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. Let's check out the ten best areas to live in the city. Wish to know more about Birmingham? Watch this comprehensive student guide for Birmingham and explore how the city vibes! So read ahead to discover more!
The 10 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, check out some best places to live in Birmingham. It is driven by a majority of the young population in the vast continent, with around 40% of the people under 25. Here are some of the best places to live in Birmingham:
1. 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
Student Accommodations: Compass, Birmingham; Belgrave View, Birmingham
With the world's largest Primark, Selfridges, and Bullring shopping centres, along with the historic Rugs Market, the city centre 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 safest areas in Birmingham.
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
Student Accommodations: Volume Works, Birmingham, Onyx, Birmingham
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 the safest place to live in Birmingham, UK. From family-run restaurants to privately owned pubs and cocktail bars, the Jewellery Quarter is just minutes from the city centre.
3. Harborne
Nearby Transport: Harborne Railway Station
Top Places to Visit: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Lapworth Museum of Geology
Famous For: Welcoming neighborhood and tasty food
Nearest Landmarks: Cannon Hill Park, Selly Manor Museum
Student Accommodations: Selly Oak Court, Birmingham; 88 Bromsgrove House, Birmingham
Harborne is a foodie's paradise with neighbourhood restaurants such as Harborne Kitchen, The Plow, 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 safest places to live in Birmingham, UK, for families and students seeking a place to live in Birmingham, 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
Student Accommodations: Bridge Street Studios, Birmingham; Chamberlain Place, Birmingham
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 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
Student Accommodations: Altura, Birmingham; Duncan Smith House, Birmingham
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 safest areas 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
Student Accommodations: True Birmingham, Birmingham; iQ Broderick House, Birmingham
Dubbed 'Britain's coolest neighborhood' 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 top 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
Student Accommodations: iQ Studios 51, Birmingham; iQ Penworks House, Birmingham
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 safest place to live in Birmingham, UK, the 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
Student Accommodations: Queens Park House, Coventry; Albany Student Village, Coventry
This area 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
Student Accommodations: Red Queen, Coventry; Corporation Village, Coventry
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. Our partnerships with international giants such as Deloitte and Deutsche Bank and smaller start-ups and technology companies have made Birmingham one of the most desirable places for young professionals to live, network, and work. Birmingham 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 neighborhood
Nearest Landmarks: Villa Park Stadium, Birmingham City University (City Centre Campus)
Student Accommodations: Burges House, Coventry; Mercia Lodge, Coventry
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 safest places to live in Birmingham, UK. Additionally, Bearwood boasts Lightwoods Park, a spacious green area featuring a revamped children's playground, outdoor gym, and skateboard park. The historic 18th-century Warley Woods House in Bearwood now serves as a venue for numerous community events and activities.
In conclusion, Birmingham offers a diverse range of neighborhoods, 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 neighborhoods and discover your ideal place to call home in this dynamic Southern gem.