Your Rotherham home & lifestyle guide
Living in Rotherham and South Yorkshire
Looking for new build homes in Rotherham or nearby? This part of South Yorkshire is rising in popularity, with more buyers drawn to its excellent location, value for money, and improving infrastructure.
Whether you're buying your first home, upsizing to something with more space, or relocating for work, this guide will help you get to know the area and decide if a new home in Rotherham could be right for you.
Why Rotherham is a great place to live
Rotherham combines green space, strong transport links, and a proud industrial heritage with ongoing investment in housing, retail, and local infrastructure. It’s a town with a growing future and a strong sense of identity – all just minutes from Sheffield and the M1.
A green, spacious setting
Rotherham is one of the greenest places in South Yorkshire, with around 70% of the borough made up of countryside. River walks, woodlands, and nature reserves are all close to town, including popular spots like Rother Valley Country Park, Ulley Reservoir, and the historic Wentworth estate.
Easy travel and strong connections
You can get from Rotherham to Sheffield in under 20 minutes by train, and there are regular services to Doncaster, Leeds, and Meadowhall. The M1 and M18 are also close by. If you're commuting or travelling across the region, new build homes in Rotherham could put you in a great position.
A place with potential
New public spaces, housing, and leisure developments are helping to modernise the town and bring more people into the area. Projects like Forge Island are already underway, with more regeneration planned. For buyers looking for long-term value, new builds in Rotherham could be a smart investment.
Homes for modern living
Modern buyers want energy efficiency, smart layouts, and easy access to schools, green space, and local shops. That’s exactly what many new houses for sale in Rotherham are designed to offer. From first-time buyers to growing families, there are plenty of developments that tick the right boxes.
Popular locations for new build homes in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, and beyond
The Rotherham borough and surrounding areas offer many sought-after developments. With a variety of styles, sizes, and locations, there will always be something to suit your needs, lifestyle, and budget. Here are some of the neighbourhoods worth exploring:
- Aston
- Barnsley
- Brinsworth
- Chapeltown
- Conisbrough
- Dinnington
- Doncaster
- Elsecar
- High Green
- Handsworth
- Killamarsh
- Oughtibridge
- Rotherham Town Centre
- Sheffield
- Sprotbrough
- Thorpe Hesley
- Wickersley
- Wombwell
Transport links and daily travel
Car
The M1 and M18 motorways both serve Rotherham, making travel to Sheffield, Doncaster, Leeds, or Hull quick and straightforward. The M18 heads east from the town toward Doncaster and beyond, while the M1 provides fast north–south access.
Buses
The Rotherham Interchange in the town centre handles around 24 bus stands, offering frequent routes across Rotherham and regular connections into Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster, and other nearby areas.
The Bus Rapid Transit North (BRT North) route also offers fast, direct services between Rotherham and Sheffield via Meadowhall – a convenient option for commuters, students, and shoppers.
Trains
Rotherham is well-connected by rail, with regular services running to major towns and cities across the region. Whether you’re commuting to Sheffield, heading to Leeds or Doncaster, or travelling further afield, the local rail network makes getting around easy.
Plans for the new Rotherham Gateway Station are currently underway and set for completion around 2030. It will introduce a new four-platform mainline station and Tram-Train stop at Parkgate, enhancing direct links to surrounding cities, airports, and ports.
Rotherham Central
National Rail
0.2 miles / 0.3 km
Meadowhall
National Rail
2.6 miles / 4.2 km
Darnall
National Rail
4.1 miles / 6.6 km
Swinton (South Yorks)
National Rail
4.3 miles / 6.9 km
Woodhouse
National Rail
4.7 miles / 7.6 km
Mexborough
National Rail
5.0 miles / 8.0 km
Park and Ride
Rotherham has 4 Park and Ride train and Tram-Train locations in and around the city:
Kiveton Park Station
- Direct trains to Sheffield
- Direct and indirect trains to Gainsborough, Lincoln, and Cleethorpes
Rotherham Central Station
- Direct trains to Sheffield, Meadowhall, Doncaster, Leeds, and Scunthorpe
Swinton Station
- Direct trains to Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster, and Leeds
Parkgate
- Tram-Train (Parkgate – Cathedral)
Airports
Manchester Airport is around 1 hr 15 minutes hours away by car or train, offering both domestic and international flight options.
Leeds Bradford Airport and East Midlands Airport are both under 1 hour away, offering a smaller selection of domestic and European flights.
Schools and education in the Rotherham region
If you’re exploring new build houses in Rotherham, you’ll find a range of primary, secondary, and specialist schools, with many rated “Good” or “Outstanding” by Ofsted. Areas like Aston, Thorpse Hesley, and Brinsworth are especially popular with families due to the school choices.
You’ll also find:
- Reputable nurseries and childcare facilities
- Schools offering SEND provision and pastoral support
- Post-16 and sixth form colleges across the borough
- Major universities within commuting distance in Sheffield and Leeds
Things to do in Rotherham and across South Yorkshire
From theme parks and green spaces to historic estates and bustling markets, there’s always something to enjoy in and around Rotherham:
- Clifton Park & Museum – a huge family-friendly favourite with gardens, a museum, and more
- Magna Science Adventure Centre – an interactive science museum, set in a former steelworks
- Gulliver’s Valley Resort – Yorkshire’s newest theme park and resort for 2 to 13 year olds
- Rother Valley Country Park – perfect for water sports, cycling, and family picnics
- Wentworth Woodhouse – a grand stately home with beautiful gardens and regular events
- Rotherham Civic Theatre – a small but lively venue with performances, comedy, and live music
- Meadowhall – one of the UK’s largest indoor shopping centres
- Tramlines Festival – Sheffield’s biggest annual music event
…Plus, Sheffield’s city centre is just down the road, offering a wide range of restaurants, shops, bars, sports, music, leisure, entertainment, and more.
Looking for new builds in Rotherham?
As more buyers look for the perfect blend of accessibility, liveability, and affordability, new houses for sale in Rotherham present a compelling case for professionals, first-time buyers, and families alike. Explore our range of homes or get in touch to register your interest.
Thinking about buying with Redmile Homes?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Rotherham?
Rotherham is a town in South Yorkshire, just northeast of Sheffield. It’s part of the wider Sheffield City Region and sits between Barnsley, Doncaster, and the Peak District.
What county is Rotherham in?
Rotherham is in the county of South Yorkshire, in the north of England.
Is Rotherham a city?
No, Rotherham is officially a town – although it has a large population and sits within a major urban area alongside Sheffield, Barnsley, and Doncaster.
Which Gulliver’s Land is the best?
There are many Gulliver’s theme parks and resorts across the UK:
- Gulliver’s World Resort in Warrington, Cheshire
- Gulliver’s Land Resort in Milton Keynes, Bucks
- Gulliver’s Kingdom Resort in Matlock Bath, Derbyshire
- Gulliver’s Valley Resort in Rother Valley, South Yorkshire
Gulliver’s Valley in Rotherham is the newest Gulliver’s theme park and has quickly become a favourite for families. It offers rides, themed areas, and indoor attractions, all tailored for children aged 2 to 13.
Is Rotherham a nice place to live?
Yes! If you value green space, strong commuter links, and more affordable house prices, Rotherham is well worth considering.
How far is Rotherham from Sheffield?
Rotherham is just under 10 miles from Sheffield. By train, you can get from Rotherham Central to Sheffield in about 16 minutes, making it an easy commute.
How many people live in Rotherham?
Rotherham has a population of around 265,000 people, making it one of the largest towns in South Yorkshire.
What is there to do in Rotherham?
There’s plenty to explore in and around Rotherham, including Gulliver’s Valley Theme Park, Rother Valley Country Park, Clifton Park and Museum, and Wentworth Woodhouse, as well as retail parks, local markets, and historic high streets. There’s also easy access to nearby Sheffield, the Peak District, and Meadowhall Shopping Centre.
Value for money and a home to be proud of.