So the decision has been made and you’re moving to the Steel City. How exciting! But before you pack your bags and set off on your journey, there are a few things to take into account such as job opportunities, the cost of living, transport infrastructure and also education if you have children. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about moving to the birthplace of Sean Bean.
The cost of living
It’s generally a lot cheaper to live in Sheffield than in other cities. The cost of accommodation obviously depends on what you’re looking for such as shared student digs, a flat to yourself or even a house. Renting a one-bedroom flat in the city centre will set you back around £650, whereas outside the centre, you may find options for under £500. If your city centre home is a little bit cosier than you’d hoped, there are lots of small bathroom ideas such as these from GROHE to help you make the most out of your space.
Jobs in Sheffield
Business in the city is booming and has a strong and diversified economy so finding a job shouldn’t be too difficult. The city used to have quite a high unemployment rate, but now around 75% of the population is said to be economically active. Retail, tourism, finance, textiles and healthcare are some of the most popular industries. Sheffield boasts two world-renowned universities, Sheffield University and Sheffield Hallam, which create great potential for the graduate market.
Transport in Sheffield
Sheffield has an extensive public transport network covering the city centre, suburbs and beyond into South Yorkshire, Derbyshire and the Peak District. If you don’t want to walk or cycle, you can hop on a bus, tram, or train. The city is very well connected, meaning you should be able to get anywhere you want. Taxis are aplenty in case you quickly need to get somewhere.
The Doncaster Sheffield Airport isn’t far away, but unfortunately doesn’t offer the biggest selection of flights. Luckily, Manchester Airport (around 40 miles away) and East Midlands Airport (around 50 miles away) can easily be reached.
Education in Sheffield
There are many educational options in Sheffield, no matter your child’s age. For younger kids, there are lots of infant and junior schools, secondary schools, and two special needs institutions, to name just a few. For higher education, there are the aforementioned two universities and one college, which offers everything up to a Master’s degree.
Culture in Sheffield
There is something for everyone in Sheffield. The city is jam-packed with events all year round such as Tramlines in the summer, numerous shows at the Lyceum and Crucible theatres, not to mention the World Snooker Championships taking place at the latter. The LGBT+ are well catered for, with past events including Karma Leon’s Kabaret, for example.
For those with quieter tastes, a bounty of art galleries, cinemas, and museums await you. The city is also home to lots of green space so you can chill in parks or check out Sheffield Winter Garden, a large glasshouse situated in the centre.
There’s also not a shortage of food options in Sheffield. From hearty Yorkshire puddings followed by homemade apple crumble and custard at The Red Lion on Charles Street to the exceptionally fancy Michelin restaurant, Rafters, on Oakbrook Road, there’s something for every taste bud.
The nightlife also doesn’t disappoint so if you enjoy painting the town red with friends, there is an array of bars and clubs that are all within walking distance of each other so perfect for a pub crawl.
