Birmingham is the second-largest city in the UK, offering you all the amenities, opportunities, culture, and great infrastructure that you would expect.
Going to live in Birmingham has many advantages, and after years of investment and regeneration, there is certainly plenty to attract people, without the sky-high prices of London or the South East.
There is a diverse range of career opportunities, some great
schools, easy access to all parts of the UK, an International airport right on
your doorstep, and you are surrounded by some beautiful countryside.
In this guide to moving to Birmingham, we will give you plenty of information on which to base your decision on which part of Birmingham to move to.
You may also like to read: The Pros and Cons of Moving to The West Midlands. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of moving to the West Midlands including guides to all the towns and cities around Birmingham.
Should I Move to Birmingham?
The German Christmas Market is one of the many events held each year in Birmingham city.
A Worldwide Quality of Living report by Mercer, as reported on www.birminghammail.co.uk places Birmingham in the top 50 best cities in the world to live.
But what makes Birmingham such a great place to live?
Here are our top 6 reasons why you should move to Birmingham.
Regeneration and investment continue all over Birmingham. The city will only get better and better as new businesses move in, new homes are created, and improved facilities spring up all over the city.
There are over 570 parks and open green spaces in Birmingham, with more recreational parkland than any other city in Europe.
Birmingham offers easy access to not only the UK but overseas. Birmingham’s central location, great rail and road links, a choice of international airports within easy travel, as well as the HS2 rail link, ensures Birmingham will always be a very attractive option to businesses, and therefore work.
Birmingham has a huge range of very good schools and colleges, as well as 5 universities.
With a city full of museums, art galleries, festivals, and events then there is always something of interest going on.
Birmingham offers one of the finest ranges of shops in the UK, from independents to chain stores, the choice and variety are huge.
www.birmingham.gov.uk will give you plenty of useful information about moving to Birmingham.
How Much do Movers Cost?
Save up to 40% on your upcoming move and get a quote from reputable moving experts.
Is it safe to live in Birmingham? Being one of the largest cities in the UK, Birmingham has areas that suffer from above-average levels of crime, and there are certainly areas that you should avoid. Equally, some areas have very little crime.
www.smartertravel.com says that overall Birmingham has a lower crime rate than many UK cities, but lists the areas that are best avoided as:
Lozells
Handsworth
Northfield
Balsall Heath
You may also be interested in reading a poll that was published by www.metro.co.uk which lists the safest and most unsafe cities in the UK.
As you will see there are mixed findings on how safe certain areas of Birmingham are.
Usually, a drive through an area will give you plenty of information to go on, the condition of the homes, general feeling of uneasiness, etc.
Check out social media sites and speak to the local Police if you are unsure of an area you are thinking of moving to.
To see what the latest crime figures are for the specific area you are moving to in Birmingham visit www.police.uk
You may also like to read: Choosing Where to Live. Location, Location, Location. Even living in the same postcode, the actual street you live on can have a huge impact on your experience of living there. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of living on a main road, a cul-de-sac, near shops, schools, rivers, fields, and parks.
What is The Average Property Rental Cost in Birmingham?
There is a diverse range of homes to choose from in Birmingham
The average rental cost of a 1 bedroom home in Birmingham is £985
The average rental cost of a 2-bedroom home in Birmingham is £1,471
The average rental cost of a 3-bedroom home in Birmingham is £1,891
The average rental cost of a 4-bedroom home in Birmingham is £2,242
Average rental data are taken from www.home.co.uk April 2024
Birmingham is not the cheapest place to live but offers much more in quality of life
According to www.numbeo.com, the average monthly costs excluding rent or mortgage repayments are:
A single person on average will need £752.50 pm to cover living costs
A family of 4 on average needs an income of £2,515.90 pm to cover living costs
Cost of Living in Birmingham vs Major UK Cities
According to data from www.expatistan.com, April 2024, here is a comparison of the cost of living in Birmingham with other major UK cities.
You can also use that link to compare the cost of living in Birmingham with where you currently live.
The cost of living in Birmingham is 40% cheaper than London
The cost of living in Birmingham is 4% more expensive than in Manchester
The cost of living in Birmingham is 39% cheaper than in Leeds
The cost of living in Birmingham is 31% cheaper than in Liverpool
The cost of living in Birmingham is 8% more expensive than in York
The cost of living in Birmingham is 29% more expensive than in Leicester
The cost of living in Birmingham is 16% more expensive than in Glasgow
The cost of living in Birmingham is 5% more expensive than in Edinburgh
The cost of living in Birmingham is 11% cheaper than inBristol
The cost of living in Birmingham is 17% more expensive than Plymouth
How Much
Does it Cost to Move to Birmingham?
How Much Does it Cost to Move a 1-2 Bedroom Home to Birmingham?
Obviously, each home move is different, and the only way to get an accurate removal cost estimate is to have a reputable removal company survey your home.
But to give you a rough idea, excluding packing costs, you
can expect to pay on average the following home moving costs when hiring a
professional removal firm to move you to Birmingham.
Moving from London to Birmingham costs an average £1,420
Moving from Manchester to Birmingham costs on average £,1370
Moving from Leeds to Birmingham on average costs £1,420
Moving from Liverpool to Birmingham costs about £1,390
Moving from York to Birmingham costs about £1,445
Moving from Leicester to Birmingham costs about £1,295
Moving from Glasgow to Birmingham costs about £1,605
Moving from Edinburgh to Birmingham costs about £1,710
Moving from Bristol to Birmingham costs about £1,370
Moving from Plymouth to Birmingham on average costs £1,560
On average expect to pay about £275-£475 for a professional packing service for a 1-2 bedroom home.
Bournville is one of the most desirable areas of Birmingham to live in.
Erdington: With great transport links, plenty of local shops, and reasonably priced property Erdington is a good choice to start your search for a new home. This area is particularly popular with first-time buyers. The average property costs £228,857 in Erdington.
Bournville: Home to the famous chocolate factory, Bournville is a very desirable area to live in and is very popular with families because of the great schools and several parks. The average property price is £284,680 in Bornville.
Handsworth Wood: Great transport links, many local shops, a couple of lovely local parks, and plenty of large Victorian homes attract many people to Handsworth Woods. The average property price is £223,477 in Handsworth Wood.
The Jewellery Quarter: Just a few minutes from the city centre, the Jewellery Quarter has some very desirable properties, often being converted from factories and workshops. Locally there are some great bars and restaurants. The average property price is £234,973 in the Jewellery Quarter.
Quinton: A very safe area of Birmingham with plenty of local shops and easy access to Woodgate Valley Country Park. The average property price in Qunitin is £258,946.
You may also like to know: Is Life Better in the Countryside, Suburbs, or the City? There is plenty of choice when it comes to the location of your new home in Birmingham so in this guide, we look at the pros and cons of living in the city, the suburbs, and the countryside.
Which Are The Cheapest, and Most Expensive, Areas to Live in Birmingham?
The Top 3 Cheapest Places to Live in Birmingham
Nechells: The average property price in Nechells is £132,437
Aston, Witton: The average property price in Aston, Witton is £130,050
Lozells: The average property price in Lozells is £144,906
It should also be noted that these areas are also on the
list of areas that have particularly high crime rates.
The 3 Most Expensive Areas of Birmingham to live in
Hockley Heath, Earlswood: Just 12 miles from the centre of Birmingham, Hockley Heath is a lovely village. There are a few pubs and restaurants, a recreation ground with a play area and football pitches and a BMX track. There is easy access to the motorway with the M40 just 2 miles away and the M42 about 3 miles away. The nearest railway station is 2 miles away at Dorridge Station. The Stratford-Upon-Avon Canal runs through the village. Hockley Heath Primary School was ranked the 9th best Primary School in Solihull in 2019. The average property price in this area is £617,040
Knowle: Just on the edge of Birmingham and 3 miles from Solihull is the village of Knowle. With a good range of local stores, a library, and Knowle Park which has tennis courts, a football pitch, and a children’s play area. Knowle is famous for its flight of 5 locks on the Grand Union Canal. There are a couple of schools and many activity clubs within the village. The average property price in Knowle is £645,738
Henley-In-Arden: Henley-in-Arden is about 15 miles outside of Birmingham but well worth the commute. The town is famous for its medieval buildings and churches. There are regular trains from Henley to Birmingham and the M40 is only a couple of miles away. The average property price in Henley-on-Ardenis £435,237
Birmingham is a great place for single people to move to
Are you thinking of moving to Birmingham alone, perhaps as a student or for work? Is Birmingham a good place to live for single people?
Here are some essential things to know when moving to Birmingham as a single person.
Consider renting a room in a shared house, or flat sharing, if you want to save some money, get to know the area, and make instant friends in Birmingham. Useful websites for finding rooms to rent in Birmingham include: www.gumtree.co.uk, www.spareroom.co.uk, and www.nestpick.com
Join local social media groups to find out all the best places to go and learn about living in Birmingham.
Consider volunteering in your spare time, it is a great way to meet new people and help the local community at the same time. www.bvs.org will give you some great ideas.
You may also like to read: Moving to a New City Alone? Yes, You Can! In this guide, we share tips on moving to a new city alone, things to consider, and how to settle into a new city alone.
Moving to Birmingham as a Student
Aston University Student Village
There are some great universities and colleges in Birmingham
with a wide range of subjects which attract people from all over the world to
come and study.
Being so central in the UK, with great transport links,
makes travel to anywhere possible, so popping back to see family and friends is
easy.
Birmingham itself is extremely well set up to cater to the
needs of the 80,000 students who study here.
There is a huge variety of things to see and do. Birmingham is famous for its range and diversity of cafes and restaurants, bars, and clubs.
If culture is your thing then Birmingham has plenty to offer from sporting events to over 40 art galleries, museums, and plenty of heritage.
There are annual festivals such as the Flatpack Film Festival, and regular big-name concerts at the LG Arena and 02 Academy.
And of course, Birmingham has a huge Chocolate Factory, a must-visit whilst you are here.
There is a vast number of nightclubs, bars, and live music venues to cater to every taste and genre.
As for shopping, you will find some of the best stores in the UK here, from chain stores to quirky boutiques and independents.
Local transport is frequent so there is no problem getting into town or out and about.
Which Are the Best Areas for Students to Live in Birmingham?
Selly Oaks: Being so close to the University of Birmingham makes this area very popular with students. Bristol Road is where you will find all the pubs, restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets.
Edgbaston: A great place to base yourself if you attend the Edgbaston campus of BCU.
Bournbrook: Bournbrook completes the students’ triangle as it is known, comprising of Selly Oaks, Edgbaston, and Bournbrook. This area has many fine, largely Victorian and Edwardian properties converted into student lets.
Harborne: Just a 10 walk from the Edgbaston campus, Harborne is a slightly more affluent suburb for those who are looking for long-term digs. There is a good range of pubs and eateries locally.
City Centre: Both
BCU and Aston have campuses in the city centre and you are right in the middle
of all the action, so it is a very desirable place to live. There are many old
office blocks that have been converted to student accommodation which makes
city centre living a more affordable option now.
Moseley: Just a 30-minute bus ride from the city centre, Moseley is a favourite with students. Affordable housing, great local bars and eateries, and a wide range of trendy and unique shops to explore.
Eastside / Digbeth: With great transport links, and many local live music venues, bars, and eateries, this area is very popular with students.
You will find these websites useful if you are looking for
student accommodation in Birmingham:
How many students
study in Birmingham? There are approximately 80,000 students at university
in Birmingham.
What is The Cost of Living For Students in Birmingham?
The University of Birmingham states that you should budget
for the following costs:
On-campus accommodation and meal plan: £7,770 per year
On-campus self-catered: £8,820 per year
Private rental: £7,308 per year
Additionally,you will need to budget about £4,620 per year for things like internet, phone, travel, and clothing.
You may also like to read: Moving into a Shared House. If you are planning on moving into a shared home whilst at university or college you will find this guide invaluable.
Moving to Birmingham With Family
Aston Park and Hall is one of the many beautiful places to visit in Birmingham.
Birmingham offers some wonderful opportunities to live and is a great place to raise a family.
Low crime rates, good schools, plenty of job opportunities,
great transport links, many recreational options, easy access to green and open
spaces, as well as affordable housing are usually at the top of a wish list for
a family looking to relocate.
Birmingham has some lovely suburbs which will offer you all
this and more.
Halesowen: Halesowen is just 7 miles from the city centre and has regular bus services, but no train station. The M5 motorway also runs close by. Great local schools are one of the main reasons families move here. There are 14 primary schools and 3 high schools, and Halesowen College is very well regarded. The Grade 1 listed Leasowes Park is in Halesowen. Expect to pay about £349,877 for a detached house, £198,778 for a terraced home, and around £241,932 for the average semi-detached house.
Bournville: With some excellent local schools, easy access to the city centre and beyond, family-friendly parks, and some beautiful, historic buildings, Bournville is high on the list of many people moving to Birmingham. Bournville has a railway station with services into the city centre, the M42 is a few miles away, and the A38 to Bristol runs close by. The two top schools in Birmingham are in this area, Kings Edwards Camp Hill Boys and Girls Secondary Schools. Expect to pay about £127,638 for a flat, £256,714 for a terraced home, and £308,632 for a semi-detached home. Bournville is not cheap, but it is a beautiful place to live in.
Sutton Coldfield: Always popular with families looking to move to Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield has some of the most expensive homes in the West Midlands. Large detached homes are plentiful here. Detached houses on average sell for £617,499, terraced homes for £233,938, and semi-detached houses for £300,353. With great transport links to the city centre just 7 miles away via bus or train, the M6, M42, and A38 all nearby, it is a popular area with commuters. The schools in the area are highly regarded too. With plenty of green open spaces and great local shops, it is easy to see why it is such a desirable area to move to.
Harborne: Harborne is great if you need quick and easy access to the city centre, the University of Birmingham, or the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The area has great schools, plenty of shops, parks, and plenty of leisure activities. There are five primary schools and four secondary schools in Harborne. Most properties in this area are terraced with an average price of £257,545, semi-detached homes cost an average of £311,112, whilst the average cost of a flat is £150,687.
Read on to find out which are the best schools in Birmingham.
You may also like to read: How to Decide Where to Live Next. In this guide, we suggest 12 things to take into consideration when deciding where to move to next.
Which Are The Best Schools in Birmingham?
There are so many great places to visit with the kids in Birmingham, such as the Botanical Gardens
Top 5 Primary Schools in Birmingham
Little Sutton Primary School, B75 5NL
Cromwell Junior and Infant School, B7 5BA
Lea Forest Primary Academy, B33 9RD
Moor Hall Primary School, B75 6RE
Moseley Church of England Primary School, B13
9EH
Top 5 Secondary Schools in Birmingham
Eden Boys School, B42 2SY
Heartlands Academy, B7 4QR
Al-Hijrah School, B9 4US
St Paul’s School for Girls, B16 9SL
Nishkam High School, B19 2LF
Top 5 Schools for 16-18 year olds Exam Results in Birmingham
Birmingham attracts businesses from all over the world due
to its great transport links and investment.
The city is constantly undergoing development so more and more businesses move into the area regularly, meaning there is a wide and varied range of jobs available in Birmingham and the surrounding areas.
Below you will find job offers ranging from professional to
retail, volunteer to internships.
What Are The Best Ways of Getting Around Birmingham?
Getting around the city is easy. The tram is one of the easiest
Bike: Birmingham has some great traffic-free cycle routes and is an easy city to navigate by bike. There are bike-specific parking bays around the city where you can safely leave your bike. And if you don’t have your own bike but want to try out Birmingham’s great cycle paths you can hire a bike from companies such as Brompton Bike Hire or On Your Bike.
Bus: Public transport is a great way to get around Birmingham as services are frequent, cheap, and will get you just about anywhere. You can find out all you need to know about the buses in Birmingham here.
Train: There are a total of eight local train lines that dissect Birmingham, with connections to just about anywhere in the UK, as well as regular fast services to Birmingham Airport. www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk will give you lots of information about local train services.
Taxi: Taxis in Birmingham are well-regulated and are a convenient and easy way to get about the city.
What is There to Do in Birmingham For Free?
You can spend days walking around the Bullring window shopping
Birmingham has something to satisfy the interests of just about everybody. With so much to see and do here, you will never be bored or short of things to experience. And you will be surprised at just how many great days out can be had without spending a penny.
What Can You Do for Free in Birmingham?
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery: From Egyptian artifacts to local Anglo-Saxon hoards of gold. Visit www.birminghammuseums.org.uk for opening times and more details.
MAC Birmingham: Situated in Cannon Hill Park you will find the MAC. There are works of art, theatre, dance, and music workshops (although these are payable) The first Sunday of every month a craft fair is held, a food market on the last Sunday of the month, and various other food and craft markets throughout the year which are free. Visit www.macbirmingham.co.uk to learn more.
Tolkien Trail: Follow the trail and discover the places in Birmingham that inspired JRR Tolkien to write The Hobbit. Learn more about the trail at www.birminghamupdates.com
Explore Birmingham’s many parks: There are a large number of parks in Birmingham for you to explore and enjoy. www.birminghammail.co.uk lists 36 of the best parks in this surprisingly green city.
Brindley Place: A great place for a leisurely stroll along the canal or to see the many events that are held here throughout the year. Check out www.brindleyplace.com for more information.
The Best of Birmingham
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
With such a huge variety of pubs, clubs, restaurants, and nightlife it will be difficult to know where to explore first. So we have put together this guide to the best of Birmingham to make it easier for you.
Top 5 Restaurants in Birmingham
These are the top 5 rated restaurants in Birmingham as ranked by www.tripadvisor.com
India Cafe Racer, 72 Bristol Street At the Wellington Hotel, Birmingham B5 7AH
www.designmynight.com recommends these 5 nightclubs for a great night out in Birmingham
Lab11, Trent Street B5 5NL
The Night Owl, Lower Trinity Street B9 4AG
Bambu, Wrottesley Street B5 4RT
The Core Club, Sherlock Street B5 6NB
Rosies, Broad Street B1 2HF
You may also like to read: Is Retiring to The City a Good Idea? In this guide, we share 16 reasons why moving to Birmingham in retirement could be a really good idea.
Top Local Birmingham Removal Firms
Finding top-rated local removal companies to move you to Birmingham is an important step to ensure a stress-free home move.
Find a local removal company to move you to Birmingham here.
You may also like to read: How to Pick a Good Removal Company. The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide. It is vitally important to choose your removal company carefully to ensure they will meet all your requirements. In this guide, we take you step by step through the process of finding the best removal firm for your home move.
No doubt you will have many more questions regarding your home move, so be sure to visit our resources section where you will find a wealth of useful information to make your home move to Birmingham easier, cheaper, and safer.
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