As our income is going to dramatically reduce soon, I've come to the realisation that we simply won't be able to afford the type of house I want in Leeds (2/3 bed semi detached) in an area where I'm not likely to be mugged. For shits and giggles I did a generic search in Barnsley where I found nicer houses than we could afford in Leeds for 100-150k cheaper! As I'm looking for a new job it doesn't matter too much where I live and I'm sure the husband won't mind a 30-40 minute commute for the sake of saving over 100k (not including interest on the mortgage too). I know sort of which areas are to be avoided but I'm been living in Leeds for 10 years so things are probably going to have changed a bit since then. Cheers in advance!
There's good areas in most villages and estates in and around Barnsley tbf, kendray has its good and bad areas as does Athersley etc.Ardsley has its not so desirable areas has does monk bretton etc, Best off looking for the house /s you can afford then doing a bit of detective work IMO.
I've found from looking at Leeds that there's always good and bad areas right next to each other. We've done a lot of driving around there and house prices is a good indicator but I don't really know anything about Barnsley anymore.
Staincross, Mapplewell and Darton are decent, close to Junction 38 if your husband's commuting to Leeds. Good range of different kinds of property and not overly expensive.
I moved to Wombwell late last year from Sheffield - get way more for your money. The house we're in now would be at least 50-100k more in Sheffield. There is everything we need in Wombwell and Cortonwood and decent commute to work and its a shorter journey to Oakwell! And I don't have to drive past fecking Swillsboro every day!
Pogmoor, Redbrook, Dodworth, Higham, Mapplewell, Gawber, Darton, Staincross. Dodworth is my favourite, but then I already live there so I'm biased. Please append the phrase "parts of" to all the above. Every area in the country has its good and bad parts. Good luck.
How are properties so cheap?! Just looking at Mapplewell/Staincross and these two properties for example would be a definite minimum of 300k/350k where we've been looking in Leeds. http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-39713091.html http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-39736155.html