However, the coronavirus pandemic has seen people move away from cities, as they look for more space and access to nature.
Thankfully, Yorkshire is home to some stunning towns and villages, with many in commutable distance to Leeds city centre.
Here are 20 places that are within an easy drive, train or busy journey into Leeds:
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13. Sowerby Bridge
The market town of Sowerby Bridge is lesser known than its neighbour Hebden Bridge, however, it shouldn't be discounted as a great place to live. Nestled in the Upper Calder Valley, the former industrial town has a thriving high street, independent restaurants and pubs. It has its own railway station with a direct line to Leeds, or commuters can change at Bradford Interchange. It is also within commuting distance to Manchester. It takes 37 minutes to drive from Sowerby Bridge to Leeds city centre. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
14. Holmfirth
The village of Holmfirth may be known for being the filming location for the BBC's Last of the Summer Wine but it is also a great place to live. Just six miles south of Huddersfield, the town mainly consists of stone-built cottages built into the Pennine hills. The Peak District National Park is four miles south of the town. It takes approximately one hour and 17 minutes to travel to Leeds city centre via public transport and involves changing at Huddersfield. It is a 41 minute drive along the M1 to Leeds. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
15. Saltaire
The village of Saltaire is bursting with history. It was built by Sir Titus Salt in 1851 as a Victorian model village which surrounded the Salt's Mill textile mill.The Grade II listed building is now a thriving art gallery, with shops and a delicious cafe. The UNESCO World Heritage Site sits on the River Aire and Leeds and Liverpool canal and has great independent shops, pubs and restaurants. It takes 21 minutes on a direct train to get to Leeds Station and 38 minutes to drive via Bradford. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
16. Otley
Sat on the bridging point of the River Wharfe is Otley. The historic Leeds town is known for its busy town centre and regular markets. It is popular with tourists who want to climb the Otley Chevin. It takes 30 minutes to drive into Leeds city centre via the A65 or Leeds Road and the A660. It takes 49 minutes of the X84 from Otley Bus Station to Leeds City Bus Station.
17. Cleckheaton
Cleckheaton is a small town in Kirklees, just south of Bradford and near to the M606 and M62 motorway. It takes just 24 minutes to drive into Leeds city centre, and there are also two direct Arriva buses (254 and 255) however, these takes 50 minutes via Drighlington. House prices in the area are an average of £163,230, according to Right Move.
18. Tadcaster
The market town of Tadcaster is perfect for families who want a village life but with easy commuter links to Leeds and York. It is well known for the Grade-II listed eleven-arch Tadcaster viaduct above the Wharf Bridge, the Tadcaster Bridge which dates back to around 1700, and the Tadcaster Mere, a site of special scientific interest. The late 15th century building 'The Ark' is believed to be the meeting place of the Pilgrim Fathers where they planned their voyage to America. It takes 28 minutes to drive from Tadcaster to Leeds city centre. The 843 Coastliner bus takes just under an hour. Photo: James Hardisty