People are moving to Sheffield for many reasons. This vibrant city in South Yorkshire, England, has a lot to offer, making it an attractive destination for individuals and families alike.
Are you drawn to Sheffield’s rich history, the affordable housing market or outdoor recreational opportunities? Read on to discover one family’s relocation to Sheffield and how the help of Steel City Relocation Services provided them with all the practical and essential information they needed. They were helped to make a well-informed decision and to ensure they had a smooth relocation experience.
Thank you to @cartridge88 for this image.
Introducing Sheffield: A City of Opportunity
Sheffield, often referred to as the Steel City due to its industrial past, is a thriving metropolis with a population of around 580,000 people. While steel production is no longer the dominant industry, the city has experienced significant growth in sectors such as finance, IT, health, conservation, and science, offering a wide range of job opportunities for professionals in various fields. It offers excellent public services, with a tram service covering most of the city and a comprehensive bus network.
A relocation journey!
Let me tell you about the decision one family made to relocate to Sheffield from Hong Kong. This lovely family of four, mum, dad, son and grandma wanted to start a new life and take advantage of the scheme the Government allowed for them to do so. The mum and dad had both studied at York University but had loved Sheffield when they had visited, so decided that moving to Sheffield was the right place for them.
The initial process involved a lot of paperwork and form filling, as well as considerable time and financial investment for the visa process. Once this was agreed the family had to find somewhere to live to start their new lives.
Choosing the Right Neighbourhood: Where to Live in Sheffield
Sheffield offers a diverse range of neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm and character. Whether you’re seeking a bustling city centre or a quieter suburban area, there’s a neighbourhood in Sheffield to suit every lifestyle. This family decided on a family oriented area with shops, medical services and schools nearby. Of course, having not lived in Sheffield before they did not know which area would suit them best. You can’t always rely on search engine results or estate agent’s property pictures!
Choosing a relocation service
The family decided to use the services of Steel City Relocation Services as they saw the company offered a personal, bespoke service and the fees were very transparent. No nasty shocks awaited! This service gave them a personal relocation agent who worked with the family intensively to assure them that they were in safe hands and listed carefully to their brief.
The Brief
The family had a budget of £1500 per calendar month and would want to rent for a year. They needed a special school for their son, this was their main priority. The relocation agent sent them details of who to contact about education as this is not a swift process, so it was better to start prior to their move. They had three months in which to find a house and so the search began.
Rightmove, Zoopla and On the market are naturally excellent sites to look for properties but the relocation service had contacts with estate agents which meant that they were able to identify suitable properties before they went to market. Given the market was incredibly busy at that time, this was invaluable.
The relocator carried out several virtual viewings with the family and they fell in love with the first property they saw in Broomhill. The landlady had tenants from Hong Kong already living in the property and was delighted to welcome them to Sheffield and offer them a rental contract, with the year’s rent paid in advance. It was near appropriate secondary schools as well as walking distance to Sheffield city centre, the botanical gardens, shops, restaurants and offered excellent public services.
Thank you to @cartridge88 for this image. of Sheffield city centre
The move to Sheffield
The family moved into their home a few months after the viewing, having completed all the paperwork for the contract, sending a deposit etc electronically. The relocator liaised with the landlady to ensure everything went to plan. They sent their furniture by cargo and got a flight to Manchester. The relocation agent had also sourced them a car so they were able to drive from day one. The relocation agent had provided them with a resource pack to help them get to know the local area and gave them ideas about living costs and job sites.
The early months following relocation to Sheffield
Sheffield is known for its abundance of green space, providing a fantastic place to immerse yourself in nature. The city is home to many parks and the beautiful Sheffield Botanical Gardens, where the family took leisurely strolls among vibrant flowers and tranquil landscapes. Their chosen location, Broomhill was also in close proximity to Ecclesall Road, a fantastic road fully of boutique shops, cafes and some of the best restaurants in Sheffield. It is also near Endcliffe park which hosts a range of events during the summer months.
As they were also more adventurous , they wanted an outdoor experience so head to the Peak District National Park, located in close proximity to the city. Here, they indulged in activities like cycling, climbing and hiking, surrounded by stunning natural scenery.
Retail Therapy and Dining Delights
Shopping was also their passion, they were delighted by the excellent range of shops at Meadowhall shopping centre and retail park.
With over 290 shops, an 11-screen cinema, and an array of dining options, they found everything they needed for a satisfying retail experience.
Sheffield is also home to a thriving restaurant scene, offering diverse cuisines to cater to every palate. They were able to eat traditional Hong Kong food and also experienced other local events with international flavours as well as traditional British fare, the city has something to satisfy every food lover. The family particularly enjoyed a local Pizzeria, Proove, who did the best Neapolitan pizzas outside of Naples!
Dive into Sheffield’s Cultural Scene
Sheffield boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous entertainment venues, green spaces and cultural landmarks to explore. The Lyceum and Crucible theaters are renowned for their show-stopping productions, while Sheffield City Hall hosts a variety of events throughout the year.
The family did not miss the opportunity to visit the National Videogame Museum, which celebrates the rich history and artistry of video games. For a taste of Sheffield’s industrial heritage, the Kelham Island Museum was a must-visit, providing insight into the city’s industrial past.
Navigating Sheffield: Transportation and Education
Moving to a new city involves considering practical aspects such as transportation and education. Fortunately, Sheffield offers excellent options in both these areas. Thanks to the relocation agent who had provided the family with details of the local bus service, timetables and links to the transport websites, the family were able to get around on public transport easily.
Many areas of the city center are easily accessible by foot or bike, making it a pedestrian-friendly city. Sheffield’s train station offers links to other major cities and UK cities, enabling seamless travel for both work and leisure.
Sheffield public tram network
Education Excellence
Sheffield is home to a range of educational institutions catering to students of all ages. For those pursuing higher education, the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University offer a wide variety of courses and have a global reputation for excellence.
The city is also equipped with a comprehensive network of nurseries, good schools, both primary and secondary schools, ensuring quality education for children at all levels. With a focus on innovation and academic achievement, Sheffield provides ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. This family required a specialist education for their son who had learning disabilities. The family immediately got a place at a local school with an integrated resource but felt it wasn’t enough so had a health and special educational needs assessment and he was allocated a specialist school placement.
Jobs and training
Mum was able to find work almost immediately as a university lecturer. This was a mix of remote working and campus based. This allowed dad to look for work as an IT manager and the relocation agent had sent them links to the job centre, recruitment agencies and advice on how to go about applying for jobs.
Cost of living
Whether it’s groceries, dining out, or leisure activities, you’ll find that prices in Sheffield are often lower than in larger cities like London, making it easier to manage your expenses and enjoy a high standard of living. Living expenses in Sheffield is lower than in Hong Kong so the family were able to save money and so dad was able to wait to find the right job for him, which he did.
One year later!
The relocation agent from Steel City Relocation Services and the family kept in touch with the family, making sure everything went smoothly following their move to Sheffield. They all felt that moving to Sheffield was the best decision and were extremely happy with their new lives. They were so happy they asked the relocation service to find them a property to buy. This was an absolute pleasure and as had happened previously, they went with the first property they saw! The property prices in Sheffield are a lot lower than in Hong Kong and they were surprised at how more spacious properties were for the same money. Since the move to a permanent place in Sheffield, friendships have been maintained with the relocation service and the family.
That is the difference between using a generic relocation service and a more personalised service. Not only is it cheaper, you get your very first friend in Sheffield before you even move there!
Thank you to @cartridge88 for this image.
Making the Move: Relocation Services and Assistance
Relocating to a new place can be a complex process, but with the help of relocation services the transition can be made smoother. Whether you’re an individual or a corporation, there are relocation agents and companies that specialize in assisting with the entire relocation process.
Corporate Relocation Services
For companies planning to relocate employees to Sheffield, corporate relocation services can provide comprehensive assistance.
These services can handle everything from finding suitable housing to managing the logistics of the move, ensuring a seamless transition for employees and their families.
By partnering with a corporate relocation agent, companies can streamline the relocation process and provide valuable support to their employees.
Property Finders and Relocation Agents
Individuals and families planning to move to Sheffield can benefit from the expertise of property finders and relocation agents.
These professionals have in-depth knowledge of the local housing market and can help you find the perfect property based on your specific requirements and budget. They have in-depth knowledge of property prices, housing costs and the right areas for the right people.
Property finders can also assist with navigating the legal and administrative aspects of the relocation process, making your move to Sheffield as hassle-free as possible. They can also offer advice on solicitors, removal companies, contractors and even childcare and gardening services!
This services offers so much more than just viewings, either accompanied or virtual. It offers a truly personal, caring service that makes the process of moving to Sheffield so much easier. Although estate agents can offer accompanied viewings, they are not the right service to help you with your entire relocation journey.
Sheffield City Centre, full of culture.
Your Sheffield Adventure Awaits
Relocating to Sheffield opens up a world of opportunities, whether you’re seeking a new job, affordable housing, or an outdoor-centric lifestyle. With its rich history, thriving cultural scene, excellent state run and private schools as well as a welcoming community, Sheffield has something to offer everyone.
By using relocation services such as Steel City Relocation Services and taking advantage of the personal, caring service they offer, you can make your move to Sheffield a seamless and rewarding experience. Embrace the adventure and start your new chapter in this vibrant city nestled in the heart of England. Call Ruth on 0044 (0)7456905574
