13 Best Places to Live in Birmingham

You don't have fires spilling everywhere in the city, and you don't have to step on horse buns and ruin your shoes every time you feel like walking down the street. The Birmingham you saw in Peaky Blinders was from the First World War and surely has changed a lot by now. As the UK's 'Second City', Birmingham offers a lot, from abundant green spaces of world-class attractions to an unparalleled cultural scene. On that note, let's check out the 13 best areas to live in the city, things to do, famous landmarks, and a lot more!

The 13 Best Places to Live in Birmingham

Birmingham has thrived and improved the quality of life in the city. If you are a student struggling to select a locality, this blog can help you find the right choice for you! Birmingham is driven by a majority of the young population in the vast continent, with around 40% of the people under 25. So, let’s learn a little more about the best places to live in Birmingham. 

1. Birmingham City Centre

Nearby Transport: Birmingham New Street, National Express West Midlands 
Top Places to Visit: Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Cadbury World 
Famous For: Shopping Centers
Nearest Landmarks: Bullring & Grand Central, Victoria Square, Centenary Square
Things to do: Shopping at Bullring and Grand Central
Student Accommodations: Collegiate Bagot Street, Belgrave View, Canalside

With the world's largest Primark, Selfridges, and Bullring shopping centres, along with the historic Rugs Market, Birmingham City Centre certainly has something for everyone and is known as one of the best places to live in Birmingham. Although the price range for accommodations starts off to be a bit pricey, given that it is on the mainland, it remains one of the best areas in Birmingham to live. 

2. Jewellery Quarter

Nearby Transport: Jewellery Quarter Train Station, Birmingham Snow Hill Train Station
Top Places to Visit: Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, St. Paul's Square
Famous For: Historic Jewellery Manufacturing
Nearest Landmarks: Symphony Hall, The Mailbox
Things to do: Guided tours of jewellery workshops
Student Accommodations: NA

With over 500 jewellery shops throughout the region, the Jewellery Quarter is one of the best areas to live in Birmingham. It's rich in heritage and home to over 200 listed buildings, attracting more independent businesses and making it one of the best places to live in Birmingham. From family-run restaurants to privately owned pubs and cocktail bars, the Jewellery Quarter is just minutes from the city centre, and has also been coined as one of the best areas of Birmingham.

3. Harborne

Nearby Transport: Harborne Railway Station
Top Places to Visit: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Lapworth Museum of Geology
Famous For: Welcoming neighbourhood and tasty food
Nearest Landmarks: Cannon Hill Park, Selly Manor Museum
Things to do: Scenic walk at Harborne Walkway
Student Accommodations: B16 Studios, Yugo Globe Works, iQ Broderick House

Harborne is a foodie's paradise with neighbourhood restaurants such as Harborne Kitchen, The Plough, and Sabai Sabai. Between its cosy atmosphere, exciting new leisure hotspots, and stunning green spaces, Harborne is one of Birmingham's most desirable postcodes and one of the best places to live in Birmingham for families and students seeking a place to live in with a community-driven village feel.

4. Solihull

Nearby Transport: Solihull Railway Station
Top Places to Visit: Malvern and Brueton Park, Touchwood Shopping Center
Famous For: Vibrant shopping and dining scene
Nearest Landmarks: National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham Business Park
Things to do: Visit Touchwood Shopping Centre and Malvern and Brueton Park
Student Accommodations: Onyx, The Heights, Compass

The suburb of Solihull, on the city's outskirts, has been called 'one of the best places to live in Birmingham and work in England'. With a thriving nightlife of theatres, cinemas, and restaurants, this historic market town is among the nice areas in Birmingham for working adults who can afford higher property prices, especially in the city centre. Additionally, it is one of the best areas to live in Birmingham which is suitable for individuals seeking a peaceful place away from the city. 

5. Edgbaston

Nearby Transport: University Train Station
Top Places to Visit: Edgbaston Reservoir, Winterbourne House and Garden
Famous For: Classy suburbs 
Nearest Landmarks: Edgbaston Cricket Ground, University of Birmingham
Things to do: Explore the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. 
Student Accommodations: Beech Gardens, Mary Sturge, Lakeside

Edgbaston, one of the city's more affluent suburbs, has long been considered one of the best places to live in Birmingham, rivalling even the safest areas in Birmingham like Solihull. Home to iconic attractions such as Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Edgbaston Cricket Ground, this bustling yet one of the best area to stay in Birmingham is perfect for those seeking a quieter lifestyle in Birmingham.

6. Digbeth

Nearby Transport: Birmingham Moor Street Station
Top Places to Visit: Custard Factory, Digbeth Dining Club
Famous For: Hip & creative places
Nearest Landmarks: Bullring & Grand Central, Birmingham Hippodrome
Things to do: Visit Ghetto Golf and Mockingbird Cinema
Student Accommodations: True Birmingham, iQ Broderick House

Dubbed 'Britain's coolest neighbourhood' by The Sunday Times, Digbeth is fast becoming one of the best places to live in Birmingham. Its uniqueness compared to larger cities sets it apart. Digbeth also played a key role in the 2022 Commonwealth Games, hosting basketball and volleyball events at the heart of the Smithfield regeneration site, showcasing Digbeth's distinctive style to the world. It's no wonder that Digbeth is gaining recognition as one of the best places to live in Birmingham, among the best areas to live in the city.

7. East Side

Nearby Transport: Birmingham New Street Station
Top Places to Visit: Birmingham Hippodrome, The Bullring Shopping Centre
Famous For: The student crowd
Nearest Landmarks: St. Martin in the Bull Ring, The Old Rep Theatre
Things to do: Visit Thinktank and Birmingham Science Museum, Eastside City Park
Student Accommodations: NA

The East Side is the main gateway to Birmingham and is primarily home to two of Birmingham's most important educational institutions, Aston University and Birmingham City University. These two universities have consistently attracted large numbers of students to the city but are also contributing to an increasing number of graduates. It creates one of the best places to live in Birmingham for young professionals to make the most of what Birmingham offers. If you're looking for the best areas of Birmingham, then East Side is known for its secure and welcoming atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for residents and students.

8. Erdington

Nearby Transport: Erdington Railway Station
Top Places to Visit: Kingsbury Water Park, Aston Hall
Famous For: Spaghetti Junction
Nearest Landmarks: Sutton Park, Villa Park
Things to do: High street shopping and Rookery Park
Student Accommodations: NA

Known as one of the best areas in Birmingham, Erdington is just 5 miles away and north of the ultimate Birmingham city centre, making it an accessible spot. Travelling to the city and the suburbs is easy, making it highly convenient to travel by rails, buses, taxis, or vehicles. You can easily navigate the city if you look for a place in the Erdington area. It is also named one of the best places to live in Birmingham. It has begun beating the more economically vital areas within the city and topping the list of nice areas in Birmingham.

9. Brindleyplace

Nearby Transport: Birmingham New Street Station
Top Places to Visit: National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham, Ikon Gallery
Famous For: Lively bars and restaurants
Nearest Landmarks: The Cube, Brindleyplace Fountain
Things to do: Explore Brindleyplace Canals
Student Accommodations: NA

Adding to our list of the best places to live in Birmingham is Brindleyplace. Here, you can enjoy a range of quality restaurants and bars, including the popular Pitcher and Piano, Alchemist, and All Bar One, mixed with the rich industrial history. Brindleyplace has established its position as one of the best places to live in Birmingham for both career opportunities and a vibrant social scene.

10. Aston

Nearby Transport: Aston Railway Station
Top Places to Visit: Aston Hall, Birmingham Science Museum
Famous For: Vibrant and safe neighbourhood
Nearest Landmarks: Villa Park Stadium, Birmingham City University (City Centre Campus)
Things to do: Visit Jacobean Mansion and Aston Park
Student Accommodations: The Old Fire Station, Harriet Martineau, James Watt

Bearwood, once overshadowed by Harborne, has transformed its High Street with a burst of independent shops, cafes, and bars like Tam Cafe and The Craft Inn. This place undoubtedly earns a place in the list of the best places to live in Birmingham. Bearwood is also known for its safety, making it one of the best areas of Birmingham. Also, the historic 18th-century Warley Woods House in Bearwood now serves as a venue for numerous community events and activities.

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11. Moseley

Nearby Transport: Birmingham Moor Street Train Station
Top Places to Visit: Moseley Bog, Cannon Hill Park, Midlands Arts Centre (MAC)
Famous For: Moseley Folk Festival and Moseley Jazz Funk & Soul Festival
Nearest Landmarks: St. Mary's Church, Highbury Hall
Things to do: Live music events and art exhibitions at the MAC.
Student Accommodations: Lakeside, The Toybox, The Recording Rooms

Moseley is a lively, diverse district of Birmingham that is well-known for its strong sense of community and bohemian vibe. As one of the best places to live in Birmingham, the locality offers a blend of contemporary conveniences and historic beauty and is situated roughly three miles south of the city centre. Moseley is especially well-liked by young professionals, families, and artists who value its distinct personality and easy access to both urban amenities and the outdoors.

12. King’s Heath

Nearby Transport: Bournville Train Station
Top Places to Visit: Kings Heath Park, Highbury Park
Famous For: Live Music Venues
Nearest Landmarks: Cadbury World, Sarehole Mill
Things to Do: Kings Heath Street Festival.
Student Accommodations: NA

Four miles south of Birmingham's downtown is the thriving suburb of Kings Heath. Kings Heath, known as one of the best areas to live in Birmingham, provides a blend of suburban peace and urban convenience, and is well-known for its bustling high street, green areas, and strong sense of community. Because of its great amenities, convenient transportation, and active social scene, the region draws a diverse population that includes families, students, and young professionals.

13. Selly Oak

Nearby Transport: Selly Oak
Top Places to Visit: Selly Oak Park, Battery Retail Park
Famous For: Europe’s Finest Art Deco Concert Hall 
Nearest Landmarks: Old Joe Clock Tower, Lapworth Museum of Geology
Things to do: Explore the Worcester and Birmingham Canal for walking and cycling.
Student Accommodations: Duncan Smith House, Cadnam Hall, Altura

A vibrant and varied neighbourhood, Selly Oak is situated four miles southwest of Birmingham's downtown. The University of Birmingham is located there, which has a big impact on the lively, young vibe of the neighbourhood. Selly Oak has a range of housing options, including family houses, contemporary buildings, and dorms. There are many parks, good transportation options, and a variety of stores and restaurants in the region. 

Birmingham offers a diverse range of neighbourhoods, each with its own unique charm and character. Whether you're seeking the bustling energy of urban living or the tranquil serenity of suburban life, Birmingham has something for everyone. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and welcoming communities, explore the city's top neighbourhoods and discover your ideal place to call home in this dynamic Southern gem.