The area is in the centre of the city's student community. Being next to Headingley, a large student community, Hyde Park is now an established alternative student district. There are also many full-time, long-term, non-student families and single people.

Hyde Park is the home of the Hyde Park Picture House, an independent, historic, art house cinema. The Royal Park, on Queen's Road, is a large pub with a downstairs gig venue, popular with the student population, and next door stands the Brudenell Social Club, a members' club which has recently taken on a new role as a venue for local and underground music. The area is also home to the Hyde Park Social Club, a members-only pub.

There are also a number of cafes and shops at Hyde Park Corner, including a vintage and antiques store and a Greek cafe. The area has many local or independent shops, such as DIY stores, takeaways, fruit and vegetable shops, a small Sainsbury's, Coop and two independent mini supermarkets, a pharmacy, a laundrette, a bakers on Cardigan Road and three vintage clothes stores.

The area is close to Burley railway station and benefits from good bus links into the city centre and North Leeds, which makes the area popular with young professionals/workers.

Woodhouse Moor is also one of the most used parks in the city.