When choosing a place to live, there are lots of things to consider, from local amenities, schools, and affordability.
One important factor for many people is how far their commute would be to work, and how good the transport links are in the area.
New data from Pepper Money has revealed the best commuter towns in the country, and there is a strong Northern advantage.
Sheffield shares good links to three of the top 10 spots for best commuter towns.
Rotherham placed first with a score of 358 out of 469, offering good connections to the South Yorkshire city.
Rotherham offers affordable house prices, low transport costs and fast links into Sheffield.
A town nearby Sheffield, Dronfield, scored 324 points and placed second.
While Barnsley, another South Yorkshire spot, ranked eighth with 296 and boasts reasonable rail fares and property prices.
Commuter town Rotherham placed first with a score of 358 out of 469, offering good connections to Sheffield
Rotherham offers affordable house prices, low transport costs and fast links into Sheffield
Another town nearby Sheffield, Dronfield, scored 324 points and placed second
Other strong contenders on the list include Beeston, a suburb of Nottingham, which places third with 322 points.
The town has one of the fastest commutes in the UK at just 6 minutes, meaning employees can easily make their way into work.
Alternatively, those taking the train see a low-cost rail fare of just £3 – for an area that has relatively strong salary levels.
Elsewhere, Penarth ranks fourth and has strong links to Cardiff, Wales.
With a short commute time of 12 minutes and a high median salary in the area, it’s a good spot to live for easy access to the Welsh city.
It’s closely followed by another northern commuter town, Pudsey, in West Yorkshire, which features good connections to Leeds and was given a score of 308.
Stalybridge ranked next with links to Manchester.
Then Long Eaton to Nottingham in seventh place.
Barnsley, another South Yorkshire spot, ranked eighth with 296 and boasts reasonable rail fares and property prices
Other strong contenders on the list include Beeston, a suburb of Nottingham, which places third with 322 points
Widnes placed ninth, with links to Liverpool. Ilkeston follows, with affordable house prices for those wanting to commute to Nottingham.
The Derbyshire town has a strong quality of life score as well as a relatively short journey to the city.
Meanwhile, Stockport, which serves Manchester, placed eleventh.
With only a 10-minute commute, the northern town has balanced house and rental costs.
Rotherham
The bustling market town has a variety of restaurants and eateries to enjoy, as well as plenty of parks nearby for those wanting to explore the outdoors.
Rotherham is also home to a range of historical sites, including Wentworth Woodhouse, dubbed as one of the grandest stately homes in the country.
House prices average at around £193,000, according to Pepper Money, making it an affordable place to live.
The bustling market town of Rotherham has a variety of restaurants and eateries to enjoy, as well as plenty of parks nearby for those wanting to explore the outdoors
Dronfield
Located in North East Derbyshire, the town lies in the valley of the River Drone and is nearby the Peak District.
A summer festival, Dronfest, happens annually in the area and is a family friendly affair centred around music, bringing the local community together.
There’s a range of pubs and restaurants to choose from, as well as plenty of leisure facilities.
Located in North East Derbyshire, Dronfield town lies in the valley of the River Drone and is nearby the Peak District
Beeston
Beeston, in Nottinghamshire, is located just three miles away from the city, making it a great commuter spot.
The marina boasts the area’s beautiful rivers and waterways, and there’s nearby parks to explore.
Beeston, in Nottinghamshire, is located just three miles away from the city, making it a great commuter spot
Penarth
The picturesque pier town is only a few minutes away from the capital of Wales.
Penarth boasts a pebble beach and a early 20th century art deco style Pier Pavilion adding character to the local area.
Penarth boasts a pebble beach and a early 20th century art deco style Pier Pavilion adding character to the local area
The West Yorkshire Victorian market town of Pudsey features a bustling civic hall that regularly hosts events and fairs for the community
Pudsey
The West Yorkshire Victorian market town features a bustling civic hall that regularly hosts events and fairs for the community.
At 7.5 hectares in size, Pudsey Park is another popular spot and proudly has a Green Flag award for excellence.
