While it’s known as the ‘city of steel, Sheffield is actually the greenest city in Europe. This Yorkshire location has come a long way from its industrial roots and is now a thriving place to live with affordable homes and a flourishing culture with plenty of history. But what’s it really like living in Sheffield? That’s the purpose of this guide, which has everything you need to know about moving to Sheffield.
A brief history of Sheffield
Sheffield’s rise to fame came during the industrial revolution, in which it played a pivotal role. Many significant inventions and technologies came out of the city, and in the 19th century, Sheffield saw huge expansion as a result, with the population increasing almost tenfold.
Where is Sheffield?
The city is located in the eastern foothills of the Pennines and falls under the metropolitan borough of South Yorkshire. It sits next to Rotherham and is around 40 miles to Manchester and 170 miles to London.
Moving to Sheffield
Sheffield is the UK’s fifth-largest city, which means you can expect a good mix of housing. The city centre is the place to be for modern apartments, while Crookesmoor and Crookes are popular with families and feature terraces and detached homes. The southwest of Sheffield is one of the most sought-after parts of the city.
Buying in Sheffield
The average house value in Sheffield is £214,460, with actual paid prices slightly higher at £231,561. Expect to pay an average of £373,764 for a detached home, £176,818 for a terraced house and £145,784 for an apartment.
Sheffield property prices are lower than the UK national average of £251,000. Over the last five years, house prices have increased by 17% and by 45% in the last 10 years.
There’s a varied selection of estate and letting agents in Sheffield, with chain and independent options available to help you find a home.
Renting in Sheffield
One-bedroom homes rent for an average of £650 per month in Sheffield, with two-bedroom properties fetching in the region of £800 per month. For larger homes, expect to pay an average of £950 per month.
Cost of living
If you’re moving to Sheffield, you can expect to pay marginally lower prices than the UK national average when it comes to everyday living. A meal for one person is around £10, while a cappuccino is about £2.75 and a pint of milk is £1.00p.
Utility bills meet the nationwide average: electricity, heating, cooling, water and waste disposal cost an average of £155 (UK average £155). Broadband is about £30 per month.
Life in Sheffield
Open spaces
Just over 60% of Sheffield’s entire area is green space, making it the greenest city in Europe. There are more than 250 parks, woodlands and gardens to explore in the city, with an estimated 4.5 million trees.
Transport links
Trains from London to Sheffield take around two hours and arrive in St Pancras. You can also benefit from direct services to Manchester, Cardiff and Edinburgh. Sheffield features a tram service, which goes to all of the city’s main destinations. The M1 motorway is also nearby, which is convenient for motorists.
Shopping
Many Sheffield residents shop in Meadowhall, which is one of the largest indoor shopping centres in England. There’s also a retro and independent boutique scene in the city, meaning you can find a gem or two in places like Ecclesall Road.
Eateries
Enjoy a range of culinary experiences in Sheffield, with options to suit all tastes. Rafters Restaurant looks stylish with exposed brick walls and classic decor while serving creative, modern and global cuisine.
Nightlife
There’s a high student population in Sheffield, which means you’ll have no problem finding a bar or nightclub. The Viper Rooms is one of the most popular with its DJs playing music from house to indie.
Art & culture
The cultural scene in Sheffield continues to grow, with theatres like the Lyceum and Crucible putting on five-star shows. There are plenty of galleries to visit, including Site Gallery, which specialises in moving image, new media and performed-based art.
Things to do
The Peak District National Park is right on your doorstep if you live in Sheffield and offers a range of walking, hiking and biking opportunities. You can also participate in the annual Festival of the Outdoors, which launches the outdoor season in Sheffield with a host of events and activities.
What’s not to like?
As the UK’s fifth-largest city, Sheffield might not be somewhere you want to live if you’re after a quiet life.
Who lives there?
Sheffield has a population of about 584,000 and a median age of 45.
Typical broadband speeds
The average broadband speed is 47mbps in Sheffield, which is only marginally slower than the UK national average of 67mbps.
Crime rates
The overall crime rate in Sheffield averages around 86 crimes per 1,000 people.
Moving to Sheffield?
Form a rounded opinion about a home you’re looking to buy in Sheffield with Move iQ’s property report, which provides an in-depth analysis of specific properties, as well as details about the local area itself. Get yours before you move!
Last Updated: December 14th, 2021
