Thinking about moving to Birmingham? Whether you’re relocating for work, seeking a more affordable alternative to London, or simply looking for a vibrant city with plenty to offer, Birmingham is well worth considering. Below, we’ll explore what makes Birmingham tick – from its thriving economy and cultural scene to transport links, the best areas to live, and how The Self Storage Company can help make your move hassle-free.
Why Is Birmingham So Popular?
Birmingham, affectionately known as ‘Brum’ by locals, is the UK’s second city and one that continues to grow in both reputation and opportunity.Â
The city has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Its skyline has changed dramatically, blue-chip employers like Goldman Sachs and HSBC have opened offices here, and its economy is forecast to outpace the UK average. For anyone seeking city life with prospects, Birmingham delivers.
And here’s a fun fact you’ll hear often: Birmingham has 35 miles of canal, more than Venice. It’s also the birthplace of Cadbury Chocolate, Black Sabbath, and even served as inspiration for places in the Lord of the Rings.
Is Birmingham Affordable Compared to London?
One of the biggest draws of living in Birmingham is how much further your money goes. Despite its recent growth, Birmingham remains significantly cheaper than London – with housing prices in the capital around 170% more expensive.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Birmingham sits at around £650, while renting a house averages approximately £1,000. Utility bills typically range between £90 and £160 per month, and a monthly transport ticket costs around £85. From food and drink to entertainment, you’ll find everyday costs are noticeably lower than in London, making it easier to live comfortably on a budget.
For those earning a good salary, the lifestyle trade-off is compelling. Data shows a 26% year-on-year increase in people earning £70,000 or more choosing to move from London to Birmingham – enjoying more property for their money without compromising on quality of life.
What Are the Best Areas to Live in Birmingham?
Birmingham offers a wide variety of neighbourhoods, each with its own character. Here are some of the most popular areas to consider.
Moseley
A firm favourite among residents, Moseley is filled with Victorian architecture, independent bars, cafes, and plenty of green spaces. It even won the title of ‘best area to live’ in 2015, beating several London suburbs.
Jewellery Quarter
For those who want to be close to the city centre, the Jewellery Quarter offers big city living with a small-town feel. It’s home to a thriving community, independent shops and eateries, and is responsible for roughly 40% of the UK’s jewellery production.
Harborne
This Victorian suburb is a great spot for families, with a number of parks, excellent schools, and stunning period buildings, all within easy reach of the city centre.
Solihull and Shirley
Located a short distance from Birmingham, these suburbs offer the best of both worlds – country living with easy access to the city. Surrounded by parks and home to several highly ranked schools, they’re ideal for families.
Bournville and Edgbaston
These neighbouring areas are more affluent, with generous green spaces and several sporting societies. Edgbaston is also home to the famous cricket ground, which hosts international and domestic matches throughout the year.
Is Birmingham Safe?
Birmingham is generally considered a safe place to live. Like any large city, there are areas with higher reported crime rates (including Handsworth, Lozells, and Ladywood), but much of this doesn’t typically affect everyday residents. Crime rates are broadly low, and there is active law enforcement throughout the city.
What Is There to Do in Birmingham?
There’s no shortage of things to see and do in Birmingham. The city boasts world-class theatre, concerts, and the Birmingham Royal Ballet. The landmark Bullring Shopping Centre is home to over 160 retailers, including one of only four Selfridges stores in the UK, while the Grand Central shopping centre sits right above New Street Station.
Birmingham’s dining scene is exceptional too, with more Michelin-starred restaurants than anywhere else in the UK outside London. From the iconic Balti Triangle to high-end venues like Opheem and Carters of Moseley, there’s something for every palate.
For families, green spaces are plentiful (Birmingham has more parks than Paris) and the famous German Christmas markets draw visitors from across the country each December.
How Well-Connected Is Birmingham?
Sitting in the heart of England, Birmingham boasts excellent transport links. New Street Station has been completely overhauled into a modern travel hub, with trains reaching London in just over an hour. The city’s extensive bus network connects all corners of Birmingham, while Birmingham International Airport offers easy connections to destinations around the globe.
The motorway hub known as Spaghetti Junction links Birmingham to the north, south, east and west of the UK, making it incredibly accessible. In fact, 98% of the UK’s consumer and business markets are within four hours’ travel time.
Is Birmingham Good for Education?
Birmingham is home to over 400 schools, with 81% of Local Authority schools rated good or excellent by Ofsted. For higher education, the city’s five universities (including the University of Birmingham and Aston University) attract over 80,000 students. Impressively, Birmingham has one of the highest graduate retention rates in the country at 41%, contributing to the city’s diverse and youthful population.
Self-Storage Solutions in Birmingham from The Self Storage Company
If you’re planning a move to Birmingham, The Self Storage Company is here to make the transition as smooth as possible. Our self-storage facility in Aston, Birmingham, offers secure, flexible storage solutions perfect for whether you’re between homes, decluttering, or need space for your business stock.
Discover a range of storage units in Birmingham, from compact 10sqft units ideal for a few boxes right up to larger spaces for an entire household. With state-of-the-art security including 24-hour CCTV surveillance and secure key-code entry, you can rest assured your belongings are safe and protected.
We also offer dedicated student storage lockers (ideal for Birmingham’s large student population), along with business storage, office rental, packing supplies and even van hire to make your move easier.
Choose The Self Storage Company in Aston, Birmingham, and receive up to 50% off storage for the first eight weeks. Contact our friendly team today or click ‘Get A Price’ to get started.
