Moving to South Yorkshire...recommendations needed!

[DilemmaADay]

Posted on another board but reposting here due to traffic

Due to job circumstances, I will be looking to move to South Yorkshire in the near future but dont know where to start!
I'm from Leicestershire originally which I find not a very friendly place (where I was anyway), and now based near Leeds. I love the North compared to the Midlands but I've lived near very grey cities in build up areas and just want to live somewhere with a more village type lifestyle with little independent shops etc.

My job will be based near Sheffield but I've been looking at Chesterfield, Barnsley, Wakefield and the surrounding areas too. Does anyone have any suggestions from their experience of South Yorkshire of where would be nice?

@tartan33 I agree with you a bit in terms of the drug situation here, it's awful seeing smackheads about! Bad in Sheffield too, and most cities unfortunately. I meant more the living situation - I live in a new build estate and all my neighbours are great and I feel safe. Barnsley town centre is a decent night out and there are plenty of nice restaurants about. Generally for shopping I stick to Meadowhall

I've lived in Sheffield 40+ years but not originally from here. One thing I've noticed - maybe other cities are the same but it's definitely true here - is that people here get extremely defensive and touchy about where they live. They'll defend Sheffield to the death compared to other cities, notably Leeds, and within Sheffield will big up their own neighbourhood compared to others beyond all logic and reason. I find it all a bit odd and insular.

Just a note regarding schools, we moved to the area a few years ago after DH got a job in sheffield and we looked at lots of places. The thing that caused us some difficulties was schools. At the time we needed two primary school places and Sheffield council couldn't guarantee that they would get a place anywhere near our home or even at the same school so I spent a lot of time phoning individual schools to find out about their waiting list, current catchment areas etc. We ended up settling in the S36 area as we were able to send both to the same school within easy reach of home. And although we don't live in Penistone both our children have places there (although we're not more than 2 miles away)

and within Sheffield will big up their own neighbourhood compared to others beyond all logic and reason.

Weirdly, I've never seen this. I've noticed a friendly rivalry between areas - which you get in all cities, Londoners do that too - but never any genuine antagonism.

I like this thread and seeing the other posters who are close by.

I currently live in Sheffield you don’t see me up in arms foaming at the mouth of the negative comments it’s received,

Please point out where I've been 'up in arms' or 'foaming at the mouth'?

You on the other hand seem rather attached to overly dramatic phraseology....

We have outstanding schools too. Tapton/King Edwards/Lydgate

I’d go for Crookes, then you’re in catchment for Tapton which is a super secondary.

I was thinking Crosspool would be too pricey, but this one is in the cusp of Crosspool/Crookes and worth a look...

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-81375643.html

@atomicblonde30 this is getting very tiresome and you have been the only person being slightly hysterical on here. How can you honestly not see that slating a large area incorporating lots of villages and areas is not constructive? There is a huge difference between say Goldthorpe and Cawthorne in Barnsley. Chalk and cheese. Same with Whiston and Canklow in Rotherham. And to say Sheffield as an area is nice. Again there are lots of really bad areas and some beautiful affluent areas. Because every town is diverse and no place is wholly good or wholly bad and that is the why people have disagreed with your shit hole concept.

I grew up in Grenoside, which is on the cheaper side of the city, and still has a lovely village feel as well as really good access to the countryside. I'd also second Wentworth and Penistone, although I haven't been back in a good while. If you're prepared to be a bit more rural, I'd consider heading in to the Peak District to areas like Hathersage. Dore etc are lovely, but can be quite pricey!

Rotherham IS NOT a shit hole. There are very affluent areas and very deprived areas, like everywhere else, that's all.

Woodseats, Norton, Dronfield, all have easy links to city centre but all have their own shops etc, nice places to eat, pubs, good schools. No more than 20 mins from M1 Junction 29

Also Greenhill is lovely, for £210k in Woodseats or Greenhill you could get a nice 3 bed semi or large terrace, if you go for an ex council house you will have change out of £210k, 3 beds sell for £170k max. Dronfield is a bit more expensive, transport links are ok, railway station in Dronfield, good bus service.

Looking at commuting times is a good idea. Sometimes it takes longer to travel a shorter distance in rush hour then commuting in. Also look at public transport as one day the dc's will want to go out with their friends and will need to get out and about independently. Chapeltown may actually be a good bet. It's a nice village in between Sheffield and Barnsley. Near the M1 and Meadowhall too and is served by regular trains and buses. It's close to Elsecar which has great countryside and a lovely heritage centre with kids activities

Ps Chapeltown is also on the train route to Leeds and Wakefield

Hi all, and thanks for the reports.
We've deleted some personal attacks on this thread.
Peace and love please.
MNHQ

Huddersfield isn't a shit hole either

Blimey, that all took a turn! Don't worry OP, people in S Yorks are actually very friendly!

I lived in Barnsley for 20 years and would say do not rule it out! It has some lovely areas and you get lots for your money.