The UK’s top commuter hotspot has been named, where prices are 28% cheaper (Picture: Getty Images)
Looking for more bang for your buck? The UK’s most ‘underrated’ commuter suburbs have been named – and the top spot is 28% cheaper than the going rate for the area.
Just five miles north of Leeds lies Horsforth. It might only be a short train ride away – taking just 12 minutes at the cost of £1.80 – but the house prices here are considerably cheaper than its West Yorkshire sibling.
The averages in this suburb come in at £328,259, and while that might technically be over the going rate across the UK (£296,000, according to ONS data), it’s markedly cheaper than neighbouring areas.
Take Roundhay, which is only 17 minutes away by car but 28.025% more expensive at £435,245 – or Bramhope, where the average home will set you back a whopping £537,503.
The data also took into consideration the local school stock, finding that 74% within five miles of Horsforth have Ofsted ratings of Good or Outstanding.
If a daily dose of caffeine appeals, there are 22 coffee shops within a five-mile radius, as well as 65 bars and pubs and 141 restaurants – all of which contributed towards the suburb’s overall rating of 7.05 out of 10. Not too shabby, hey?
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Elsewhere, Rowley Regis was in second place with a rating of 6.96 and an average house price of £206,009, which is 23.2% cheaper than the national average, according to Sell House Fast’s research.
What locals are saying about Horsforth
Over on the r/Leeds Subreddit, Horsforth local @Rikki_Sixx said that they first moved to the area thinking it would only be for a year. But they ended up loving it so much that they bought a house there.
‘There are really nice pubs, bars and restaurants in and around Horsforth, and it’s easy to get into Leeds or Headingley for a later night or a change,’ they penned.
‘The park and woods around the area are nice, and it’s a short drive out to the countryside for nice walks.’
@HufflepuffHomey loves Horsforth and has ‘never once regretted’ moving to the area as a young professional.
Alongside their partner, they love living so close to the airport – and though they live ‘right on the flight path,’ it doesn’t bother them.
‘We went on holiday and got a short taxi ride to the airport, which was a dream,’ they reflected, though acknowledged that it wasn’t necessarily ‘everyone’s cup of tea.’
Things to do in Horsforth
Horsforth is a hugely family-friendly area, with plenty of activities to entertain the little ones.
Get your arts and crafts vibe on at Firefly Pottery’s Clay Workshops, or connect with nature at None Go By Farm or even Horsforth Hall Park.
Local history is documented at Horsforth Village Museum, while local tipples are served up at The Malt Brewhouse.
If wine’s more your thing, the aptly named Once Upon A Vine is a trendy destination to enjoy a glass of vino.
Have you heard about the adorable Japanese garden tucked away in Horsforth? 🌸🎋 It’s actually part of Hall Park, and it’s been there since the early 80s! Picture this: a charming red bridge, a serene pond, some carefully arranged rocks, and even a tiny waterfall – it’s like a slice of Japan right here in Leeds. You’ll spot all sorts of Japanese trees and plants too, from sakura to magnolia, and even some bamboo 🌳 It’s definitely worth checking out! #VisitLeeds #LeedsLife #leedsparks #horsforth
Want to get into the city? Leeds plays host to a whole range of culture, from brunch destinations at If, Fika North or Heaney and Mill, to Leeds Art Gallery and Leeds City Museum.
There’s no shortage of bougie places nearby, either. Just outside of Leeds lies the quaint town of Ilkley – known for its independent cafés, trendy brunch spots, and picturesque hiking views.
And earlier this year, this jokingly labelled ‘posh enclave’ was named the best place to live in the north of England.
Leeds is only 12 minutes away from Horsforth on the train (Picture: Getty Images)
Undoubtedly, the best thing about Ilkley is its proximity to absolutely breathtaking views – the most notable looming right over the town on Ilkley Moor, by the Cow and Calf Rocks.
Tipples and roast dinners aplenty are served up at The Cow And Calf pub, which is, of course, a mere seven minutes on foot from the neighbouring rocks, overlooking the Wharfe Valley.
And back towards the centre of town, who could forget the iconic Betty’s Tea Room? It’s been serving up Fat Rascals – a famous Yorkshire bun resembling a scone – since 1919, after all.
Transport links in Horsforth
Wondering about commuting into Leeds for work? The train from Horsforth to the city centre takes as little as 12 minutes, while it’s just under half an hour by car.
There are also solid connections to other northern powerhouses like Manchester, which is around an hour from Leeds by train.
The historic city of York enjoys a direct connection from Horsforth, taking as little as 59 minutes if you fancy a day trip.
Thinking about your holidays? Leeds Bradford Airport is right on the doorstep – and while it makes for some slightly noisy overhead air traffic, it’s arguably worth it for the nine-minute drive to the terminal.
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