That means plenty of people have already turned their backs on New Year's resolutions, got through Dry January or Veganuary and slipped back into everyday life.
Okay, maybe we're just speaking for ourselves, but these first few months of the year are typically that time where we look at our plans for the year as a whole: making plans to try new hobbies, actually switch our laptops off at 5pm to find a proper work-life balance, and probably spending far too much time looking at new apartments.
If one of your plans for 2024 is to move in or around Leeds, we've got you covered with some handy consideration points for the new year that make moving easier than ever with some pretty cool incentives to look forward to, (but more on that later).
We've teamed up with The Junction Leedsto explore how living in the brand new neighbourhood might just have all the answers we've been looking for to kick off the new year, and to put ourselves first in 2024.
Build To Rent communities combines social and living spaces for the best of both worlds - and the concept is growing in popularity
The rental market has boomed over the last few years. BTR News predicted back in 2020 that by the end of 2023, the UK would have seen a 22% increase in renters moving into private rental spaces, with a focus on communities and combating loneliness at the heart of many complexes.
The predictions were made nine months after the beginning of those months indoors at the beginning of the Covid 19 pandemic - and whilst the world has moved on in one sense, it changed priorities for a lot of us: and given the choice of being surrounded by like minded people in a community has got many of us still continuing to search for spaces that continue to bring people together, even some years on.
The appeal with Build To Rent properties is easy to see: it's not just a rental you're paying for, but often an entire lifestyle, with an entire community to go with it.
Take The Junction Leeds for example: there's 665 apartments, with options to live in a one, two or three bedroom unit - and although the living quarters are beautiful, they only form a small part of The Junction's neighbourhood.
In the cold winter months, residents can cosy up in the resident's lounge with a big cup of coffee from the free-to-use machine in the kitchen and spend the summer playing on the giant sports courts.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Finding flexible ways to work that don't always involve being at the office
HAYS UK found that 39% of workers are still operating on a hybrid working model - and you only have to look around any given coffee shop in Leeds to spot the laptops belonging to the thousands of workers that are still spending time away from the traditional office setting.
Over at The Junction, there's a dedicated co-working space within the neighbourhood itself. Conveniently located next to the Resident's Lounge with a kitchen and soundproof meeting rooms, there's cosy seats and sofas in abundance to check your emails or get those last tasks of the day complete.
This isn't the same as your usual work-from-home setup, and by leaving your apartment and physically working in another space, you're still able to have that 'switch off' moment at the end of the day that you'd get from the office or working in the city, but all the creature comforts of being just moments from your own home.
2024 is the year of the Euros, Olympics and Paralympics - and we all know that after watching a few hours on the TV we convince ourselves, it can't be that hard, right?
Combined with the fact that 15% - 19% of people want to start a new hobby in 2024, and a whopping 56% of us want to get out and exercise more, according to Ramsey Health and The Drum, this year is setting itself up to be a big'un for getting out and about more and learning a new sport.
2024 is the year that The Junction gets its very own gym space, but there's also ample opportunity to try out a new sport on the multi-use sports pitch like tennis or football, or get moving at one of the resident-exclusive events: think guided mindfulness, yoga and more.
Images: The Junction Leeds
If this is the year of staying in - make it somewhere cosy
This said, the weather outside doesn't exactly make all this running about on the pitch quite so appealing just yet and apparently, one-in-five of us are already spending more time finding new hobbies indoors rather than heading out to cinemas and restaurants.
So, with more time spent in your own four walls, it feels even more important to make sure you're comfortable in your own abode.
At The Junction, you have the option of taking your property furnished or unfurnished - but regardless of what you choose, all new tenants are given a £200 John Lewis voucher to help towards the cost when signing a 12 month tenancy.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Room for me, and my dog
Pet ownership has hit an all time high. From 2019-2022, the number of households that owned a cat, dog, or another furry companion shot up from 40% to 62%, according to Statista.
And naturally as members of the family, our pets need as much love and attention in our homes as they do anywhere else.
At The Junction, four-legged friends are not only welcomed inside your own home, but in all communal areas - inside and out, from top to bottom. There's plenty of greenery to take your dog for a short morning walk or head down the canal for an afternoon stroll in the sunshine.
It's time to pull on your walking boots and get out and about in the great outdoors.
As Easter bank holiday weekend approaches, many of us will be looking for the best bar or pub to enjoy a tipple in this spring.
And don’t get us wrong, we will be doing that too, but sometimes it’s refreshing to have some outdoor activities planned to offset those…alcohol emissions!Â
Fortunately, Leeds and its surrounding areas boast an abundance of scenic walks, perfect for a day of countryside exploration.Â
So stick with us as we take you through the top walks to discover, from historic landmarks to sprawling parks.Â
Harewood House
Image: Harewood House
Nestled amidst the Yorkshire countryside, Harewood House offers a perfect blend of history and natural beauty. Explore the estate's extensive grounds, which include woodland trails, beautifully maintained gardens, and a scenic lake.
If you have children, there is an adventure playground they can get lost in, while you can marvel at the stunning architecture of the house itself. There’s a gorgeous 10km walk that loops around the estate offering beautiful views throughout. You can end your walk at one of the cafe’s conveniently located near the car park.
Golden Acre Park
Image: Golden Acre Park
Situated just a short drive from Leeds city centre, Golden Acre Park is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Grab an ice cream and take a leisurely stroll around the park's tranquil lake.
Burrowed in the park is a bird spotting hut where you can spot wildlife, from ducks and swans to squirrels and rabbits, making it an ideal destination for families.
Otley Chevin
Image: Flickr
For panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, head to Otley Chevin. With a variety of walking trails ranging from gentle slopes to more challenging hikes, there's something for every ability.
Reach the Chevin summit and be rewarded with breathtaking views stretching as far as the eye can see. It doesn’t just offer walks, but it is steeped in history, homing fossils and sculptures and is a natural playground for your little ones.
Tip: Head to the car park on York Gate road for the best sunset views!
Ilkley Moor
Lace up your hiking boots and venture onto Ilkley Moor, a rugged carpet of heather-covered moorland. Whether it’s a long walk you’re after, or you just want to explore the famous Cow and Calf rocks, which offer exceptional views of the landscape below, make sure you treat yourself to something sweet or refreshing from The Cow and Calf overlooking the valley.
Be prepared, as you might need to familiarise yourself with the well-known Cow and Calf song before your visit!
Roundhay Park
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As one of the largest urban parks in Europe, Roundhay Park offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Wander through scenic gardens, or rent a boat to paddle around the tranquil lake. With playgrounds, cafes, and even a tropical world, there's no shortage of activities to keep the whole family entertained.
Kirkstall Abbey
Step back in time and explore the historically-rich ruins of Kirkstall Abbey. Wander through the abbey and its courtyards before strolling towards the adjacent parkland which provides a peaceful getaway from the vibrant life of Headingley.Â
Bolton Abbey
Just a short drive from Leeds, Bolton Abbey offers a charming setting for a Bank Holiday walk. Take a walk through its trails along the banks of the River Wharfe, go back in time whilst visiting the abbey itself, and pass through the ancient woodlands walked by the monks themselves! A must-do whilst there is to visit the famous stepping stones whilst enjoying a picnic by the riverbank.
The top 10 places to cure a hangover in and around Leeds
Clementine Hall
Whether your hangover cravings are a full english or a stacked tower of pancakes, we've found the best places in Leeds to visit to cure your hangover.
Look, we've all been there. A hangover is nothing to be ashamed of, especially when you use it as an opportunity to pig out on some delicious food the next day.
Luckily, the Leeds food scene is full of salty, chocolately, carb-loaded dishes that will sort you right out. So grab some paracetamol and some water and head to one of our top picks to get rid of your hangover.
Fat Hippo
Fat Hippo, Otley Road, Headingley and Boar Lane
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're after proper dirty, stacked, greasy burgers to get your chops around - then the answer is, and always will be, Fat Hippo burger. Forget about calories, and get stuck in.
Find them in Headingley and in the city centre on Boar Lane.
Federal
Boar Lane
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Pretty much anything at this Aussie-inspired brunch spot will cure your heavy head, but our personal favourite is the steak and eggs. Perfectly pink and dripping in gooey egg yolk, it's a complete winner.
Nothing will soak up the sins of yesterday more than a stack of fluffy American pancakes. Top them off with crispy streaky bacon and super sweet maple syrup, and you can kiss that hangover goodbye.
At Moose you'll also find plenty of other hangover cures like huevos rancheros and fluffy french toast.
Meat:Stack
Bishopgate Street
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Another one for the burger lovers, this Newcastle-born indie spot serve up some banging smash burgers, milkshakes, tenders and loaded fries. It's a gamble whether this will make you feel better or worse to be honest, but it's a risk we're willing to take.
Homeboy Pizza
Burley Road
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The way to cure a hangover? Carbs, carbs and more carbs. So you can't go wrong with one of the best pizzas in Leeds at Homeboy Pizza. Order it straight to your house so you don't even have to get changed out of your pyjamas.
Alfonso's Deli
Grand Arcade
Image: The Hoot Leeds
You can't go wrong with a proper hefty sub sandwich on a hangover, and Alfonso's is serving up the best in the business. They also do some incredible breakfast bagels that paired with a strong coffee will have you back on form in no time.
Souvlaki's Corner
Dixon Lane, Leeds
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're looking for something a little bit lighter then get your hands on a gyro from Souvlaki's Corner. This way you've got your meat and carbs, but you're also getting a few veggies to make you feel better about yourself. A win if you ask us.
House of Koko
Oakwood, Chapel Allerton and Leeds city centre
Images: The Hoot Leeds
When I say hangover, you say brunch. And there's no where better than the brunch GOAT's, House of Koko.
Turkish eggs, French toast, stacked breakfast burgers, you name it and they've absolutely got it. Oh and obviously you've got to order their legendary hash browns, we don't make the rules. Washed down with a Bloody Mary and you'll be ready to get back in the pub.
Noodlesta
Blenheim Terrace
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Now I don't know about you, but on a hangover there's nothing that sorts me out more than a steaming hot bowl of spicy noodles. And the only place to go for this is Noodlesta where they pull your noodles fresh to order.
Located right opposite the University of Leeds' Parkinson Steps, students - this one is specifically for you after a late one at the student's union.
Chinese Salt & Pepper
New Market Street
Images: The Hoot Leeds
When you're a bit worse for wear, salt and pepper chips are always the answer. This new hatch in the centre of town are serving up stacked boxes full of crispy chips, springs rolls and wontons all tossed in that magical seasoning dust that's got us in a chokehold.
Sophie Smith -
12th February 2024 
