Moving to Sheffield - where to rent?

[BabCNesbitt]

We're moving to Sheffield at the end of July for DH's job, and as we don't know the place at all and we've been overseas for a couple of years, we were planning on renting for a while. We need at least 2 bedrooms and ideally no more than #700 a month for rent, so I think that probably rules out the swankier areas near the uni, but what would be decent areas within that budget? (DD will be 3 in the autumn but we're hoping to buy a place before primary school becomes an issue, so schools aren't a really important factor right now.)

I've been looking at Rightmove and there seem to be affordable places in Hillsborough, but what's that like as a place to live? We've also been looking at Walkley but I don't know if that would be too expensive for us, too? And are there any places we should DEFINITELY avoid?

Thanks! :)

If you can go to £800 it would open up the possibility of being in the better areas, OP, and nearer the University.

Budget only £700 a month - might be able to stretch to £750 but we're moving with almost no furniture and no job yet for me, so we want to try and keep it low. DH's job is at Sheffield Uni rather than Hallam - would that make Meersbrook or Heeley too far? Sharrow and Nether Edge also look good, but yes, a bit harder to find places in our budget.

True BUnbaker, I was just mixing things up.

We live in penistone about 15 miles north of Sheffield, it is a lovely semi rural market town with good schools, about 30 to 40 min commute to Sheffield. For you budget you would get a really lovely property and the schools here are good. Is it too far out.?

Meersbrook and Heeley aren't too far, but they aren't on a direct bus route. It would mean a 2 bus journey.

I live near you vickibee . I love this area. I had a lovely bike ride on the TPT yesterday morning. Been trying to work out the best place to see the TDF.

I live near you too vickibee and I think Bunbaker already knows that. Not actually Penistone, about 6 miles away, but P is my nearest town and I am there a lot. Can't ever see us moving.

It is my nearest town as well.

there is a special event at Langsett for the TDF, music and BBQ and stuff, it is going to be busy though.
Penistone is growing fast, new secondary school, tesco, new house being built all over the place. Op will easy get a 3 bed with character and garden / parking here for the budget. It is great for young kids

it is actually in the Barnsley council area (not Sheffield) I can't ever see me moving from here either, just need to get the house finished

Broomhall was sorted out, and was gorgeous when I lived there.

I still miss Hunters Bar, especially Endcliffe Park, The Porter Cottage and The Lescar.

Carter Knowle is good. I didn't take to Nether Edge when I lived there.

How about Norton Lees, great access to Graves Park from there.

We live in the south of the city. The house prices are reasonable and travel to the university area is very good if you are close to the bus/tram stops. Obviously the commute is longer than Hillsborough end but it's a simple one. It is a lot less congested this end also, Hillsborough way is a 'mare for parking/driving. Lots of nice green spaces round here for kids also - Rother Valley Country Park , Graves Park, Norfolk Park are all in easy reach. It's not as 'naice' as the south west but it's a nice area in general.
You'll find Sheffield a very friendly place OP, enjoy your stay.

mrstiggy, what's the name of your area?

Catmint, I'd read somewhere that Norton Lees was a bit suburban, which after several months in the US 'burbs is something I'd hoped to avoid, but if it was still within walking distance of shops and so on then that wouldn't be too bad!

Penistone looks lovely, vickibee, and there are definitely places in our price range, but we weren't planning on having a car (and I can't drive yet anyway - I really wasn't suited to US suburbia ). according to Google Maps it takes at least an hour to get to the university from there on public transport, going via Barnsley, and I can't see DH going for that, alas.

If you don't intend having a car then you need to be in town. The Penistone area is wonderful, but you really need a car to get the most out of the area.

So no car, small child, dh working at Sheffield Uni? Anything else to bear in mind?

Do you want a terrace, semi, flat?

Parts of Heeley are on direct bus route to uni ( no 51), buses every 10 mins for most of the day.

No semis (reminds me too much of the house I grew up in), would prefer house but flat would be OK if near a park or space to run around in. Penthouse suites always appropriate, however.

I live in the waterthorpe/owlthorpe/sothall area. Tis pretty suburban mind. Lots of shops and supermarkets and great transport links but if you are fancying something more inner city it might not be your cup of tea.
I'd say the map posted above is spot on for how I view Sheffield personally. I wouldn't choose any of the red areas myself (and couldn't afford the posh areas) but pretty much everywhere else is good. Just check out transport before you commit. Some areas like mine have buses every few minutes to everywhere, some have buses every hour and you are limited to where you can easily get to.

If you've lived in south London, Hillsborough on a Saturday night is tame. also driving in and around Sheffield city centre is fine after London as most Sheffielders still seem to follow the highway code

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/property-43028279.html
Your dp could walk, bus or cycle to uni from this place and if I remember rightly it's quite a nice area and within budget

I did my first degree at Sheffield. Broomhall was the red light district!

Crookes is nice, Dore is even nicer.

Otherwise, Dronfield is nice as are parts of Chesterfield (Walton, nice, but expensive or some areas in Newbold).

Suddenly realised place is unfurnished visit Local Freecycle or gum tree sites for people wanting to give away furniture etc for free

This place is really growing on me. Pluses on direct bus route to university, 15 minute walk to Endcliffe park, botanical gardens, nice primary school in Hunters bar, Ecclesall road for shopping and cafe society.

BikeRunski I managed to find myself a flat on the edge of Pittsmoor not knowing it was a dodgy area until too late...then I noticed the massage parlour above my local chippy!!

Luckily work decided to relocate me and I was only there a few weeks!

Mumzy, that does look nice! That's the sort of place I'm hoping we might be able to find when we get there in August. And I don't mind unfurnished - I'm fine with living on a mattress on the floor for a while and furnishing the place slowly (probably better than your average landlord furniture!)