HOW IT RATES

A revamped industrial city, sometimes called the Knightsbridge of the North, thanks to the large shopping district, including the newly restored Victoria Quarter. Leeds has one of the UK’s largest student populations and an ever-changing nightlife. It is also home to the Northern Ballet, Opera North and the West Yorkshire Playhouse.

ARCHITECTURAL GEMS

Two miles northwest of the city centre are the austere ruins of Kirkstall Abbey. This traditional Cistercian abbey still stands almost to roof height. Two Riba award-winning projects in the city are the Corn Exchange, built in 1865 and now a Grade I listed building, and the Henry Moore Institute, a group of Victorian merchants’ offices converted into a gallery in 1993.

WHAT’S NEW

The Granary Wharf is a new waterside village in the centre of Leeds. The ISIS Waterside Regeneration development comprises 282 apartments, a hotel, restaurant, shops and outside space. Prices start at £99,950 (Knight Frank 0845 0711060).

QUALITY OF LIFE

Big enough to offer city pleasures but small enough not to be overwhelming. With the Yorkshire Dales on your doorstep to the northwest, it is easy to escape city life for a few hours.

TRAVEL

Trains from Leeds City station get to London Kings Cross in 2 hours, Sheffield in 45 minutes and York in 30 minutes. Leeds and Bradford international airport has domestic and European flights. A free Leeds City bus offers links to key parts of the city.

POPULATION

717,000, making it the second largest metropolitan district in England. It has a pretty even spread across the age groups, but there are slightly more women than men.

SMARTEST STREETS

All can be found in the “Northern Arc” of Leeds, covering Adel, Alwoodley and Scarcroft. LIng Lane, Wigton Lane and Alwoodley Lane have the real top-end properties, although St Helens Lane in Adel isn’t far behind.

BEST RESTAURANTS

Anthony Flinn, a local man, opened Anthony’s Restaurant in 2004; advance booking is necessary. He has an alternative, Anthony’s at Flannels, part of a funky upmarket clothes chain. Fourth Floor at Harvey Nichols and The Restaurant Bar & Grill are two of the best dining experiences of the moment. For cheaper eats try the original café bar, Arts, or the recently renovated Norman.

NIGHTLIFE

With more than 100 bars and 25 clubs this is a 24-hour city. Majestyk is still the biggest club, although The Mint Club and Fudge are a more classy choice. An abundance of live music can be found in such venues as The Faversham, The Cockpit and CJ’s Music Bar.

EDUCATION

The two best single-sex independent secondary schools are merging: Leeds Girls’ High School and Leeds Grammar School will be known as The Grammar School at Leeds. Best of the state schools are Benton Park School and Roundhay High School; both are situated north of the city. Adel Primary School and Weetwood Primary School are popular.

WORKING LIFE

Originally a textile city, it is now the biggest financial centre outside London. Printing and publishing are big employers; 38 per cent of the Leeds workforce are in managerial and professional jobs, with 10.4 per cent full-time students and 4.1 per cent unemployed.

UPSIDE

There are plenty of parks and open spaces within the city. London’s big names, such as Harvey Nichols and the Elbow Rooms, have settled in the city. Definitely a place on the up.

DOWNSIDE

Traffic is appalling. It can be a bit of a stag and hen night frenzy at weekends and the east of the city has not had the investment it needs.

£160,245 The average house price in Leeds Source: Halifax

4% The increase in house prices in Leeds over the past three months Source: Halifax

165% The increase in house prices in Leeds over the past ten years Source: Halifax

4,160 The number of new homes built in Leeds district in 2006 Source: www.leeds.gov.uk

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