The Ultimate Guide to Moving to Sheffield

Sheffield is the 5^th largest city in the UK and has undergone a major transition from being the centre of steel manufacturing to a city renowned for its fabulous parks and easy access to both the Pennines and the Peak District.

In fact, a third of the city lies within the Peak District itself.

Many new businesses are being attracted by the unique work/leisure balance and the quality of life that Sheffield offers.

Not only does Sheffield have the great outdoors to attract you here, but jobs and local investment have transformed Sheffield into one of the hotspots of the North to relocate to.

Find out all you need to know about going to live in Sheffield in this guide.

You may also like to read: The Pros and Cons of Moving to Yorkshire. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of moving to Yorkshire, including guides to the major towns and cities in the beautiful region.

Should I Move to Sheffield?

Here are our top 6 reasons why you should move to Sheffield.

#1 The great outdoors

Sheffield is one of the greenest cities in Europe. The whole city is set on rolling green hills, there are over 2.5 million trees in the city and over 150 miles of rivers and waterways. The Pennines and Peak District are on your doorstep with unlimited access to some amazing scenery and leisure activities.

#2 Homes are affordable

Sheffield has some very affordable homes to both buy and rent.

From Victorian terraces to stunning regenerated buildings that house some very nice apartments to new builds.

Sheffield has something for everyone.

#3 Good job prospects

Many businesses are choosing to relocate or create their headquarters in Sheffield.

Boeing and McLaren recently moved here and in 2018 Sheffield had the biggest growth of digital and media industries in the UK.

#4 Great education

Home to many top schools and two universities, Sheffield is attracting many families and young couples to come and live here.

And because of the great lifestyle that Sheffield has to offer, many graduates choose to make Sheffield their forever home.

#5 Great shops

If you want to head for high street stores, then Meadowhall Shopping Centre will fulfill your every need, but it is the Devonshire Quarter in Sheffield where you will find all the independent and quirky stores.

Moor Market will keep you occupied for hours with over 190 stalls offering everything from clothing to world-class food.

#6 Art and culture

Sheffield is home to a vibrant art and culture scene, with over 7% of the population employed in the creative industries.

The Sheffield Walk of Fame, the largest theatre venue outside of London at Tudor Square, four major art galleries, and several very popular museums.

You may also like to read: How to Decide Where to Live Next. In this guide, we suggest 12 things to consider when deciding where your new home will be.

Is Sheffield a Safe Place to Live?

Like any major city, Sheffield does have its share of crime, but the majority of it is anti-social behaviour and residents of Sheffield will tell you they feel it is a safe city to live in.

You will find that the residents of Sheffield are very friendly, welcoming to newcomers, and always willing to help you, which helps create the community vibe that is evident throughout the city.

So although there are pockets of areas which you may wish to avoid, the overwhelming consensus is that Sheffield is one of the safest cities to live in the UK.

In a recent survey published by www.wakefieldexpress.co.uk, Sheffield was found to be the 2^nd safest city in Yorkshire, and the 12^th safest city in the UK (out of 30).

To see what the latest crime figures are for the specific area you are moving to in Sheffield visit www.police.uk

You may also like to read: Choosing Where to Live: Location, Location, Location. Often where your home is located will determine how much anti-social behaviour or crime you experience. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of living on a main road, cul-de-sac, by shops, schools, parks, open fields, or by a river.

What is the Average Property Rental Cost in Sheffield?

• The average rental cost of a 1-bedroom home in Sheffield is £797 pcm
• The average rental cost of a 2-bedroom home in Sheffield is £1,151 pcm
• The average rental cost of a 3-bedroom home in Sheffield is £1,350 pcm
• The average rental cost of a 4-bedroom home in Sheffield is £1,376 pcm

The average rental costs were taken from www.home.co.uk April 2024

What is the Average Property Price in Sheffield?

• The average price of a detached home in Sheffield is £425,565
• The average price of a semi-detached home in Sheffield is £228,247
• The average price of a terraced home in Sheffield is £186,167
• The average price of a flat in Sheffield is £158,682

The latest average home costs are taken from www.rightmove.co.uk April 2024

You may also like to read: Which is More Important House or Location? In this guide, we suggest 31 things to consider when choosing a home over a location or vice versa.

Is Sheffield an Expensive City to Live in?

According to www.numbeo.com, the average monthly costs excluding rent or mortgage repayments are:

• A single person on average will need £838 pm to cover living costs
• A family of 4 on average needs an income of £2,769 pm to cover living costs

Cost of Living in Sheffield vs Major UK Cities

According to data from www.expatistan.com here is a comparison of the cost of living in Sheffield with other major UK cities

• The cost of living in Sheffield is 44% cheaper than in London
• The cost of living in Sheffield is 21% cheaper than in Birmingham
• The cost of living in Sheffield is 43% cheaper than in Leeds
• The cost of living in Sheffield is 41% cheaper than in Liverpool
• The cost of living in Sheffield is 12% cheaper than in York
• The cost of living in Sheffield is about the same as in Leicester
• The cost of living in Sheffield is 9% cheaper than in Glasgow
• The cost of living in Sheffield is 17% cheaper than in Edinburgh
• The cost of living in Sheffield is 32% cheaper than in Bristol
• The cost of living in Sheffield is 6% cheaper than in Plymouth
• The cost of living in Sheffield is about the same as in Cardiff

You may also like to read: Which Type of Property is Right for me: House, Bungalow, or Flat? In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of living in different styles of homes to help you choose which would best suit your lifestyle.

How Much Does it Cost to Move to Sheffield?

How much does it cost to move a 1-2 Bedroom home to Sheffield?

There are many aspects of a home move that will affect the price and the only way to get a true estimate of how much your home move will cost is to get estimates from reputable removal companies.

Look to get about 3-4 different quotes so that you can compare not only the price but also the services that each offers.

Must do: Get a home removal cost estimate for free.

But to give you a rough idea, excluding packing costs, you can expect to pay on average the following home moving costs when hiring a professional removal firm to move you to Sheffield.

• Moving from London to Sheffield costs on average £1,605
• Moving from Birmingham to Sheffield costs on average £1,475
• Moving from Leeds to Sheffield on average costs £1,385
• Moving from Liverpool to Sheffield costs about £1,455
• Moving from York to Sheffield costs about £1,420
• Moving from Leicester to Sheffield costs about £1,440
• Moving from Glasgow to Sheffield costs about £1,745
• Moving from Edinburgh to Sheffield costs about £1,740
• Moving from Bristol to Sheffield costs about £1,740
• Moving from Plymouth to Sheffield on average costs £1,815
• Moving from Cardiff to Sheffield on average costs £1,670

On average expect to pay about £275-£475 for a professional packing service for a 1-2 bedroom home.

You may also like to read: How much is the average cost to move a 1-2 bedroom home? In this guide, we compare the cost of hiring a removal company to move your belongings versus what it would cost you to move yourself.

How much does it cost to move a 3-bedroom home to Sheffield?

• Moving from London to Sheffield on average costs £1,740
• Moving from Birmingham to Sheffield on average costs £1,610
• Moving from Leeds to Sheffield on average costs £1,520
• Moving from Liverpool to Sheffield on average costs £1,590
• Moving from York to Sheffield on average costs £1,555
• Moving from Leicester to Sheffield on average costs £1,575
• Moving from Glasgow to Sheffield on average costs £1,880
• Moving from Edinburgh to Sheffield on average costs £1,875
• Moving from Bristol to Sheffield on average costs £1,875
• Moving from Plymouth to Sheffield on average costs £1,950
• Moving from Cardiff to Sheffield on average costs £1,805

On average expect to pay about £450-£950 for a professional packing service for a 3 bedroom home.

You may also like to read: How much is the average cost to move a 3-bedroom home? In this guide, we compare the cost of moving a 3-bedroom home yourself versus what it would cost to hire a good removal company to do it all for you.

Where are the Best Areas to Live in Sheffield?

Following years of investment and regeneration, Sheffield has many fine areas you would be happy to call home.

Here is our choice of the best areas to move to in Sheffield.

#1 St Pauls Square

If you want everything Sheffield has to offer on your doorstep then St Pauls is the ideal location.

After much investment and regeneration, there are many luxury apartments with stunning views across the city.

If you need to commute then Sheffield railway station is close by with links to London, Manchester, and Manchester Airport.

Students, professionals, and young families are all attracted to this vibrant part of the city.

#2 Walkley

There are many fine schools in this area, homes are slightly more affordable than in Crookes, you are within close proximity of the city centre, and there is a great range of new builds and Victorian terraces to call home.

#3 Hillsborough

The home of Sheffield Wednesday football club, Hillsborough is popular with families due to its great transport links and outstanding local schools.

Hillsborough is an affordable part of the city to live so attracts many students and young families to move here.

#4 Dore

Just 10 minutes from the city centre by train is the village of Dore.

Popular with retirees and families, there are some great schools and many local social activities.

It is one of the less affordable areas of Sheffield, but the beauty and the amenities Dore has to offer are a major draw for people looking for a quiet and rural home.

#5 Ecclesall Road

To the south-west of the city is one of the most desirable areas of Sheffield to live.

Full of independent shops and some of the best eateries in the city, this is not a cheap area to live in but attracts many families and students who enjoy the café culture of this district.

#6 Crookes

Crookes is an area popular with students but has much to offer all of its residents.

There are several great parks in the area including Crookes Valley and Ponderosa which attracts many families to live here.

Just a 20-minute walk from the city centre and close to the University of Sheffield, many students live here and consequently, there are some great bars and lively nightlife in the area.

#7 Upperthorpe

For those who want a larger home but in an affordable area, Upperthorpe has much to offer you.

The majority of the residents are families although there is still a student community here.

It is a vibrant part of Sheffield but Ponderosa Park is on your doorstep offering a beautiful area in which to relax.

You may also like to read: Is Life Better in the Countryside, the City, or the Suburbs? Sheffield has some great choices for the location of your new home and in this guide, we look at the pros and cons of living in the city, in the suburbs, and in the countryside.

Moving to Sheffield Alone

Sheffield residents are amongst the friendliest in England and will welcome you with open arms.

You will find that they are only too willing to offer help and advice which will make your move on your own to Sheffield so much easier.

There are also lots of useful websites where you can meet locals and get lots of useful information about your new neighbourhood.

Here are just a few that you might want to read through.

• Consider renting a room in a shared house, or flat sharing, if you want to save some money, get to know the area, and make instant friends in Sheffield. Useful websites for finding rooms to rent in Sheffield include: www.gumtree.co.uk, www.spareroom.co.uk, or www.nestpick.com
• Join local social media groups to find out all the best places to go and lots of useful information on Sheffield city life.
• www.meetup.com has plenty of local groups to join so that you quickly find new friends and learn all about living in Sheffield.
• Consider volunteering in your spare time, it is a great way to meet new people and help the local community at the same time. www.sheffieldvolunteercentre.org.uk will give you some great ideas.

You may like to read: Is It a Good Idea to Retire to the City? In this guide, we share 16 reasons why Sheffield would be a great place to retire.

Living in Sheffield as a Student

Sheffield is a very affordable and attractive place to come to University.

With some great sports and outdoor facilities, highly rated courses, a wide selection of bars and restaurants, as well as being in a super friendly city, Sheffield is the first choice for many students.

In fact, students love Sheffield so much that vast numbers of graduates make Sheffield their forever home after having graduated.

These are the websites for the 2 universities and a college in Sheffield, where you will find lots of useful information about going to study in Sheffield.

• The University of Sheffield
• Sheffield Hallam University
• The Sheffield College

What is the cost of living for students in Sheffield?

Sheffield is the 7^th most affordable student city in the UK as reported by www.personal.natwest.com, which also reports that studying in Sheffield is 10% cheaper than the national average and 25% less than studying in London.

You can find out the average price for everyday essentials in Sheffield at www.numbeo.com

If this is your first year at University in Sheffield then your accommodation is guaranteed, but be sure that you visit the university websites to ensure that you comply with the requirements of registration.

Find out how much accommodation at the University of Sheffield costs

Find out how much it costs to stay in the halls of residence at Sheffield Hallam University

You can find student accommodation in the private sector on these websites

• www.shustudenthousing.co.uk
• www.unilodgers.com
• www.student.com
• www.studentpad.co.uk
• www.sheffieldstudenthousing.co.uk

You may also like to read: Everything You Need to Know About Moving to College. In this guide, we share tips to make moving to college or university cheaper and easier.

Where Are The Best Student Areas in Sheffield?

There are over 60,000 students living and studying in Sheffield so you can be assured the city is well set up to cater to your every need.

There are some great areas for students to live in Sheffield and most are very reasonably priced. Here is our pick of the best student areas in Sheffield.

#1 City Centre

There is a wide variety of apartments and studios for those students who want to be in the centre of the city with all the amenities and great nightlife Sheffield has to offer.

Accommodation costs are slightly higher here but the location warrants the extra expense.

#2 Bramall Lane

Convenient for Sheffield Hallam University, the University of Sheffield, the train station, and the city centre.

Bramhall Lane is a popular location if you want convenience at a slightly cheaper price than the city centre.

#3 Crookes

If you don’t mind the climb up the hills here then Crookes offers everything you need as a student.

Convenient for both universities, a good supply of terraced homes to rent, and a great selection of local bars.

#4 Crookesmoor

Much like Crookes, this area has everything you need, from bars to supermarkets, and a great range of student accommodation.

#5 Sharrow

Close to Sheffield Hallam University and only a 20-minute walk from the city centre is Sharrow.

There are some fabulous restaurants and cafés in the area and is very popular with students.

#6 Ranmoor

If you are a student who loves the great outdoors then this is the perfect location for you.

Just a short bus ride away is the Peak District, and Ranmoor itself is very green and peaceful.

Ranmoor has a University of Sheffield Student Village whilst there are plenty of private rentals available just outside the village.

#7 Broomhill

Close to the University of Sheffield Endcliffe Campus, this is a very popular area with students with some great local bars and eateries.

#8 Ecclesall Road

Probably the epicenter of student life in Sheffield with a great range of shops, restaurants, and bars.

There is a real café culture on ‘Eccy Road’, perfect for lazy weekends chilling out.

Sheffield Hallam University students find this location most convenient to get to studies but because of all the fantastic local amenities, University of Sheffield students choose to live here too.

#9 City Road

Slightly out from the city centre, City Road offers some peace and quiet for those who seek it, but close enough to the city that it is easily commutable.

The Students Union of Sheffield will give you lots of useful information about coming to study here in Sheffield.  

You may also like to read: The Ultimate Guide to Moving Into a Shared House. If you are moving into a shared house whilst at university you will not want to miss this guide which is packed with useful information.

Moving to Sheffield with Family

Sheffield has some very attractive traits which draw many families to come and live here, whilst it makes those who already live here never want to leave.

So what makes Sheffield such a great place for families to move to?

#1 Community spirit

Sheffield is a super friendly city with a real sense of community, so even if you are considering moving to Sheffield as a single parent you are sure to be met with a smile and plenty of help by the locals.

Sheffield is often described as one big village.

#2 Fantastic countryside

Sheffield has many great parks and open spaces but it is the proximity to the Pennines and The Peak District which makes this city such a fantastic place to live.

#3 It is safe

Compared to many cities in the UK Sheffield is considered a very safe place to live.

#4 Great schools

Sheffield has some very highly-rated schools and is home to great universities and a college.

#5 Great job prospects

Many international companies are choosing to move to Sheffield and there is a lot of investment to ensure the long-term prospects of the city continue to attract both employers and employees.

#6 Great transport connections

Whether you just need to commute locally, to Manchester, or Milan, Sheffield is centrally located to make travel to just about anywhere relatively easy.

The M1 is just outside of Sheffield, and East Midlands, and Manchester Airports are less than an hour away, and you can be in London in less than 2 hours, whilst Manchester is less than an hour by train.

Doncaster Sheffield Airport is right on your doorstep.

#7 Eating out

Sheffield has a huge array of every cuisine you could imagine, and there is a real café culture in many parts of the city.

Best Places for Families in Sheffield

Sheffield has become such a popular place for families to relocate to that a property hotspot chart for Yorkshire shows Sheffield occupying 7 of the top 10 places.

The full report was published by www.yorkshirepost.co.uk, and here is how areas of Sheffield rank as the most desirable places to live.

#1 S10: Ranmoor, Fulwood, Crookes

Average house prices in S10:

• Detached: £734,244
• Semi-detached: £429,012
• Terraces: £281,356
• Flats: £247,104

Average rental costs in S10:

• One bed: £699
• Two bed: £1,213
• Three bed: £1,407
• Four bed: £1,385

Top-rated Primary School in S10: Hallam Primary School

Top-rated Secondary school in S10: Tapton School

Top-rated A-Level Exam results school in S10: Tapton School

Discover the latest crime figures for S10 at www.police.uk

Find local healthcare services in S10 at www.nhs.uk https://www.nhs.uk/service-search

#2 S7: Nether Edge and Abbeydale

Average house prices in S7:

• Detached: £610,042
• Semi-detached: £440,536
• Terraces: £264,483
• Flats: £171,684

Average rental costs in S7:

• One bed: £808
• Two beds: £975
• Three bed: £1,023
• Four bed: £1,613

Top-rated Primary school in S7: Nether Edge Primary School

Top-rated Secondary school in S7: King Edward V11 School

Top-rated A-Level Exam results school in S10: King Edward V11 School

Discover the latest crime figures for S10 at www.police.uk

Find local healthcare services in S10 at www.nhs.uk

#3 S8: Beauchief, Norton and Woodseats

Average house prices in S8:

• Detached: £378,713
• Semi-detached: £293,505
• Terraces: £189,703
• Flats: £127,962

Average rental costs in S8:

• One bed: £767
• Two beds: £994
• Three bed: £1,370
• Four bed: £1,050

Top-rated Primary School in S8: Abbey Lane Primary School

Top-rated Secondary School in S8: Meadowhead School Academy Trust

Top-rated A-Level Exam results school in S8: Meadowhead School Academy Trust

Discover the latest crime figures for S8 at www.police.uk

Find local healthcare services in S8 at www.nhs.uk

#4 S6: Hillsborough

Average house prices in S6:

• Detached: £409,951
• Semi-detached: £253,493
• Terraces: £215,069
• Flats: £151,806

Average rental costs in S6:

• One bed: £820
• Two beds: £1,129
• Three bed: £1,223
• Four bed: £1,446

Top-rated Primary School in S6: Malin Bridge Primary School

Top-rated Secondary School in S6: Forge Valley School

Top-rated A-Level Exam results school in S6: Forge Valley School

Discover the latest crime figures for S6 at www.police.uk

Find local healthcare services in S6 at www.nhs.uk

#5 S20: Mosborough

Average house prices in S20:

• Detached: £286,815
• Semi-detached: £184,613
• Terraces: £164,582
• Flats: £112,625

Average rental costs in S20:

• One bed: £650
• Two beds: £809
• Three bed: £933

Top-rated Primary School in S20: Brook House Junior School

Top-rated Secondary School in S20 area: Outwood Academy City

Top-rated A-Level Exam results school in S20 area: Aston Academy

Discover the latest crime figures for S20 at www.police.uk

Find local healthcare services in S20 at www.nhs.uk

#6 S74: Hoyland

Average house prices in S74:

• Detached: £307,325
• Semi-detached: £160,872
• Terraces: £141,734
• Flats: £86,583

Average rental costs in S74:

• One bed: £650
• Two beds: £773
• Three bed: £1,150

Top-rated Primary School in S74: Kings Oak Primary Learning Centre

Top-rated Secondary School in S74: Paces High Green School

Top-rated A-Level Exam results school in S74 area: Paces High Green School

Discover the latest crime figures for S74 at www.police.uk

Find local healthcare services in S74 at www.nhs.uk

#7 S11: Sharrow, Brincliffe and Whirlow

Average house prices in S11:

• Detached: £741,788
• Semi-detached: £442,699
• Terraces: £322,020
• Flats: £245,169

Average rental costs in S11:

• One bed: £669
• Two bed: £1,109
• Three bed: £1,751
• Four bed: £1,435

Top-rated Primary School in the S11 area: Springfield Primary School

Top-rated Secondary School in the S11 area: Seven Hills School

Top-rated A-Level Exam Result school in the S11 area: Seven Hills School

Discover the latest crime figures for S11 at www.police.uk

Find local healthcare services in S11 at www.nhs.uk

Average rental costs were taken from www.home.co.uk April 2024

Average house prices were taken from www.rightmove.co.uk April 2024

Top-rated schools data is from www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk

You may also like to read: How to Find Your Forever Home. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of looking for a forever home and share some tips to help you find your dream home.

Which are the Best Schools in Sheffield?

Sheffield has some great schools and www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk allows you to compare schools in Sheffield as rated by Ofsted.

Top 5 Primary Schools in Sheffield

• Totley Primary School, S17
• St Thomas of Canterbury School, S8
• Lydgate Junior School, S10
• Mosborough Primary School, S20
• St Ann’s Catholic Primary School, S36

Top 5 Secondary Schools in Sheffield

• King Ecgbert School, S17
• Silverdale School, S11
• Tapton School, S10
• Handsworth Grange Community Sports College, S13
• High Storrs School, S11

Top A-Level Result-Performing Schools in Sheffield

• Silverdale School, S11
• Meadowhall School Academy Trust, S8
• High Storrs School, S11
• Notre Dame High School, S10
• Tapton School, S10

You may also like to read: How to Find New Housing Developments. In this guide, we share many useful websites that will help you find where new developments are being built, when the next phase of a development is being released, and even a useful site where you can search by a specific builder or by criteria that are important to you.

Is There Much Employment in Sheffield?

Sheffield has a burgeoning employment sector with many top international companies attracted by the great infrastructure, a good supply of talented and eager staff from the universities, and a great life/work balance.

The top employment sectors in Sheffield are:

Aerospace: Boeing has created a new factory in Sheffield and also an Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre. You can find all the latest job vacancies at Boeing at www.jobs.boeing.com 

Automotive: McLaren Automotive has chosen Sheffield as the city to house their new factory. You can see all their latest career offerings at www.careers.mclaren.com

Healthcare Technology: This is a rapidly expanding employment sector in Sheffield helped by the creation of the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre.

Nuclear: Sheffield is home to the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.

Creative and Digital: This is one of the fastest-growing employment sectors anywhere in the UK.

There are many employment opportunities in Sheffield and these websites will help you if you are looking for a job when you move to Sheffield.

• www.sheffield.gov.uk
• www.totaljobs.com
• www.jobsite.co.uk
• www.reed.co.uk

Top Sheffield Removal Firms

Luckily there are some great removal companies that can help you with your home move to Sheffield.

Finding top-rated local removal companies to move you to Sheffield is an important step to experiencing a stress-free home move. It is vitally important to choose your removal company wisely as all removal firms are not equal, unfortunately.

You may also like to read: How to Pick a Good Removal Company: The Ultimate Step-byStep Guide. In this guide, we take you step-by-step through the process of choosing the best removal company for your home move.

• Find great local Sheffield removal firms here.
• Find a local removal company to move you to Sheffield here.

No doubt you will have many more questions regarding your home move, so be sure to visit our resources section where you will find a wealth of useful information to make your home move to Sheffield easier, cheaper, and safer.