Leeds's neighbouring city is crowned top place to live for new parents

Research conducted by Hunters Estate Agents found Leeds’s neighbouring city as best of the best in places to lay down roots with a new family.

The estate agent reviewed English regions by county, postcodes, districts - cities and towns - and local authorities.

It then ranked them on factors including the cost of a home, quality of schools and safety levels in order to help new parents discover the best places to consider when searching for a home.

It was praised for its affordability - with the average sale price being £172,895 over the last 12 months.

Other factors included its strong public transport links for working parents as well as an average broadband speed of 50 Mbps for those who work from home.

The area, it says, also offers young children a good start to their education with 16 per cent of homes having an Ofsted-rated ‘outstanding’ school as their nearest primary school.

Hunters said the city also boasts attractions including Yorkshire Sculpture Park, the National Coal Mining Museum and Diggerland which all prove hits with young families and with 11 per cent public green space, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors.

And with 1,482 residents per restaurant in Wakefield, it was also ranked fifth overall for local eateries.

Keira Wiles, head of sales at Hunters Castleford, said: “Our clients, sales and lettings team alike would certainly say that Wakefield is an amazing place to live due to its proximity to local amenities and schools.

“Wakefield city centre itself is a bustling friendly place to be with eateries, cultural hotspots and plenty of entertainment.