Beyond its bustling city centre,
Leeds has some of the loveliest suburbs in all of West Yorkshire. Take Meanwood, for example, which is north-west of the city centre. Famous for its scenic Meanwood Park, the neighborhood looks and evokes the provincial charms of the English countryside. Classic brick houses provide lovely residences, mostly for those who work in the city of Leeds but go back to live a fairly quiet life in this suburb. Pubs and even foreign restaurants serve as popular hotspots, offering good food and good company. Who wouldn't want to stay in such an idyllic place?
Where is Meanwood in Leeds?
Meanwood is one of the most desirable
neighborhoods in Leeds with its location alone. Situated north of the city center, this leafy suburb is surrounded by the city's equally popular city districts and other suburbs. Among them are Headingley, Chapel Allerton, and Adel. Meanwood itself is already a lovely part of town, but its proximity to these notable neighborhoods makes it an even more perfect place to stay. And that's on top of how easy it is to get to the City Centre and back, since it's only about three miles away.
Is it Safe in Meanwood, Leeds?
Without a shadow of a doubt, Meanwood is one of the safest neighborhoods in Leeds. For starters, the area itself is largely residential, mostly made up of family residences, good schools, and local mom-and-pop stores. As a suburb of Leeds, Meanwood looks and feels more like a small countryside town than an outer district of a big metropolis. At the same time, it helps that the
crime rates in Leeds are only moderate. Its current general crime rate, for instance, is only 50.48%, already considerably lower than London's. So it's no surprise that most of Leeds, especially its suburbs, is safe.
What's The Vibe in Meanwood, Leeds?
As mentioned previously, Meanwood evokes a village-like vibe that's more lovely than lively. Its old brick and stone cottages and lush greenery give it a storybook-like feel, almost as if you stumbled upon a Beatrix Potter book. This isn't to say Meanwood is boring, though! While it's technically in the
English countryside, it's not that rural! The suburb is still fairly close to the City Centre, and it has its fair share of hotspots, too. Traditional pubs, contemporary bistros, and local cafes sprinkle in some excitement, providing the perfect spaces for people to hang out and have fun.
Is it Expensive in Meanwood, Leeds?
Don't think that just because Meanwood is a countryside suburb, it's also cheap here. It's practically the complete opposite! Meanwood is not exactly the most expensive neighborhood in Leeds, but it's still pretty pricey here. The price of rent here is fairly close to the city centre, and if you choose to purchase property instead, expect to pay around hundreds of thousands of pounds. Even eating here isn't cheap! The average price for a meal in Meanwood is about £15.00 to £30.00 per person in inexpensive to mid-range restaurants. Trust that these are fairly high for a suburb in Leeds.
What to See in Meanwood, Leeds
Unsurprisingly, Meanwood doesn't have any notable landmarks. You're better off staying in the City Centre or even the Civic Quarter if you want to go sightseeing. Meanwood, on the other hand, is more about nature than national monuments. Most famously, the Meanwood Valley Trail is a nature reserve that lets you get closer to the English countryside without straying too far from the city. There's also the Meanwood Valley Urban Farm, a family-friendly attraction where kids can learn more about animals and even farming. And if you don't want to go too far, you can simply enjoy a sunny day in Meanwood Park and bask in its botanical bliss.
What to Do in Meanwood, Leeds
Visiting or even
moving to Leeds doesn't necessarily mean living the big city life. It may be one of the UK's largest metropolises, but all the urban madness is contained within the City Centre and its nearby districts. The suburbs, especially ones like Meanwood, look and feel like they're a world away! So much so that the only things to do in Meanwood are to go on long strolls, play at the park with friends & family, or go hiking in the nearby countryside areas. You can also eat out at pubs later in the evening to experience the suburb's chill nightlife scene.
The Best Restaurants in Meanwood, Leeds
Speaking of eating out at Meanwood, it's time to talk about the suburb's stimulating culinary scene. You're probably expecting just a whole slew of traditional pubs, are you? Meanwood couldn't possibly have some of the
best restaurants in Leeds, right? Well, the neighborhood begs to differ! While Meanwood does have its fair share of local pubs, there are also many upscale bistros, fairly high-end restaurants, cool cafes, and more. Some of them even serve foreign cuisines, such as Via Verde, HanaMatsuri, and Little Athens Café, all on Meanwood Road.
Go on a foodie trip in Meanwood and check out these awesome hotspots:
- Zucco in The Becketts on Meanwood Road
- Little Athens Café on Meanwood Road
- HanaMatsuri on Meanwood Road
- Via Verde on Green Road
- Three Cottages on Green Road
- Olive Delight on Monk Bridge Road
- Myrtle Tavern on Parkside Road
- CULTO on Stainbeck Road
- Bliss Bites Café on Stonegate Road
- The Faversham on Springfield Mount
What to Know About Renting in Meanwood, Leeds
As already mentioned, the rent in Meanwood is pretty pricey. The common prices here range from £900.00 to £1,300.00, practically similar to those in the City Centre. And these just apply to the smaller to mid-sized luxury apartments to rent in Leeds. If you want to get a bigger place, it will cost you a lot more per month. That's something to truly contend with since Meanwood is a suburb, and as such, many of the properties here are full-on houses & lots. There are still a few apartments here and there, but you'll really have to look hard for them.
Meanwood is one of the loveliest neighborhoods in Leeds. It’s an idyllic suburb with a slice of urban life and the aura of the English countryside. Who wouldn’t want to live in such a beautiful part of Yorkshire?