We all know that Yorkshire is the best place to live and I would argue that South Yorkshire is one of the best bits of God’s Own County.
This year alone one area of Sheffield has already been picked out by The Sunday Times as one of the best places to live in the north and there many standout locations across the region. That being said, within South Yorkshire itself, there is a fair bit of friendly rivalry between the big hitters.
Sheffield likes to see itself as the capital of the region with an attitude to match, Sheffielders often see Rotherham as an unwanted suburb and Barnsley as strange little ‘tarn’ nearby. South Yorkshire’s second city Doncaster is the new upstart, having gained its city status in 2022 for the Platinum Jubilee.
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Barnsley is arguably the area that has undergone the biggest recent transformation with a town centre that even those in Sheffield cast a jealous eye upon. Rotherham on the other hand boasts a long and proud history of industry and a historic centre that wouldn’t look out of place in any city.
We’ve marked these out as South Yorkshire’s ‘big four’ and we’re pitting them against each other to find out which one is the best right now. Help us decide which is the best place to live in South Yorkshire by voting in the poll below:
Sheffield
‘The largest village in England’, Sheffield is seen by its residents as the jewel in South Yorkshire’s crown. Officially the UK’s greenest city, it is an outdoor hub with the Peak District right on the doorstep.
A city of maker with a long history of industry and success, The Steel City has an international reputation forged on the hard work of those who live there. In recent years it has risen from tough times to embrace a new cultural identity that still respects the past.
With two of the most successful football teams in the region and two world-leading universities, the city continues to contribute to the national picture. Famous for the amount of people that come for a while and end up staying forever, there is an easy argument for Sheffield to be the best.
Barnsley
Often dismissed by its bigger rivals, Barnsley is getting a reputation as a real upstart among its close neighbours. Where Town was once a bit of a mess, a regeneration program has seen the area transformed.
Dominated now by The Glass Works, a new shopping development that has seen some big brands choose the centre of town, visitors that haven’t been for a while are often surprised. It has a modern clean look throughout and speaks of a promising future.
And there is more to come, plans are afoot for the Alhambra and thanks to some joined-up thinking the centre seems to be getting better and better. The Tykes are even doing quite well for themselves, even if it is in League One.
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Doncaster
One of the newest cities in the country, Doncaster has long been playing second fiddle to Sheffield, or at least that’s what a Sheffielder would say. Now it seems the second city might be ready to step out of that shadow, with a new urban centre masterplan on the horizon.
The city status might have been new but there is nothing new about Donny’s importance in South Yorkshire. Another place with a strong and proud history of industry that had to adapt in the 80s and 90s to a new way of life.
Achievements in the rail industry and a pedigree in horse racing, Doncaster has made more than its fair share of contributions to the country. With a number of enormous developments on the horizon, it could be a new era for this new city.
Rotherham
(Image: RMBC/ LDRS)
Rotherham has been hit by more setbacks than many towns across the country and yet it just keeps going. A true example of South Yorkshire grit, this is a town that refuses to stay down.
A giant of industry within the UK during the industrial revolution, Rotherham was hit especially hard by the collapse of steelmaking and mining. Since then, flooding, scandal and economic downturn have taken their toll but Rotherhamites keep going.
Many might be surprised by the historic parts of the town centre and while it does lack some of the big brands, much like Doncaster, there are plans on the horizon. Probably the ultimate underdog and maybe your vote for the best place to live.
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