Leeds is the county seat of West Yorkshire. It lies on the banks of the River Aire and is the third largest city in the United Kingdom, with a population of about 800,000. With its four prestigious universities, it is also one of the most popular destinations for British and foreign students (in fact, it has the largest number of students of any English city in terms of population). Many foreigners are currently living and working in Leeds, attracted by its thriving industry and developed financial sector.
Public transportation is certainly not the city’s strong point. There is neither a subway nor a streetcar, so one must rely solely on the city’s bus network. However, there is a well-developed network of bicycle paths, so it is possible to ride a bike, provided that you adapt to the climatic conditions of the city, which are certainly not the best. As for extra-urban transport, Leeds is located halfway between London and Edinburgh, which can be reached by train in a little more than an hour and a half.
Although prices for services in general and housing costs are cheaper in Leeds than in London, the cost of living is also quite high here. However, salaries are also high. Finding a rental apartment is not only expensive, but also difficult due to the large number of students.
The city is large enough to offer a wide range of social and cultural activities. But it is also small enough to maintain a village atmosphere where people are friendly and open to newcomers. It’s not uncommon to strike up a conversation with a stranger in a café or on public transportation. Leeds is a lively city that offers many entertainment options. The many students in the city make for a lively nightlife in the numerous pubs, cafes, clubs with live music and discos. Not to mention the daytime entertainment options: cinemas, theaters, museums, music festivals, film festivals, etc. On the other hand, if you love outdoor activities, you can easily reach one of the nearby national parks or go to the coast, which can be reached in about an hour.
As for safety, there are some areas to avoid even in some suburbs of Leeds. But in general, the city is very safe and you can move around easily both during the day and at night.
As for work, the city’s economy is well developed and therefore offers good employment opportunities for people with the right skills. On the other hand, those who are looking for a general job can easily find a job in the hospitality industry.
Leeds is one of the largest financial, insurance and legal centers in the United Kingdom It is also the third largest industrial center in the United Kingdom with the most developed sectors of chemicals, food production and technology. Not to be underestimated is the presence of the numerous start-ups that have emerged in recent years.
For all the information on how to work in the UK, I recommend you to read the article: How to work in the UK after Brexit
On the other hand, if you want more information on how to move to the UK, I recommend you to read the article: Moving to the UK after brexit
Living and working in Leeds, conclusions
Leeds is one of the most important cities in Great Britain, but it certainly cannot be compared to London. You can find everything here that you can find in London: Bars, stores, museums, restaurants, etc., but the prices are ten times lower. On the other hand, rents in Leeds are cheaper, and if you travel by public transport during rush hour, you won’t have to deal with thousands of people.
Leeds may not be the most fascinating city in the world but it’s a great place to live: a lively and cosmopolitan city.
