Commuter links rank pretty highly among working professionals - and a new study has delved into the travel options offered up and down the UK. While over a million people commute in and out of London everyday for work, the town ranked best for transport links by Pepper Money lies over 140 miles away from the capital.
In fact, research from the specialist lender showed a clear preference for northern England, with none of the top 10 commuter towns offering easy journeys into London. First place in the ranking went to Rotherham in South Yorkshire, which the firm praised for its affordable house prices, good quality of life and transport connections to Sheffield. It scored an overall 358 points out of 469, based on a range of criteria.
The second-best area for commuter links, Dronfield, was also assessed on its proximity and ease of travel into Sheffield, as was the eighth top-ranking town, Barnsley.
Dronfield scored 324 points out of 469, while Barnsley fell slightly behind with 296.
While Rotherham has made headlines for less than positive reasons in recent years, due to renewed attention on the grooming gangs scandal, which spanned the late 1980s to 2013, it was nonetheless rated top of Pepper Money's list for a town that strikes the right balance between affordability and accessibility.
The market town has attractions including Wentworth Woodhouse, one of the grandest stately homes in Britain, alongside expansive parkland and a bustling hospitality sector.
House prices average £193,000 according to Pepper Money, and it's a direct train journey of around 15 minutes to Sheffield, priced at just over £2, making it a no-brainer for workers planning to commute to the East Yorkshire city.
It was also rated top of the list for quality of life, with a score of 7.9 out of 10.
A spokesperson for the lender said: "These towns benefit from fast commute times into Sheffield, reasonable rail fares, and property prices far below the UK average, making them increasingly attractive for professionals, families and first-time buyers alike."
