Sheffield, located in Northern England and ranked as the UK's fifth-largest city, is one of the country's popular destinations for expats. Despite its smaller size compared to nearby cities like Leeds and Manchester, Sheffield continually draws in expats, international students, and permanent residents due to its promising job prospects, cost of living, vibrant social life, and unique character. Sheffield also stands out as one of the greenest and most densely wooded cities in Europe, being recognised as the greenest city in the UK. According to the most recent census conducted in 2021, its population is estimated to be approximately 556,500 residents.
Exciting things about Sheffield
Sheffield offers an affordable and serene way of life, surrounded by green spaces that include the River Don and its four primary tributaries: Loxley, Rivelin, Sheaf, and Porter. To the west, Sheffield is bordered by the Peak District, which ranks as the UK's sixth-largest national park. Accessible within a half-hour drive from anywhere in the city, this park is a natural treasure. Sheffield has gracefully transformed itself over the years. From its historical prominence as "The Steel City" during the 18th to the 20th century, renowned worldwide for iron and steel production, it has evolved into "The Outdoor City". This new identity offers an active urban life with outdoor recreational activities like climbing, mountain biking, cycling, canoeing, hiking, and running. Adding to the city's charm, Sheffield is also home to Europe's largest urban conservatory, the Winter Garden, a towering glasshouse standing at 22 meters and showcasing a diverse collection of approximately 2500 plant species from around the globe.
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Held annually in September for a duration of ten days, the Sheffield Walking Festival offers a diverse array of walks suitable for various levels of fitness, all while discovering fascinating sights.
Sheffield has about 250 gardens and parks, and 60% of the city is green space.
Sheffield has a beer history, too, that goes back to the Industrial Revolution when small breweries popped up to cover the demand for the refreshment of factory and construction workers. Today, Sheffield is among the world's best cities for unique craft beers. Sheffield's breweries produce over 1,000 different beers annually, including the cask ale (or real ale), a beer that has undergone secondary fermentation in the barrel without being filtered or pasteurised.
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Kelham Island was a pivotal player in shaping Sheffield's brewing legacy, evolving into a hub for celebrated real ale pubs and microbreweries. In its historical context, Kelham Island holds one of the most ancient manufacturing sites, with roots dating back over 900 years when a stream was redirected to fuel a nearby mill.
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The most popular neighbourhoods in Sheffield
Nestled in a natural amphitheatre and surrounded by hills, with several rivers and forests, Sheffield is a top-of-the-list location. The city is divided into several urban and rural areas to suit your budget and taste.
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The city is affectionately referred to as the "largest village in England" because of its remote location, surrounded by hills.
St. Pauls
St. Pauls is a district that has experienced remarkable transformation and now stands as a highly sought-after residential area. This neighbourhood exudes vibrancy, and excellent connectivity through multiple transport options, restaurants, bars, and charming cafes. The proximity to the Moor Market adds to its appeal, with over 90 independent businesses, including grocers, bakers, and restaurants. The apartments in Sheffield's tallest building offer exclusive panoramic city views.
Crookes
Crookes is another vibrant and green area in Sheffield. It is located on the hillside and close to the University of Sheffield. You will come across many students, professionals, and families in this area, which makes it trendy and traditional at the same time. Crookes strikes a balance between hip restaurants, cafes, and bars. You will also find basic amenities such as bookshops, organic shops, and vintage stores, making it more popular. Crookes is also home to the Sheffield Botanical Gardens where you can find acres of peaceful space.
Ecclesall
Ecclesall is one of the most popular areas to live in Sheffield. It is very close to Fulwood and the countryside. Its popularity keeps growing with students and young people contributing to giving it a good vibe. The social scene is unparalleled, with many independent cafes and shops. Make sure to check out the Bessemer II Gallery, which hosts contemporary art and crafts while also offering a dedicated in-house art cafe that serves homemade cakes, including options for vegans and those with gluten intolerances.
Fulwood
Fulwood is another historical area in Sheffield. It is home to several famous buildings and is only three miles from the city centre. Fulwood is an affluent area and, thanks to its location, very close to the Peak District, is popular with tourists and joggers. As a result of its affluent demographics, you can easily find a tennis club and golf course there. Fulwood is also home to The Conservation Area.
Totely and Dore
Totley and Dore have a charming countryside ambiance. Nestled in picturesque villages, just a 15 to 20-minute commute from the city center, you'll find Dore, which offers an upscale countryside living experience. It is renowned for its high-end dining establishments, cosy cafes, inviting bars, vibrant markets, and traditional pubs, giving it a distinctive character. Both Totley and Dore provide a tranquil environment surrounded by nature, fostering a strong sense of community among its residents.
Types and cost of accommodation in Sheffield
Sheffield has various accommodation options, from apartments and houses to campus rooms and studios for students and solo expats. Since the city has been redeveloped recently, many modern apartment blocks alongside older terraced houses and townhouses have popped up. The more you focus your housing search away from the centre, the more semi-detached and detached houses you will find. Overall, especially compared to other cities in the UK, housing in Sheffield is affordable. According to Rightmove, properties in Sheffield can be found for an average price of £241,073.
According to the Numbeo Cost of Living database, the rent cost is 62.6% lower than in London. You can find a three-bedroom apartment in the city centre for around £1,492, while a one-bedroom can fetch £745.
Student accommodation in Sheffield
There are over 60,000 university students in Sheffield studying in one of the city's higher education institutions — the first-class University of Sheffield and the research-leading Sheffield Hallam University. Many students choose to live in central areas such as St. Pauls and Ecclesall due to these neighbourhoods' convenience and incomparable lively vibe. Broomhill is also popular among students because it's within walking distance from the University of Sheffield campus. Even though the area is self-sustainable (there are plenty of local shops, supermarkets, and dining options), it is also well-served by bus services that go to and from the City Centre. Students who love the outdoors look into Fulwood, Ranmoor, and Dore. However, these areas are definitely more popular among families and retirees. You will surely feel part of the community wherever you decide to settle in Sheffield during your studies.
Tip:
To save on housing costs as a student, consider sharing a house with other students. In a UK shared house, the bathroom is usually shared, too, since there aren't many en-suite constructions.
Everyday life in Sheffield
Looking at the UK's map, Sheffield is at the centre of England, meaning that it's well-connected to other big UK cities, such as Leeds and Manchester, which are less than an hour away by train. Meanwhile, London is about two and a half hours away, and Edinburgh is three and a half hours away.
Sheffield is served by the Northern Railway, and the Sheffield station is located in the City Centre, making commuting convenient. In addition, Sheffield has a four-line tram network, which has been serving the city since 1994, and good bus services. Of course, cycling is always an eco-friendly transportation option with various cycling routes.
Tip:
Purchase a Megarider to save money on public transport. A 28-day Megarider Bus & Tram ticket costs £50.
Sheffield is a safe city, mainly thanks to schemes such as Safe Sheffield, which aims to keep residents safe by offering information on hate crimes, drugs, online scams, etc. In addition, the city owes its reduced crime scene to other initiatives such as the Sheffield Youth Justice Service.
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Doncaster Sheffield Airport closed in 2022, but rumours are circulating about its reopening due to its high potential to attract visitors to the city.
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Finding accommodation in Sheffield
The rental market in Sheffield is quite competitive in the city centre, but it is usually easier to find accommodation in rural areas. Make sure to search thoroughly and react promptly once you find something interesting. Check Expat.com's England housing ads, and don't hesitate to post your accommodation enquiries on the Expat.com England forum.
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Youth Hostel for temporary accommodation
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