Your guide to living in Birmingham
Ah, Birmingham. Or as some might say, ‘Brum.’ As the UK’s second largest city after London, Birmingham is bursting at the seams with people, culture, food, architecture, sport… we could go on. With 5 universities (yes, 5!) and a huge number of schools, Birmingham has the youngest population in Europe, with almost half (45.7%) under 30. The city itself is a multicultural hub, with a thriving commerce and industrial scene, so this is the place for both learning and working. A burgeoning food scene and shopping centre makes it a social hub for endless excitement and Edgbaston, one of the UK’s biggest cricket grounds, attracts cricket fans from around the world. Have we sold you yet?
Where is it?
Birmingham is located in the West Midlands. Hop on a train at Birmingham New Street and you’ll get to London in just under 2 hours! Birmingham itself is made up of several neighbourhoods and areas, some of the most popular to live in include Digbeth, Edgbaston, Brindleyplace, Selly Oak, Jewellery Quarter, Moseley and Solihull, each with their own character which makes Birmingham so diverse and cool.
What’s the transport like?
You’re spoilt for choice when travelling round the city – with buses, trams and trains galore! Known as the home of the UK rail network, Birmingham New Street Station is the main railway station in the city with links to cities and towns up and down the country. Birmingham Moor Street and Birmingham Snow Hill are the city’s second and third largest stations, all located within the city centre for great accessibility. Midland Metro is Birmingham’s local tram service consisting of one single line operating between Birmingham and Wolverhampton.
Where do the locals go?
Parks: Even with its industrial reputation, Birmingham has an abundance of green spaces… almost 600 in fact, totalling over 3,500 hectares, which is more than any other equivalent sized European city. Head to Sutton Park, located just 6 miles north of the city centre, which boasts lakes, woodlands, marshes and wildlife. Or visit Lickey Hills for a wholesome stroll with scenic views of the city.
Events & Activities: Birmingham is home to not one but two arenas, the Utilita Arena and Resorts World Arena, where you can find some of the world’s best talent performing in the city all year round. The Edgbaston Cricket Ground is where you’ll find sport lovers sipping pints during the summer months. For something a little more educational, check out the UK’s largest public library at the Birmingham Library or soak up some history and culture at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. And during the festive period, Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market is THE place to be. This authentic German market sells gifts, along with delicious food and drink to get into the festive spirit. Pass the Bratwurst!
Restaurants: For all you foodies, this one’s for you! With more Michelin stars than any other UK city outside London, the food scene is mega. A multicultural city comes with multicultural cuisines! Head to independent pizzeria OTTO for delicious wood-fired pizzas with a range of toppings – from white mushrooms and truffle oil to nduja and honey. Birmingham is famous for its Indian and Pakistani cuisine, with the classics Butter Chicken and Balti believed to have both originated there. Want to splash the cash? Folium is one of Birmingham’s many top Michelin starred restaurants, nestled away in the Jewellery Quarter and serving up exquisite dishes using seasonal and sustainable ingredients.
Pubs: Gin lover? Try The Distillery, a warehouse with a canalside beer garden for day drinking – they offer 40 different gins too. For slightly more upmarket cocktail consumption check out The Lost & Found, serving up delicious botanical cocktails. The large, pillared room is embellished with hanging plants, a brass bar and a spectacular spiral staircase, oh and keep your eyes peeled for the hidden bar behind the bookcase…
Coffee shops: Located in Piccadilly Arcade, Faculty Coffee has some of the best coffee around. Medicine Bakery on New Street is the place to go for coffee and brunch! Extra points for their bread, cakes, pastries and sandwiches too, we could go on…
Shops: The Bull Ring – the city’s main shopping hub – has not one, but two HUGE shopping centres with over 200 shops between them. The newest mall, Grand Central, sits above New Street Station. The other mall, the rather futuristic looking Bullring, also offers high-street shops and designer brands, so no matter how your bank balance is looking, there will be something for you.
What’s it famous for?
Cadbury’s chocolate actually originated in Birmingham, and the city is also home to the famous Cadbury World, attracting chocolate lovers from near and far! Birmingham is also the backdrop and inspiration for the hit BBC TV series Peaky Blinders, and many of the locations in the iconic Lord of the Rings series were inspired by locations in Birmingham, with the author JRR Tolkien growing up just south-east of the city. And lastly, Birmingham has 35 miles of canals which is more mileage than Venice! Mad.
Want to know the average room rent for Birmingham, and other UK towns and cities? Check out our latest guide here!