Maybe we’re biased, but we think that Birmingham is one of the best places to live in the UK. With a thriving shopping district and nightlife, as well as 5 universities and a very diverse population, people have been moving here for decades. If you’re thinking of making the move to England’s Second City, or you live here already and want to change things up a bit, this list is for you. Here are just some of the best places to live in Birmingham, and why.
Harborne
Arguably the most desirable place to live in Birmingham, Harborne is made up of a central High Street and its surrounding suburban roads. It is very popular amongst families due to its local schools, including The Blue Coat private school. There are a large number of bus routes into the city centre and other areas of Birmingham, and despite its proximity to the centre, it is a very green area, with Harborne Walkway, Queens Park, and a golf club all a walking distance from the High Street. Speaking of, there are many popular shops and eateries on the main road, including The Plough and Harborne Kitchen, so it is a great place to live if you don’t want to travel far.
Edgbaston
Neighbouring Harborne is Edgbaston, a very affluent area of Birmingham with a lot of large, detached housing and green space. The tree-lined roads may trick you into thinking that you’ve entered the countryside, but Edgbaston actually borders the Westside of the city centre. The area itself is home to the University of Birmingham (including Winterbourne House and Garden, and the Barber Institute), Edgbaston Stadium cricket ground, and the popular Botanical Gardens. Adding to its reputation, there is also a croquet club and the Priory club.
Moseley and Kings Heath
Moseley and Kings Heath are two areas of Birmingham that are often spoken about together as they lie just a mile away from one another, with their high streets both on Alcester Road, and are covered by a single ward. They are frequently described as “up-and-coming” districts, and for good reason. Being close to the university and with good transport links to the centre, they are very popular with younger people and students. They also both have many independent shops and vibrant music and culture scenes. Kings Heath is home to the Hare and Hounds pub, notable for its being an early music venue to UB40, and Moseley has its share of festivals, with the Moseley Festival in July celebrating local retailers, arts, and music, and the Folk and Arts festival in September. Kings Heath has also been named as an official “gayborhood”, celebrating its inclusivity among the LGBTQ+ community. Finally, both Kings Heath and Moseley host monthly farmers markets, which highlight local producers and artists, making the communities of these areas stronger.
Bournville
Bournville is a quaint model village that was founded by the Cadbury factory, built for workers of the factory. Due to the Quaker religion of the family, and their view on temperance, there have never been pubs in the area. Once known as “the dry village”, a couple of businesses have since been granted permission to sell alcohol, although it is still quite hard to get your hands on. But who needs booze when you have chocolate? The famous Cadbury World factory resides in Bournville, and thus the air pretty much always smells like chocolate. If that isn’t enough to lure you, then the very English village vibe of the area might. There is a small garden centre, a historic Tudor manor-turned-museum, and a number of parks. It is also close to the university, so it is ideal for any teetotal students out there.
Jewellery Quarter
Living in the city centre is a popular choice among professionals and students, but it can be very loud and busy right in the middle of things. Therefore, the Jewellery Quarter is the perfect choice for people who want the convenience of the centre without the hustle and bustle. With St Paul’s Square only a 10 minute walk from St Phillip’s, it is surprising how much quieter the JQ is. Despite this, it is still very easy to get to both office buildings and event venues from here, and there are many trains stations and bus routes within walking distance. The area itself is full of history, with the industrial heritage on display with many apartment buildings being old jewellery manufacturers. There are also a lot of independent pubs, restaurants, and cafés for those who don’t feel like going out on the town.
Digbeth
On the other side of the city centre is Digbeth, home of the Custard Factory and all the independent businesses that come with it. As a more artsy area, with graffiti art adorning many of the buildings and fairy lights hung across the streets, this part of Birmingham is very popular with young people. The biggest draw is the amount of nightlife to choose from. From music venues like the O2 and The Mill, to nightclubs like The Rainbow Venues, the possibilities are endless. And there are even more places to visit for the day walkers. Golf Fang and the independent Mockingbird Cinema make for great days out with friends, and there are so many places to eat and drink, you won’t soon run out of new lunch spots. The location also has a coach station that services cities all around the UK, so you can visit those out-of-town university friends cheaply and easily.
Sutton Coldfield
Although it’s far from the city centre, Sutton Coldfield should not be ignored. It is essentially its own town, with good schools, a town centre, and tons of places to go and things to see, such as the huge Sutton Park. Like Edgbaston, its got a reputation as one of the posher areas of Birmingham, but it’s also variable enough to have something for everyone. As it isn’t as busy as Birmingham proper, it is ideally suited to older people or families, but there are easily links to the city through the train so don’t think you’ll be missing out on the fun.
