Birmingham, the UK’s second city in the heart of the Midlands, is a fantastic place to live. Home to over 1million people, it offers an abundance of opportunities for everyone from students and young professionals to families and those looking for a quiet retirement. Whether it’s vibrant nightlife, fantastic employment prospects, varied cultural attractions or tons of history, it’s got it all.
Because it’s such a vast city, choosing where to live in Birmingham is important to ensure you get what you want from your home and your day-to-day life. So, if you’re thinking of moving to the midlands, we’ve got the lowdown on some of the best locations. This blog post explores the most desirable areas to live in Birmingham and highlights some of the top things to do. We also offer advice for people who want to sell their home in Birmingham. So, let’s get started, shall we?
Where is Birmingham?
Birmingham is in the West Midlands, roughly in the middle of England and close to the Welsh border. Located about halfway between London to the south east, and Manchester and Liverpool to the north west, the convenient location gives it excellent road and public transport links to the rest of the country. Other major cities such as Cardiff, Southampton, Leeds, Norwich and Glasgow are also easily accessible.
Aside from access to major cities, Birmingham is also well-placed to explore the beautiful countryside of the Peak District National Park, Cannock Chase and Shropshire Hills National Landscapes, and the famous villages and hills of the Cotswolds AONB.
How many people live in Birmingham?
Approximately 1.1 million people live in the city of Birmingham and around 4.3 million live in the Birmingham Metropolitan Area, making it the largest outside of London. With such a huge population, there’s no shortage of things to do or different places to live.
Where to live in Birmingham?
Choosing the best places to live in Birmingham will vary depending on your budget and what you value in your everyday life. Is it plenty of green spaces, good schools and a quiet atmosphere? Or would you rather be in the heart of the action with easy access to pubs, clubs, shops and restaurants?
Young adults living in Birmingham
Students and young adults will want to make the most of everything Birmingham has to offer. Although more expensive, the city centre is the place to be for many. It offers plenty of job opportunities, endless shopping, countless restaurants from around the world, and vibrant bars and clubs for those nights out. Flats and terraced houses in Birmingham City Centre sell for an average of around £235,000.
For something trendy and hip, Digbeth should be top of your list. Voted one of the best places to live in the UK in 2023 by The Sunday Times, it offers independent bars, vintage shops and plenty of pop-up food places. What’s more, it’s easy to commute to the city centre for work or leisure. Expect to pay around £180,000 for the average property.
Families living in Birmingham
Families looking for the best places to live in Birmingham will be looking for safe, quiet and well-connected areas with plenty of things to do and lots of green space. Edgbaston fits the bill perfectly. Suburban and relatively affluent, it’s got everything that families could want. The world-famous Edgbaston Cricket Ground takes its name from the area but for something more tranquil, have a wander around Birmingham Botanical Gardens or Cannon Hill Park.
Like Edgbaston, Bearwood also offers everything families and those looking for a quieter life could want. There are lots of independent shops and cafes to enjoy as well as great local pubs. And the kids will love all the outdoor spaces such as Lightwoods Park where they can burn off some energy and spend time in nature. If you’re into a combination of city living but with some quieter spots too, then you’ll feel right at home here.
Named in second place as one of the best places for first-time buyers in 2019 by The Times, it offers affordable properties and reliable transport links to the city. Expect to pay around £220,000 for a terraced property in Bearwood.
Peaceful living in Birmingham
Not everyone wants hustle and bustle. For those looking for more tranquil locations with easy access to the great outdoors, towns like Bournville, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield should be top of the list. These affluent and relaxing villages and suburbs offer great quality properties, excellent schools and healthcare facilities, and plenty of space.
Sutton Coldfield in particular is just minutes away from the forests and trails of Cannock Chase National Landscape. Ideal for exploring on foot, on two wheels or even on horseback, it’s the perfect place to spend a quiet Sunday. For golf lovers, the world-renowned Belfry Golf Course & Resort is in Sutton Coldfield.
Things to do in Birmingham
As the UK’s second city, there’s no shortage of things to do in Birmingham. Foodies are treated to some of the best Indian and South Asian food in the world, with countless top-quality restaurants and hidden gems. Birmingham has five universities, and the thriving student population means there is always something going on including gigs, art exhibitions, thriving night spots and more. For a spot of retail therapy, the iconic Bullring is one of the best shopping experiences in the UK and the bustling city centre is perfect for a day spent treating yourself.
Sports fans are also well-catered for, with the Premier League’s Aston Villa based in the city, as are Birmingham City FC and West Bromwich Albion. Warwickshire plays at Edgbaston, which also regularly hosts the England Cricket Team, and Birmingham Moseley and Birmingham & Solihull represent the city in Rugby Union.
If you’re looking to sell your house quickly and hassle-free in Birmingham, don’t hesitate to contact Zapperty. We help you avoid the estate agent fees and drawn-out process normally associated with selling your home and will give you a free cash offer within seven days.