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Original poster

Norwich or Sheffield? Help please!!

43 replies

tireddd · 31/07/2024 16:46

I have lived in Norwich for a few years now and I've found myself with a new (fixed term) job up in the midlands. I'm currently deciding where to buy as it's cheaper than renting. I'm not sure yet how much I'll be able work to remotely but given the nature of my job, it will be a fair bit of the time. It is, however, a very long commute from where I am now and I'm therefore contemplating moving up and buying in Sheffield...

I just wondered if anyone had experience of living both cities and how they found it/moving up there from here? I feel so settled in Norwich so I'm reluctant to uproot myself. I've been to Sheffield a few times a few years back and again more recently, but it just felt so bleak and run-down, especially the city centre... Am very keen to hear other people's experiences of the city as a whole please and what you would do!!

Background info - no children/dependents, but I'm looking to settle and put down roots...

OP posts:
noctilucentcloud · 31/07/2024 21:19

I lived in Norwich and Sheffield, much prefer Sheffield but everyone is different. Sheffield is a large city and has some very affluent areas and some very deprived areas. As others have said it's got the Peak District and is a very green city with some great spaces. I also think it's a very friendly down to earth place. I'd check out your commuting times, prices and how busy the trains are. Sheffield only has one main station (not like eg Manchester) so factor in getting to the station too and if you'll need buses to get you to and from. And as an aside, Sheffield is definitely in the north and folk will be a bit insulted if you call it the midlands!

ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 31/07/2024 21:00

tireddd · 31/07/2024 19:02

Thanks @ArseInTheCoOpWindow - the Peaks was my rationale for Sheffield above all other northern cities! But as a non-driver, I would need to access the city centre a fair bit for the station (commuting etc) and shopping...

Live in Dore or Totley.

Got a cute little station. Right on the edge of the city near the peaks. You can catch a train into Sheffield or out to Hathersage, Hope , Castleton etc in the peaks.

Expensive though. But all the nice bits are. It was the most popular city to move to in lockdown. This has pushed house prices up.

S10, S11 and S17 are the ones on the edge.

CraftyOP · 31/07/2024 19:48

Where is your job? Sheffield isn't the midlands so the commute might be hell. Also Sheffield is hardly as cheap as it used to be. It's a great city with a lot going for it, the city centre is hit and miss but it's hard to see how you can go shopping there as so many have closed. I go to visit family having grown up there and we often stay in the city centre and have a great time but some parts are awful, some nice and it's a safe place. There are lots of nice places in Sheffield but it's a big city so not easy to get out of it to work each day.

FriendlyNeighbourhoodAccountant · 31/07/2024 19:41

Where is the job? You say midlands but Sheffield folk consider themselves northerners so is the job in Sheffield or is it actually in the midlands (Derby, Nottingham etc)?

The commute in this part of the country can be make or break. I've commuted from Rotherham to Derby before and it's not a great drive if there's an accident or traffic.

ScarlettSunset · 31/07/2024 19:10

How long is your fixed term contract for? I wouldn't move for a fixed term job regardless of where it was.

JacquesHarlow · 31/07/2024 19:05

This sort of says it all

Norwich or Sheffield? Help please!!
Eckythumpand · 31/07/2024 19:05

Sheffield is a big city it VERY much depends on where you mean in Sheffield. If you can afford Millhouses and surrounding yes, if you're talking some other areas no. Geographically Isn't Norwich very isolated? If you don't need to get to places stay in Norwich, if you need to travel then Sheffield may be a better option but be very wary of whereabouts.

fussychica · 31/07/2024 19:03

I used to work in Sheffield but didn't live there. Like many people moving to the area I lived on the edge of the Peak District but in Derbyshire. Unfortunately the commute in and out wasn't pleasant. It was quite a while back so I'm sure the traffic would be even worse now. I'd probably stick with Norwich.

Original poster
tireddd · 31/07/2024 19:02

Thanks @ArseInTheCoOpWindow - the Peaks was my rationale for Sheffield above all other northern cities! But as a non-driver, I would need to access the city centre a fair bit for the station (commuting etc) and shopping...

OP posts:
Original poster
tireddd · 31/07/2024 19:01

@ShowOfHands is there any particular reason why?

And I also like a good hike and hilly walk, but I also love the unique coastal beauty of Norfolk!

OP posts:
Original poster
tireddd · 31/07/2024 18:59

thanks @Longma - is it more expensive the further you go out for buying/renting?

And when I visited a few years back, I thought the city centre felt quite vibrant so it was a massive shock when I went recently and found it so sad and sorry looking. I know they are planning on redeveloping parts, but it caught me off guard!

OP posts:
ShowOfHands · 31/07/2024 18:58

I've lived in both. I much prefer hills, but Norwich would still win every time.

Original poster
tireddd · 31/07/2024 18:56

@pomers why have you been exiled?!

OP posts:
catgirl1976 · 31/07/2024 18:54

I’ve lived in both cities. I’d move back to Norwich in a heartbeat but not Sheffield. There are some nicer areas but it was quite crimey and run down. Norwich is just lovely imo

Letsbe · 31/07/2024 18:53

Sheffield one milloin per cent

Longma · 31/07/2024 18:30

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines. at the request of it's author.

ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 31/07/2024 18:08

People don’t move to Sheffield for the city centre. They move for access to the Peak District.

Most of Sheffield is lovely. Green, independent vibe. Some stunning suburbs.

Dss went to Norwich from Sheffield. Ha hated the flatness and lack of access to the hilly countryside.

pomers · 31/07/2024 17:59

I’m from Yorkshire, exiled in Norfolk. Stay in Norwich

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