You may be surprised to know that you can live the rural life in a peak village or in the heart of the countryside and yet still enjoy a reasonable commute into Sheffield.
The Hope Valley consists of several villages, each with their own identity and mix of housing from country cottage to more contemporary detached properties.
Equally, head towards Bakewell, 20 miles away from Sheffield and you will pass through villages such as Grindleford, Frogatt, Calver and Baslow, all popular with commuters which is reflected in the properties on offer and their prices.
The Peak District is one of the most stunning locations in the UK with spectacular scenery and picturesque villages. Walking, rambling, climbing, mountain biking and hiking are the main activities. However, historical houses, sites and villages can be found throughout the Peak District providing some stimulating days out. Traditional country pubs offer welcome respite, a good pint and some culinary delights throughout the district.
Good train and bus links are an option for those working in the city, although car travel is still the most popular and convenient method of commuting.
For more affordable rural living, Dronfield and Chesterfield, an attractive market town with its famous crooked spire, are located to the south of Sheffield. Good transport links via rail, bus or road, mean that they are just a short commute away from Sheffield. Popular secondary schools make them an attractive option for families.
To the north of the city, Penistone and the surrounding villages provide a rural location with commute times of up to an hour. However there is good access to the M1 and in recent years many of the villages have seen the development of small, sympathetically built estates which provide affordable housing for young families with many of the villages still having their own local primary schools.