I live about 10 miles out of Nottingham, and I’ve got a mate who lives in Derby, so been for a few nights out. TBH I haven’t noticed much difference between Derby and Nottingham. Derby looks like it’s got better in the last 15years, where as Nottingham has gone downhill in the last 15 years. I don’t think either city is amazing or terrible, if anything they are both a bit bland. Both cities have some decent restaurants and sometimes get decent bands playing, I think Nottingham is probably better for music than Derby.
Beeston is OK as an area, I don’t think it’s good enough to make me want to commute to Derby…there must be similar area’s in Derby?
I’d prefer Sheffield to both Nottingham and Derby as a city, but there is no way I’d want to do that as a commute by car.
If you stayed in Derby last time, you could try Nottingham to see if you like it better. Avoid St Annes, Senenton, Basford, Bullwell, Meadows, Clifton (not a complete list ;-))