Northern England has emerged as the country’s commuter hotspot, with Sheffield and its surrounding towns claiming three of the top 10 places in a new national ranking.
Data from Pepper Money revealed that Rotherham, Dronfield and Barnsley all make the list of the best UK commuter towns for 2025, thanks to affordable housing, short rail journeys and rising local economies.
Rotherham took first place overall with a score of 358 out of 469, edging out Beeston in Nottingham and Penarth near Cardiff.
Dronfield, just outside Sheffield, placed second with 324 points, while Barnsley came in eighth with 296 points.
The data suggested that many of the best-performing commuter towns are found in South Yorkshire, the East Midlands and the North West.
Beeston, with a six-minute train ride into Nottingham and rail fares as low as £3, was one of the fastest and cheapest commuter options in the country.
Stockport, serving Manchester, also scored highly, offering a 10-minute commute alongside relatively balanced housing and rental costs.
By contrast, many commuter towns around London struggled in the rankings due to soaring house prices and high rents.
St Albans, where the average home costs £628,000 and rents approach £1,900 a month, is one of the priciest areas to live despite boasting a 21-minute commute and strong local salaries.
Luton was cheaper in comparison, but its longer journey time of 36 minutes and lower pay levels drag down its overall value.
Barnsley, meanwhile, highlighted the northern advantage, with average property prices at just £170,000, monthly rents of £642, and a commute of around 30 minutes to Sheffield.
This balance of affordability and accessibility has made towns in South Yorkshire increasingly popular with buyers seeking alternatives to overheated city housing markets.
Pepper Money said the findings point to a shift away from the South East as commuters look north for better value.
The report noted: “For professionals seeking to balance property prices, rental affordability and commuting convenience, northern commuter towns are emerging as the most attractive alternatives.”
The lender also stressed the importance of tailored mortgage support, recognising that buyers’ financial circumstances vary widely.
