Living in Wakefield

Community life in Wakefield is underpinned by a strong sense of local identity and heritage. The city hosts regular farmers’ markets, craft fairs, and cultural festivals throughout the year, including the Wakefield Festival of Food, Drink and Rhubarb, reflecting the area’s long history in rhubarb cultivation.

Parks and open spaces such as Thornes Park, Pugneys Country Park, and the nearby Yorkshire Sculpture Park offer plenty of outdoor exercise and leisure opportunities. Local sports teams, leisure centres, and community-run libraries play a large part in bringing people together, while organisations such as the Wakefield Civic Society enhance the area’s culture and built environment.

Neighbourhoods outside the city centre, like Walton and Ossett, are known for their welcoming, community-focused lifestyles, with active residents' associations and local groups. Wakefield’s blend of tradition and modernity ensures a social and inclusive environment for all.

Crime rates in Wakefield are generally typical for a city of its size, with some areas experiencing higher levels of petty crime and anti-social behaviour. The city centre and parts of the inner suburbs can be busy in the evenings, but regeneration efforts and increased policing presence have improved perceptions of safety over recent years.

There are ongoing community safety programs, especially in collaboration with West Yorkshire Police and local partners, aimed at reducing crime through neighbourhood watch schemes, CCTV installations, and youth engagement projects. Suburban areas like Sandal and Wrenthorpe are often perceived as quieter and safer, attracting families and retirees.

Wakefield Council actively invests in lighting, community patrols, and education initiatives, offering reassurance for those concerned with safety in Wakefield.

Parking in Wakefield is generally straightforward, with a well-organised system of city centre car parks, multi-storeys and on-street parking options. Resident permit schemes are in place in some areas, particularly in streets close to the city centre, railway stations, or popular attractions.

Road access is excellent. Wakefield sits at the intersection of the M1 and M62, providing drivers with fast routes to key regional locations. Typical journeys by car include:

• Leeds – approx. 25 minutes via M1 (9 miles)
• Sheffield – approx. 45 minutes via M1 (30 miles)
• Barnsley – approx. 25 minutes via A61 (15 miles)
• Huddersfield – approx. 40 minutes via M62 (22 miles)

The A638, A636, and A642 ensure ease of access to surrounding districts. While morning and evening peak times can see increased traffic, congestion is generally manageable outside the busiest periods.

Wakefield’s food and drink scene is diverse, ranging from family-run cafés to international cuisine and lively pubs. The city centre offers everything from traditional Yorkshire pubs and micropubs such as The Black Rock and Fernandes Brewery Tap, to modern bars, cocktail lounges, and wine bars. There are established Indian, Italian, and Turkish restaurants, as well as popular steak houses and independent bistros.

Café culture thrives around The Ridings centre and Trinity Walk, with a choice of bakeries, artisan coffee shops, and patisseries. Takeaway options include classic fish and chips, pizzerias, and street food vendors. For nightlife, Wakefield is known for its friendly pubs, live music venues, and clubs on Westgate, offering everything from classic rock nights to contemporary dance music.

Younger crowds enjoy venues such as The Hop or Players Bar, while theatres like Theatre Royal Wakefield and Unity Works provide cultural options. Overall, the nightlife is energetic without being overwhelming, with something for every age group and taste.

School quality: Wakefield offers a wide choice of good and outstanding-rated primary and secondary schools, including several popular independent schools, which appeal to families considering a move.

Parks and green space: The city boasts numerous parks, play areas, and countryside walks, including Pugneys Country Park and Newmillerdam, perfect for children and family outings.

Childcare: A variety of nurseries, pre-schools, and after-school clubs are available, with both council-run and private options covering most districts.

Safety: While city central areas are livelier, suburban neighbourhoods are often considered safe and family-oriented, with community policing and active Neighbourhood Watch schemes.

Family activities: Local attractions such as museums, the Hepworth Wakefield, Wakefield Museum, and leisure centres cater for families. There are also regular events for children held at libraries and parks throughout the year.

Wakefield’s abundance of parks, woodlands, and scenic countryside makes it a haven for pet owners, especially those with dogs. Popular spots for walking include Thornes Park, Clarence Park, Pugneys Country Park, and the riverside trails along the Calder. The nearby Yorkshire Sculpture Park also allows dogs on leads in designated areas.

Residents benefit from a number of local veterinary practices, grooming salons, and pet supply stores located across the city and suburbs. Many pubs and cafés—especially independent venues—welcome dogs, with water bowls and treats available for visiting pets.

Local landlords and letting agents are increasingly open to pet-owning tenants, especially in family housing. The supportive community and access to open countryside mean that pets are very much part of everyday life in Wakefield.

Transport in Wakefield is a significant advantage, making it an excellent choice for commuters and those keen to explore the region. Wakefield is served by two main railway stations: Westgate and Kirkgate. Westgate is on the East Coast Main Line, providing fast access to London, the North East, and Scotland.

The city is well connected by bus services, covering Wakefield itself and linking the suburbs, as well as routes toward Leeds, Barnsley, and Castleford. The M1 and M62 motorways are only minutes away, ensuring quick road links across West Yorkshire and beyond. Leeds Bradford Airport is approximately 40 minutes by car, while Manchester Airport is just over one hour away.

Typical journey times by train:

• Leeds: 15–20 minutes
• Sheffield: 30–40 minutes
• London: 2 hours (direct via Westgate)
• Doncaster: 15–20 minutes

The city’s central location and integrated travel options make Wakefield ideal for both short and long-distance travel.

Schools in Wakefield cover an extensive range, from established state primaries and secondaries to highly regarded independent schools and colleges. Families moving to the area are often drawn by the variety of options and the region's strong academic reputation.

Primary Schools
Wakefield offers several well-regarded primary schools. St. Austin's Catholic Primary School (Ofsted: Outstanding, 2014) is sought-after due to its reputation for excellence. Netherton Junior and Infant School and Stanley Grove Primary and Nursery School consistently perform well, with warm community atmospheres and focus on pupil development. Outwood Primary Academy Kirkhamgate is another popular choice.

Secondary Schools
The city is home to top-performing schools such as Outwood Grange Academy (Ofsted: Outstanding, 2012) and Queen Elizabeth Grammar School (independent, with a history dating back to 1591). St Thomas à Becket Catholic Secondary School and Wakefield Girls’ High School (independent) are also highly respected, drawing students from across the district and beyond.

Colleges and Post-16 Education
Wakefield College is the principal provider of further education, offering a broad curriculum, A-levels, and vocational qualifications at its city centre and Castleford campuses. New College Pontefract is also within easy reach and offers a popular sixth-form college experience for Wakefield students.

Universities
There is no university campus directly in Wakefield, but its proximity to Leeds and Sheffield means that major institutions like the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, and the University of Huddersfield are accessible within 30–40 minutes by train or car.