I arrived in Sheffield three years ago on the A61 from Chesterfield, by way of Ecclesall Woods. I thought the trees were beautiful, the roads were rough, and the traffic was hopefully a one-off.
Three years later, two of those three things remain true.
If a city doesn’t make an impression then it’s not worth your time. But, after 34 months in the Steel City, I find I only have more and more to say about it.
I’ve come to decide Sheffield is the city for me. I’m in love with the trees, how much I enjoy walking its streets, and the chatter you can strike up anywhere you go. I love surprising my friends with hikes and walks I know of, I enjoy the slight satisfaction at how the hills don’t bother me anymore, and, God help me, but I love a Béres.
It has its blemishes. Districts of supremely beautiful houses can be just a few streets over from some of the most deprived areas in England. And, sadly, often when I compliment Sheffield, residents will instead tell you how much better “it used to be”.
But I have my own observations I want to make - just some things that I, as a man who knows he will never ascend to the rank of Northerner, have come to understand when I think back on my three years in the Steel City.
Here are nine things I’ve noticed since making the move.
Three years later, two of those three things remain true.