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.
9. Everyone is up for a chat
Working for a newspaper will teach you quickly how friendly your patch's residents are, and Sheffield is a very friendly patch. On or off duty, it's effortless to fall into aw conversation with some stranger or another in the Steel City (especially at the pubs). The hugely popular Sheffield Half Marathon, pictured here, shows the city's community spirit at its best. | National World