Best Places To Live In Birmingham
Home to more canals than Venice, the birthplace of Cadbury’s, and more pubs and parks than you could shake a stick at, Birmingham has often been overlooked, despite its status as England’s ‘second city’. Now, especially thanks to an influx of new projects and businesses (including HS2 and HMRC), Birmingham is becoming an ever-more popular place to live. And at just 90 minutes away from London and Manchester — and definitely with a much more affordable price tag than its Southern counterpart — there’s no time like the present when it comes to moving to Birmingham.
But if you’re thinking of taking the plunge and are still unsure where to base yourself within the city itself, our quick guide to Birmingham’s best neighbourhoods is all you need to work out where you fit in.
Jewellery Quarter
If the city centre is the place for you, then look no further than one of the best up and coming areas of the city: the Jewellery Quarter. Formerly made up of factories and workshops, these buildings have now been converted into cool, chic and quirky loft-style apartments, studios and penthouses. And it’s not just your lush living options to be swayed by. The Jewellery Quarter boasts plenty of charming independent retailers and restaurants, and — if the name hasn’t given it away — houses Europe’s largest concentration of jewellery businesses.
Digbeth
Next, the Jewellery Quarter’s city centre sibling: Digbeth. Recently redeveloped Digbeth welcomes new flats and houses all the time, so there are plenty of charming corners to call home. And just a short walk from New Street Station, the Bull Ring shopping centre and the lush new Eastside Park, Digbeth is right in the thick of the action. Best of all, if arts and culture are your things, Digbeth is fast getting a reputation as Birmingham’s ‘creative quarter’.
Moseley
Outside of the city, and for those with slightly more cash to flash, Moseley was named as the best place in the UK for city living by the Sunday Times a few years back, especially thanks to its “village community.” With fantastic local amenities including Moseley Park and Pool and the area’s award-winning monthly farmers’ market — plus fantastic transport links to the city centre thanks to one of Europe’s busiest bus routes — Moseley is a real gem of Birmingham.
Kings Heath
But as we say, gems cost money. A fair bit. So for something close by, but a little more affordable, try Kings Heath. It shares the same handy bus route, alongside a bustling high street, a vintage flea market and, perhaps most importantly, is home to one of Birmingham’s most-acclaimed live music venues: Hare and Hounds.
Selly Oak
For affordable terraced houses and flats a-plenty — plus stellar shops and more great transport access — there’s Erdington, perfect for those priced out of some of Birmingham’s more popular areas. Meanwhile, Selly Oak is renowned in the city for being popular with students, so is clearly doing the right things for young people. If you don’t fancy feeling ancient amongst the whippersnappers, fear not. Selly Oak offers communal living for more than just students and is understandably attractive for young professionals thanks to its more affordable price tags.
Outside the City
And lastly, slightly outside the city, find the likes of Bournville or Harbourne, both of which offer a tasty balance of city and town life. Filled with a plethora of bars and restaurants and some gorgeous outside spaces, Bournville and Harbourne are popular with families.
If you’re looking for a room in Birmingham browse through our 175 areas of Birmingham and maybe you will find your new home along with your ideal flatmates.
