Bradford might be the biggest place you know very little about. Sometimes overshadowed by its larger neighbours like Leeds, Sheffield and Manchester, or even historic York. Bradford is part of the UK’s fourth-largest urban area: West Yorkshire… home to over 1.7m people.
Over the years, Bradford has been given an unfair reputation, perhaps as a result of industrial decline. However, that’s not the case in 2024. Bradford is exciting, affordable, multicultural and boasts excellent transport links. It’s truly one of the best areas to live in Yorkshire.
Like all cities, knowing where the good places to live are is essential, that’s why we’ve written this comprehensive guide about where to live in Bradford and what you can expect living there.
Where is Bradford?
Bradford is located in West Yorkshire, about 10 miles west of Leeds and on the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Set on the edge of the Pennines and The Dales, the city is surrounded by rolling green hills and dramatic landscapes.
To the south, Sheffield is about 40 miles (1 hour) away, and Manchester is around the same distance to the southwest. Heading west, the seaside at Blackpool is around 80 miles (1.5 hours) away, while Hull and the Humber estuary are roughly the same distance to the east.
For those without a car, Bradford has good rail links to the surrounding cities, as well as to other major UK areas such as Merseyside, Birmingham, London and Glasgow.
Where to live in Bradford
Bradford has a diverse heritage in industry, the arts, cuisine and culture. From the Brontë sisters to the world of film, and its central role in the Industrial Revolution to its vibrant South Asian communities, there’s something for everyone. With galleries, museums, parks and restaurants, it’s a modern, cosmopolitan city.
Bradford City Centre
Bradford’s bustling city centre offers all the amenities and everything a person could need. It’s certainly one of the best places to live in Bradford if you want to take advantage of the huge range of shops, restaurants and nightlife on offer, as well as good transport links. Those who work in the city will have an easy commute, but housing and rental prices are naturally higher.
Saltaire
One of the most desirable areas of Bradford, Saltaire was built in the middle of the 19th century. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site with some of the best-preserved Victorian architecture in the world. A chic, friendly and community-driven area, it’s full of independent shops, cafes and restaurants, and is the perfect spot for young families living in Bradford.
Bingley & Ilkley
The gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, Bingley sits around 5 miles north of Bradford City Centre and is known as one of the best areas to live in Yorkshire if you want a quiet, slower pace of life. Elegant historic buildings and miles of hiking paths directly from the door make it popular with outdoor enthusiasts. Although there is less going on than in Bradford proper, it still benefits from great transport links.
Further north still, Ilkley is considered an excellent choice for living in Bradford. This affluent and quaint town is popular with locals and tourists drawn to the National Park, but housing and living costs are higher than elsewhere.
Shipley
Bradford’s cultural heart, Shipley is home to many different cultures and communities, offering some of the things to do in Bradford and West Yorkshire as a whole. Art galleries, theatres, music venues and other entertainment venues can all be found in Shipley, making it a popular place to live in Bradford for students, young people and families.
Living in Bradford: What to Expect
Bradford is home to over half a million people from many different backgrounds and cultures. With over 30% of the population coming from an Asian background, the city is famous for its restaurants and rich cultural heritage.
As a large, bustling city there are plenty of things to do whether it’s taking in a museum or gallery, shopping, seeing live music or heading into the great outdoors. Home to Bradford City AFC, rugby league’s Bradford Bulls and with easy access to Headingley, the home of Yorkshire Cricket, sports fans are well catered for.
Overall, Bradford is a more affordable alternative to Manchester, Leeds or Sheffield, with lower housing and other cost of living expenses. For example, the average house prices in Bradford are:
| Flat | £66,000 |
| Terraced | £150,000 |
| Semi-detached | £220,000 |
| Detached | £340,000 |
The Big Question: Is Bradford a Good Place to Live?
Yes! Bradford is a fantastic place to live with plenty of things to do and see, excellent transport links, good education services and a strong local economy. The cost of living is lower than surrounding cities.
If you’re looking to sell your house and move to Bradford, we’ll offer you a free cash offer on your home within 7 days of contacting us. We’re always looking for properties, so if you want to sell your home in Bradford, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our blog contains heaps of vital information to help you buy or sell a home quickly and efficiently. To maximise your value, read our guide to Adding Value to Your Home.