Sheffield, the largest settlement in South Yorkshire, embodies a delightful blend of tradition and modernity, bucolic bliss, and urban dynamism.
Partially set in the foothills of the Pennines, Sheffield is a flourish of verdure, housing over 250 parks, woodlands, and gardens. With a rich history of steel production through the 18th to 20th centuries, Sheffield is also an industrial powerhouse and prosperous economic centre. The city is generously endowed with natural resources as well as commercial promise, placing Sheffield as a top destination for establishing a business. As such, the economy is robust, underscored by a £27,805 per capita GDP, a low unemployment rate, and attractive real estate.
Sheffield’s prestige is emboldened by its many crowning achievements, such as hosting the internationally acclaimed eponymous university and being home to the world’s oldest football club. Outperforming most cities in the realms of purchasing power, healthcare, climate, and traffic commute times (as per Numbeo’s index), Sheffield boasts a very high quality of life.
Read on to discover the best areas to live in Sheffield.
Sheffield City Centre
Set in the heart of Sheffield, the city centre is a bustling, pedestrianised shopping district. Thronged with an abundance of flagship designer stores, cafes, eateries, and ritzy pubs, this area is Sheffield’s very own ‘a la mode’ enclave.
While the locale is filled with historic sites such as the Sheffield Cathedral and the Castle Courtyard remains, the city centre’s aesthetic and ambience radiate upscale modernity, owing to extensive renovation and development initiatives. As such, majestic spires and timber-framed cottages are complemented by glass skyscrapers and whimsical LED billboards. In addition to superior amenities, Sheffield hosts cultural venues, theatres, and galleries.
The Sheffield City Centre was designed to offer residents the world at their fingertips, from indulgent shopping sprees to touristic adventures and healthcare. With the University of Sheffield located a mere five minutes away, it is a splendid student-friendly haven.
The locale hosts swanky modern residences, from contemporary apartments to sleek townhouses. Ideal for young professionals, the average property price in Sheffield City Centre is £162,107.
Dore
Nestled among a few hills by the River Sheaf, Dore is an affluent suburb in the Sheffield district. The region is older than Sheffield itself, with strong Anglo-Saxon roots. Initially a humble hamlet, Dore evolved owing to its flourishing coal and ganister mining industry and vibrant agricultural landscape.
Today, Dore is known as a serene, elegant retreat, adorned with stone buildings, three mediaeval churches, and an assemblage of leisure venues including cafes, restaurants, and communal societies. History is palpable in Dore’s air and is emboldened by its unspoiled surroundings. Home to a playground, two local schools, and equipped with good transport links, Dore is a highly sought-after suburb for families.
One of Sheffield’s most expensive neighbourhoods,house prices in Dore average in at £580,000.
Crookes
Crookes is a charming suburb admired for its warm community, prime amenities, and scenic landscape. Set on a 1000-year-old Roman road, Crookes is one of Sheffield’s oldest regions. Formerly known as Krkur (named so by the Vikings), the area served as a pitstop for weary travellers and hosted a handful of pubs that exist to this day.
Today, this leafy suburb is home to countless hidden gems, from old taverns like The Ball Inn to small bakeries such as Sorrels Cocoa Bakery and a range of independent shops. There’s also a bustling social club noted for its legendary club nights. With wellness centres, clinics, and primary schools to boot, Crookes is perfect for nuclear families.
The locale presents an eclectic collection of residences, from Victorian homes to swanky apartments and detached and semi-detached properties. With an average household income of £48,100, Crookes is Sheffield’s 13th most expensive neighbourhood.
On average, properties in Crookes are priced at about £261,000.
Ecclesall
Ecclesall is an expansive ward in southwestern Sheffield, renowned for its vibrant social scene and spirited atmosphere. Dating to the 9th century, Ecclesall was initially a modest settlement hosting a corn mill and a tightly-knit community. It was radically transformed by the industrial revolution and was later equipped with workhouses and factories, contributing to a population spike and overall prosperity.
Today, Ecclesall is one of Sheffield’s premiere neighbourhoods. Chiefly populated by wealthy and middle-class families, the area is home to a trove of high-end restaurants such as Koko and Otto’s, a series of traditional pubs, and several local parks. Sporting vivid carpets of bluebells during the summer, Ecclesall Woods is the region’s crown jewel.
There are also two secondary schools and six primary schools located here, creating a favourable environment for families with children. Boasting elevated amenities and a holistic quality of life, the average property price at Ecclesall is £400,130.
Walkley
Walkley is a suburb nestled in the northwestern hills of Sheffield. The area dates back to the Anglo-Saxon period and was initially a small settlement with a handful of farms and workmen's cottages. It evolved into a modern residential area in the 19th and 20th centuries, when the industrial revolution contributed to the establishment of schools, a library, and a church.
Walkley is characterised by stone-fronted Victorian homes, accompanied by the Walkley Museum, the Ruskin Gallery, and a miscellany of delightful local shops. There are five primary schools and a secondary school, complemented by vast green spaces like the Walkley Ebenezer Park and Bolehills Recreation Ground. Fringed by the Peak District National Park, Walkley affords residents an avenue to embark on adventurous sporting activities. Families flock to Walkley for its scenic landscape, serene atmosphere, and eminent infrastructure.
Embodying incredible architectural finesse, the locale's roads are dotted with stately Victorian and Edwardian mansions, in addition to contemporary apartments. The average house price in Walkley is around £240,000.
Nether Edge
Located to the south of the city centre, Nether Edge has been named one of the best places to live in the UK by The Sunday Times. The region was once a rural enclave with a small population and scarce economic prospects. A cutler purchased these lands in the 19th century and established a resplendent mansion with an all-encompassing park and a few private streets.
The Sunday Times described Nether Edge as an “up-and-coming suburb” and a “new family favourite.” The region is famous for its quarterly farmer’s market, organic food, Instagrammable cafes, and whimsical clubs. Abounding with reputed primary and secondary schools, and located close to the Peak District, Nether Edge serves quality education as well as immersive cultural experiences. With festivals and yard sales filling up calendars, Nether Edge promises residents a welcoming and fun-filled atmosphere. The Sunday Times also highlighted the locale’s superior quality of life and proximity to the rest of Britain.
A relatively new area, Nether Edge abounds with exquisite Victorian homes and a luxuriantly green cityscape. The average cost of a home in Nether Edge is around £300,000.
Sheffield offers residents quality on all fronts — business and employment opportunities, a nurturing family environment, natural landscapes, and an eclectic social scene. Regardless of the kind of life one seeks to build, this Yorkshire-bound city presents immense promise. From Sheffield City Centre to Nether Edge, these are some of the best areas to live in Sheffield.
