Commonly referred to as England’s second city, Birmingham has evolved from a historic manufacturing hub to a modern and diverse commercial centre. Birmingham is steeped in modern history, as it was right at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution in the 1800s – a legacy that has left its mark on not just the city, but the whole world. Over the years, the city has grown into a dynamic hub that is defined by premier amenities, natural beauty, and a strong sense of community. With world-class galleries, museums, the renowned Cadbury World, and some of the finest attractions in the country, Birmingham is one of England’s most exciting cities.
Birmingham is served by neighbourhoods that offer educational excellence, high-quality recreational facilities, and a family-friendly atmosphere, making it the ideal city for families to thrive in. Its culture and history are reflected in the city’s varied locales, each of which has its unique charm. From busy suburbs to serene areas filled with picturesque parks, Birmingham is an ideal homestead for families.
Read on to unveil some of the best areas for families in Birmingham.
Solihull
Widely considered one of the best areas in Birmingham to raise a family, Solihull is a quiet suburb on the outskirts of the city. The area has a number of impressive educational institutions, including private institutes like Solihull School and creatively-oriented establishments such as the Star-Struck Performing Arts Academy.
Solihull has a village-like charm, complemented by its miscellany of prime amenities and recreational facilities. These include the Bear Grylls Adventure Park, which offers a variety of outdoor adventures, as well as the nearby Umberslade Farm, which is a favourite among families with younger children. There are also large parks like Brueton Park and Malvern Park. Solihull’s rail network is well-connected to both Birmingham and London, which adds to its appeal as a premier family-friendly destination.
In the broader borough of Solihull, the average price of detached homes is around £630,000, while properties in central Solihull fetch around £700,000.
Edgbaston
Considered a gem in suburban Birmingham, there are a number of reasons why Edgbaston excels as a family-centred neighbourhood. With a treasure trove of designer outlets, gastropubs, and international restaurants, it is a vibrant hub of activity. The streets of Edgbaston are lined with stunning Victorian and Edwardian homes, imbuing the neighbourhood with a quaint charm. Numerous leisure destinations dot the neighbourhood – Cannon Hill Park has playgrounds, a boating lake, mini-golf courses, and winding walking trails. The Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park is moments away, giving children an opportunity to learn about endangered species. The Edgbaston Cricket Ground, a prestigious stadium famous for test cricket and T20 matches, is a vital cultural fixture in the area.
The quality of education in Edgbaston is well above average. King Edward’s School, one of the city’s oldest educational institutions, received a rating of ‘Excellent’ in a 2022 ISI inspection. The renowned University of Birmingham is also in the area, ensuring a robust youth culture and a vivacious social scene.
Given the historical nature of many of Edgbaston’s larger properties, the average price for a detached home in the area is around £950,000.
Harborne
Located a mere three miles southwest of the city centre, the Victorian district of Harborne is a popular pick for those moving to Birmingham. Boasting excellent schools, an admirable community spirit, and easy access to the M5, M6, and M40 motorways, the neighbourhood delivers on several fronts. Considered a food-lover’s paradise, Harborne is full of renowned restaurants – some notable ones are Harborne Kitchen, a fine dining hotspot, and Giggling Squid, a Thai restaurant that showcases the very best of East Asian cuisine.
Driven by a strong sense of kinship, the neighbourhood has a wide repertoire of communal events, such as the annual Harborne Carnival – one of the largest street carnivals in the Midlands – and the Harborne Market, held on the third Saturday of every month.
Esteemed elementary schools – such as Harborne Primary with an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating – round off the town as a lovely neighbourhood for families.
Detached family homes in the Harborne area typically sell for £800,000.
Moseley
Moseley is a famously affluent and bohemian suburb in Birmingham.
The colourful atmosphere of the locale is complemented by vast parklands and regal Victorian buildings. Highbury Park was once the site of British Statesman Joseph Chamberlain’s estate, testifying to the region’s rich history. Other entertainment options include a variety of independent cafes, restaurants, and the Midlands Arts Centre, which hosts film screenings, theatre performances, and art exhibitions.
The area has a fine selection of primary and secondary schools, such as the Moseley Primary School and Hall Green Primary School, and nationally-acclaimed establishments like Edgbaston High and King Edward VI Five Ways School.
While the majority of properties sold in Moseley are flats, there are some family homes in the area that cost an average of £330,000.
Digbeth
Digbeth is a relatively new neighbourhood, but the area’s popularity is surging among young families.
Digbeth has traditionally been associated with artists and working professionals, as it is brimming with creative venues and start-ups. However, it has evolved into a holistic homestead for multigenerational families. This transformation has been marked by the construction of new schools and family housing developments, ensuring access to modern living spaces and excellent educational options.
The area is also home to exciting community hubs like the Custard Factory, which regularly hosts events like inventive workshops and food markets. The local Eastside City Park is a brilliant playground for children, besides creating a wonderful picnicking spot with a canal water feature. With its proximity to Birmingham City Centre as well as the upcoming HS2 rail station, Digbeth is a convenient commuter spot as well as an emerging family-centric neighbourhood.
Digbeth’s housing market is populated by apartments, with the average price being around£155,000.
The ongoing regeneration of Birmingham, including the Big City Plan and the Paradise Redevelopment, is set to further enhance its appeal as an attractive destination for families. From the excellent schools of Edgbaston to the kaleidoscopic community of Harborne, these are some of the best areas for families in Birmingham.
