Hull v sheffield v leeds

[Anoni]

Hey all, I've recently just been acceoted onto my first ever proper job earning 20k a year which i think is a fab initial wage at 20, however I'm in a bit of a dilema. The company has offices in the three listed cities and I'm just struggling to really decide which one to go to, so would really appreciate any opinions and advice.

My main focus is really affordability, I'd like to rent my own place if possible, I've got used to living by myself in my home town, so i don't think i could really deal with flatmates. I'm not likely ever going to earn over 25k so that also affects long term affordability for buying a house when I'm older.

I enjoy hiking and being outdoors so sheffield is drawing me in with the peaks, but i also love the idea of living in a bigger city like leeds. Hull is closest to family but not by much and seems cheaper then the other too.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry for the late reply and thank you all for your help, I'm still undecided but I've a few more weeks to decide yet

I’m from Leeds and work in leeds but bought a house 30ish miles away because the decent areas of Leeds are just too expensive to both buy and rent. I was renting in Roundhay and my rent was almost double what my mortgage is.

If you want to live in a poor area of Leeds you can rent cheaply but a decent area, no chance. Having said that, you could probably get a room share for a decent price. Areas like Burley and Headingley will be cheap.

I would avoid Sheffield and Hull, I’m not a fan of either place.

If you like hiking and the outdoors I wouldn't go to Hull. It's surrounded by very uninspiring, boring countryside. Sheffield you have, as you say, the peaks which you can get a train to. Leeds you can get out to the Dales.

I posted up thread my support for my home town. Just wanted to say to Anoni once again congratuations on your exciting news.
Good luck in your choice, I still say Hull is lovely, but of course it has issues, but so do Leeds and Sheffield.
I bet you end up loving which ever city you choose.

Finally yes prince quay, did have a sad period, but new owners and management, have taken a new route. So independant shops on floor 3, kids play stuff and new shops. We are due a new city centre shopping/ice arena and housing soon.
Tonight is one of Hull"s food night. It happens every 4 weeks in the spring summer.

I know nothing much of other 2 so wont put them down.
Walking yes we are flat, but you can walk to the coast, along the river bank and over the humber bridge. The yorkshire wolds are brillient, David Hockney paints it alot.

Yes we aren't as "sexy" as Leeds or Sheffield, but we are nice, friendly and above all you will be welcomed with open arms, we need new blood like you.

My old headteacher, from Bristol, said Hull was a special city with special people. Why?
Because unlike the likes of Manchester/Leeds/Sheffield/Nottingham the people of Hull choose to live here and strongly love and defend. Many in the others just end up there my accident or are passing through.
You come to Hull because you want Hull.

Anyway good luck and enjoy your success

Sheffield!

We moved from London and looked at Leeds as an alternative. DH is from Leeds and went to uni in Hull. Hull was out automatically due to no job prospects/pretty grim location.

Parts of Leeds are fine, it's just quite urban and the green spaces are quite dispersed.

We settled on Sheffield because of it's sense of community, massive green spaces, creative scene and independent shops. The cost of living is also reasonable too. If you like hiking I'd definitely go for Sheffield - a third of it is in the Peak District!

@2BoysandaCairn, thank you for the very kind words and advice, you're really selling hull in a positive light to me.

I think I'm going to have a chat with someone from HR who specialises in the relocation of staff and just talk through my thoughts with them and see if they can offer any info

Anoni
Good luck. Do ask your HR.
I know you said at present you work two retail jobs so maybe difficult for you.
But I wonder if you could find a couple of days to visit the cities. All have travelodges/premier inns. Hull as one of each on the edge of the city centre.
Hull is about 65 minutes from Sheffield and similiar time from Leeds by train. Both are direct ones too, so no need to change.

Hull is abit of an unique taste, and might not suit all, won't, but since City of Culture we have seen alot of changes; I won't lie we have lost some shops like M and S, but which city hasn't.

Finely good luck. You deserve it and I hope really hope you find your happy place, even if that is Leeds or Sheffield

I honestly don't work for Hull's pr, and I know lots of peòple who like pp visit/study/are raised here and can't to escape.

@2BoysandaCairn. Thank you so much for all your help, mind if i pm possibly?

Yeah working 2 jobs is hard but I'm sure i could work something out to do a whistle stop tour of all the cities.

Hull does seem really nice though from your description, so it's still on the cards

Anoni
You can pm me.
I work shifts, going from nights to days at moment but I will try and reply as soon as I can.
Hth

Hi OP,

I'm sort of in the same position - job wise, can't decide between Sheffield or Leeds - which has better opportunities, I need to travel to offices - which city has got best public transport options - I drive but perhaps that's not convenient going into either city?

Did you move to one of them? Any tips?

Thanks!

I am going to say Sheffield but only because you don't drive and you want access to the countryside. You can easily get into the Hope valley (Peaks) from Sheffield on the train, whereas it's harder to access the countryside surrounding Leeds without a car. There is the Settle-Carlisle line into the Dales but you can't get much further in than that without a car.

Other than that, I think Leeds is a nicer city and has a better presented city centre.

Hull is one of those places people who have never been to are often very rude about. Just snobbery.
That said if you love walking I’d recommend Sheffield. The nicer bits of leeds I think are pretty dear.

Hi there

@garlictwist, I do drive but it's probably not worth doing going into either city centre i.e. parking, traffic etc. Which city would have the best job opportunities for office work?

We're looking for a 2 bed place with a large garden near Batley, Halifax, or south Sheffield suburbs. Where offers greater value for money, Sheffield or Leeds? (Hubby has a choice of either location for his job transfer, hence my questions.)

Thanks.

Bumping:

If anyone can recommend whether office job opportunities are better in Sheffield or Leeds, I'd really appreciate it.

Many thanks!

Leeds is more expensive because it’s a better city - vibrant city centre and great employment prospects. You’re at the start at your career, living in an area with fewer career options is a false economy

I’ve just checked, you can rent a 1 bed flat in Kirkstall all bills included for £400/month giving you plenty to enjoy (or even more into your pension - it’s worth more the sooner you start).

I must have given a youthful impression however I'm in my 50s :-) My husband can transfer with his job to either Leeds or Sheffield - we just don't know which to choose if he gets dates for either place! The vital consideration is - which city is the one where I'm most likely to get a job, even at my age?

We've already looking at property prices and in that respect we think we can get more choice for our money around Sheffield and the outskirts, but if there are more job opportunities in the Leeds area then we'll have to live nearer Leeds (not looking within Leeds, but a 10 mile radius west) and anticipate having to spend a little bit more.

I do drive but we've only got the one car which he'll use. But if I can get a job then maybe we'll get a second.

And nope, can't afford to retire yet, unfortunately!

Leeds is great but on that salary AND wanting to rent on your own, you would be better off in Sheffield.