more crowds when you get here.
A large population and metropolitan area aren't the only things that London and Leeds have in common. Just like the British capital, the city of Leeds is also home to a pretty diverse set of central neighborhoods. It's important to distinguish them when you're choosing a place to stay. Whether you're on a vacation in Leeds or you've relocated here, the district settles down in matters a lot. Say you're into the urban lifestyle, for instance. You'll want to find a luxury home in the bustling neighborhoods of Chapel Allerton, Headingley, or the Leeds Waterfront. If you're looking to raise a family here, however, the more peaceful residential areas of Horsforth and Meanwood, with their fine schools and peaceful parks, would suffice.
While it's no question that Leeds is a great city, it's easy to think that it pales in comparison to London, Nottingham, and the like when it comes to the exciting things to do and places to see around here. After all, Leeds was never that popular of a tourist destination to begin with, right?
Be that as it may, the city still offers many must-visit places you simply can't miss! A good example is The Temple Newsam House, a grand English mansion that's the perfect setting for a show like 'Downton Abbey.' The domed Victorian building, The Corn Exchange, is also a great place to visit since it's become a popular commercial center.
Overall, Leeds isn't that expensive of a city. Of course, it still depends on where you spend your money here. But for the most part, when it comes to the living costs in the city, they aren't that high. Take the common rental fees here, for instance. You can score a luxury rental in Leeds for a minimum of £600.00 to a maximum of £1,500.00 per month. Compared to the common rental fees in London, these are already quite the steal! Then what about food? How much will that cost you? Well, if you shop at the standard grocery stores and markets, £52.26 is good enough to last you around one to two weeks tops!
Although you can say that Leeds is or is on its way to being just as diverse as London, the culture between the two are still completely different. Here in Leeds, you'd do well to follow their local British customs. This isn't to say that they're not open to different cultures, but that they're still very much rooted in their own.
The best way to go about this is to adapt the “Stiff Upper Lip” mentality. Though it's just a saying, it's become more like a lifestyle in which you face all your struggles without showing too much emotion. The less fuss you make, the better!
One of the best things about Leeds is that it offers you a ton of public transport options. You won't have to worry about getting around the city! You can simply take the train, get a taxi, ride the bus, hop on a ferry, or even go cycling! And if you want a hassle-free commute, you should purchase the city's main travel pass, the M Card. This will make it easier for you to access many public transport systems and you don't have to queue up to get a ticket. Moreover, let's not forget that relying on your transportation app is also a great option!
As far as British healthcare is concerned, you have nothing to worry about in Leeds. The city has many great hospitals and clinics that will gladly take care of you and your health problems. There's Chapel Allerton Hospital, for example, which is well-known for its orthopedics department. St. Mary's Hospital is also a notable institution that has many hospitals throughout the UK, Leeds included. They're the best at dealing with mental health problems. These places and more will ensure that you can remain healthy in Leeds. Just make sure you're insured, whether via the NHS or a private medical plan!
Real talk: Leeds isn't a city that a foodie traveler would feel excited to visit. There are a ton of great culinary hotspots here, sure, but compared to London as well as other world-renowned food capitals like Paris, Chicago, Rome, New York, and more, Leeds can't hold a candle to them.
Nevertheless, what you can expect in this city is a healthy helping of traditional British cuisine. Think hearty dishes like bubble and squeak and shepherd's pie. Don't they sound perfect for breakfast? You also shouldn't forget about their delectable pastries too, such as scones and shortbread cookies. They're the best treats for afternoon tea time or a nice cup of coffee in Leeds!
You really ought to know when the UK's national holidays are before you go to Leeds. Or to any other part of Great Britain, for that matter! When your trip falls on a British holiday, it can affect your stay in more ways than one. Let's say you need to go to the bank to take care of your finances, for example, but then it's May Day Bank Holiday (the First Monday of May). You don't even have to bother going there because the bank will be closed. And if you just want to leisurely shop after the holidays, make sure you don't do it on Boxing Day (December 26). This holiday is famous for its post-Christmas sales and it can get wild!
Leeds is an up-and-coming city in the Yorkshire county of England. It's already the second-largest city in the UK, right after London, so you know that this metropolis is a worthy option for relocation. However, just because Leeds is almost as big and busy as the British capital, it doesn't mean moving here is just as easy.
The culture and the vibe here are completely different from London. You'll have to adapt to the city in order to live a stress-free and fulfilling life here. But before all that, let's make sure you can settle down in Leeds with ease! This relocation guide can help you out with that!
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