Living in Sheffield
Sheffield is an open, progressive place with room in its heart for everyone. As England’s fourth-largest city, surrounded by the beauty of the Peak District, we’re known for our creative spirit, welcoming community and inspiring green spaces.
Cost of living in Sheffield
Sheffield was recently named as the number one city for lowest cost of living by the TotalJobs Quality of Life Index. Coupled with the fact that we’ve also been named as the UK’s second fastest-growing city economy, living in Sheffield means it’s possible to experience an excellent quality of life without breaking the bank.
Are you a first time buyer? The Co-operative Bank named Sheffield as one of the top 5 best UK cities for first time house buyers based on factors like affordability, crime rates, traffic and life satisfaction scores.
The outdoor city
If you’re an adventurous outdoorsy person, or you’ve always wanted to be, you couldn’t pick a better place to live. With over 60% of our city being green space, Sheffield has been called the UK’s greenest city. There are 50 public parks and 170 woodlands to choose from. And with more than a third of the city lying inside the beautiful Peak District National Park, we’re the UK’s only city with a National Park within its boundary
I moved from Luxembourg to Sheffield. I really like that the city is full of green. It’s also great that the Peak District is so close. It feels so relaxing and refreshing.
Donghwan
Lecturer in Testing, Department of Computer Science
A city for families
With lots of green spaces, a lower cost of living and some of the top primary and secondary schools in the region, Sheffield is a great place for families.
- Sheffield Family Hubs offer support for parents to help give their children a great start in life
- Weekends and school holidays are never boring with these family days out - from Alpaca treks and interactive museums to trampoline parks and a board game cafe
An active city
Much more than beautiful countryside, Sheffield is geographically diverse, nestled in a natural amphitheatre created by seven hills, and fed by five rivers. This diversity has attracted hikers, runners and climbers alike; it’s a city packed with activity.
Did you know that Sheffield is the birthplace of football?
- Get involved with sports classes and teams around the city
- More of a spectator? Explore the many sporting events in the city you can watch
- Discover the spiritual home of climbing in UK
- Experience the city on foot through the Sheffield Round Walk
- Cycle through city roads or explore scenic mountain bike trails
A city of culture
Sheffield has a thriving arts and culture scene, with an array of museums, galleries and theatres. The city hosts world-renowned art festivals, has produced many of the nation’s most celebrated musicians and is home to some truly inspiring architecture. You’ll also find a city full of independent restaurants, shops and coffee houses which add to its unique character. With Sheffield, you can be sure that there will be something to see and do.
- Use the Sheffield Culture Map to check out the city’s cultural highlights, finding independent food, drink and shopping gems along the way
- Visit Our Favourite Places to find out what's on and where to go
- Search Welcome to Sheffield website to explore what the city has to offer, including music events, independent cinemas, art galleries and more.
- Sheffield is home to one of the largest theatre complexes outside of London. For more information visit Sheffield Theatres
Find out more about Sheffield at Welcome to Sheffield.
I moved to Sheffield from London and it was a big shift. I very quickly came to realise how genuinely friendly and welcoming the people are and I felt at home surprisingly quickly.
There’s so much to enjoy in Sheffield – galleries, museums, music as well as all the unique neighbourhoods surrounding the city centre full of quirky independents and great food.
Emma
Senior Philanthropy Manager
Shopping in the city
From big brands and staple high street stores to second hand gems and curated independents, Sheffield has something for everyone when it comes to shopping.
- Shop, eat and drink whatever the weather at Meadowhall, our leading indoor shopping centre
- Right at the heart of the city centre, The Moor has everything you need - from high street shopping to a traditional market, as well as food and entertainment
- Support Sheffield’s independent stores with this discount membership card
The city for foodies
Called a ‘paradise for food lovers’, Sheffield was named 2023’s Foodie Capital of the UK by TimeOut Magazine. Whether you're into street food or pub grub, you’ll find something to satisfy your tastebuds.
Take yourself to London Road for a culinary tour around the world. Sample Greek, Turkish, Chinese, Malaysian, Japanese, Mexican and more all within a five-minute walk. Head to The Devonshire Quarter for independent coffee shops.
Or if beer is more your thing, explore local breweries in Kelham Island. Named the ‘Real Ale Capital of the World’ since 2016, Sheffield is leading the independent brewing scene in the UK.
Not sure where to start? Our renowned food festivals give you a taste of what the city has to offer. From more regular community markets like Peddler Market, Nether Edge Market, or Sharrow Vale Market, to the big annual events like the Sheffield Food Festival, there’s always something going on for foodies.
- Explore more of the exploding food and drink scene in Sheffield
Getting around the city
The attractive city centre is within walking distance of our campus and university life is very much integrated with the day-to-day life of the city. Though it’s an easy city to explore on foot due its compact nature, if you don’t fancy tackling the hills, there are plenty of public transport links in every part of the city.
- Get public transport passes that suit you via Travel South Yorkshire
- Despite the hills, the city is cycle friendly and there are lots of cycling groups you can join
The University and the city
We're working with partners and friends in Sheffield to help shape a culturally and economically vibrant city. Our expertise and passion for the city is helping make Sheffield a better place to live, work and visit.