What are the best areas to live in Birmingham?
When moving to a new area, it’s important to choose the one with the features that matter to you.
If you're looking for a peaceful, family-friendly area, Bournville offers leafy streets, excellent schools, and a strong community feel, while Kings Heath has great parks and a suburban vibe with plenty of local amenities. Edgbaston is also ideal for families, with its beautiful homes and green spaces close to the city centre.
For a lively, creative atmosphere, Moseley and Digbeth are fantastic for young professionals. Moseley offers a bohemian vibe with plenty of cafes and bars, while Digbeth has become Birmingham's cultural hub with trendy apartments and artsy spaces.
Selly Oak and Balsall Heath offer more affordable housing with excellent transport links to the city. These areas are perfect for balancing convenience and budget.
If you’re relocating to Birmingham, taking the time to find out what's available nearby and registering for local services before or soon after your move will help you settle in quickly. Here are a few tips to help:
Transport: Getting around in Birmingham
Birmingham boasts a well-connected public transport system, making it easy to navigate the city whether for commuting or a night out. The bus network is extensive, and The West Midlands Metro tram line offers convenient access to key destinations, including the city centre and the Jewellery Quarter. Additionally, the Birmingham Cycling Network promotes cycling with dedicated lanes. The Birmingham New Street station serves as a central rail hub, linking the city to the wider UK rail network. For more details and journey planning, visit TFWM or Visit Birmingham websites.
Education and Schools
Start by researching schools in your new area to find one that suits your child's needs; Birmingham has a wide range of options, from state to independent schools. Once you've selected a school in your catchment area, contact the local council to arrange an in-year transfer or to apply for the next academic year.
Parking and Permits
If you're living in or near the city centre, you’ll need to be aware of residents' zones, pay-and-display options. There is also a clean air zone charge, which starts at £8 a day for cars, is in operation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This covers an area of the city centre within the A4540 Middleway.
Storage Facilities
- Big Yellow Self Storage : Well-known for secure, flexible storage solutions with various unit sizes. Offers 24/7 access, packing materials, and removal services.
- Access Self Storage : With multiple West Midlands locations, Access offers affordable, secure storage with flexible terms with 24-hour surveillance.
- Shurgard Self Storage : Shurgard provides affordable, secure indoor and outdoor storage units with 24/7 access at some locations. There are locations in Oldham and Wolverhampton.
- Storage King : Offers a variety of unit sizes with flexible rental options. Secure 24/7 access and business storage is available at multiple locations across the West Midlands.
Waste and Recycling
One of the best ways to keep moving costs low is to de-clutter before the big day. Items in good condition can be donated to local charity shops, such as the British Heart Foundation, which offers collection for some items. Birmingham City Council also allows you to book a recycling centre appointment and donate your unwanted items. You’ll need to arrange a large item collection for items such as fridges or furniture that's not in a condition to donate.
