Birmingham

Birmingham is located in the West Midlands in the heart of England. Often described as England’s second city it is a hub of business, tourism and importantly – is home to Cadburys dairy chocolate. Our Birmingham Area Guide looks at the residential regions of the city centre. These areas can be broken down into several quarters and are currently undergoing some exciting regeneration. As well as this, it explores the best places to live in Birmingham and reviews from residents who own or rent in Birmingham.

Birmingham residents, or Brummies, provide a welcoming home to new visitors and old. Birmingham’s history is built on its industrial power and majestic waterways, music, shopping and culture.

4.82
Average Location Score

Excellent

84%

Very Good

12%

Average

3%

Disappointing

1%

Very Poor

0%

Best places to live in Birmingham

HomeViews Top Rated Development ranking takes into account the Star Rating and HomeViews Transparency Rating of every development in the area

New flats behind a train line

Getting Around Birmingham

Birmingham city is very much at the heart of the UK. It thrives off links to all the major motorways with links to the M5, M6, M40 and M42 via the Spaghetti Junction. As a transport hub with national bus and train links and a smart new tram system, Birmingham is easily connected to the rest of the UK. Also, Birmingham’s Finance district highest number of insurance and finance businesses outside of London. With a number of luxury offices with restaurants, cafés or commercial outlets there are also a growing number of residential apartments.

Old canal building in front of Office blocks in Birmingham, West Midlands

The Jewellery Quarter

The Jewellery Quarter dates back over 250 years and is home to more than 500 jewellery retailers making it one of the largest concentrations of jewellery businesses in Europe. The JQ, as it’s known locally, is home to bars, independent restaurants and creative businesses. The Jewellery Quarter home to Islington Gates and Regency Place is often described as the perfect place to work, rest and play.

 

“Close to the city centre and canal side. Love the view.” Anon, Verified Resident of Islington Gates

East Side

Birmingham’s East Side is undergoing some of the most active redevelopment. A number of parks, office buildings and luxury apartments are being built whilst incorporating some of its old charm. As well as this, the Hs2 link offering fast speed connections to London will be arriving into Curzon Street Station. Not far from the Bullring shopping centre is Digbeth, also known as the Irish Quarter and Birmingham’s creative district. With galleries, music venues, and independent shops, this area of Birmingham is home to the famous Custard Factory.

Birmingham's new library

China Town

China Town, more formally known as Southside, perfectly sums up much of Birmingham multi-cultural charm. With clubs, shops, residential apartments like Madison House and The Forum as well as a multitude of restaurant. Also, this area incorporates The gay village, Chinese quarter and Hippodrome theatre.

 

“I think the area is quite fine. As it is close to the city centre, I find it very accessible and convenient to get around. There are also lots of shops and restaurants nearby.” James, Verified Resident of The Forum

The City Centre

If you are, however, looking for canal side living and a huge variety of leisure facilities then the west side of the Birmingham City Centre, home to Liberty Place, is the area for you. The Brindley Place area contains international entertainment centres including: The International Convention Centre, Symphony Hall and Sealife Centre. The Gun Quarter which previously supported the productions of guns now has a number of unconverted buildings ripe for conversion. As such this is an area undergoing a lot of change and is forecasted to be one of the best areas to rent in Birmingham.

 

“Good area, classed as city centre but outside city centre. Close to nice bars and restaurants. Don’t need to use buses or trains you can easily everywhere.” Anon, Verified Resident of Liberty Place

 

You can find out more about living in Birmingham by reading reviews from residents. Click on the developments below to find out more about residents’ experiences and discover great places to rent in Birmingham. Although, if there’s a Birmingham property that you can’t see on HomeViews,  you can add a new listing and leave your review here.

Reviews in Birmingham

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Great Value, Good Team

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Nov 2023

Good – very close to everything, stations, bars etc.

Bad – there can be some noise on the street at night, but only very occasionally and is to be expected living in the centre

Please review your development:

Overall this is a fantastic place to live. Paul, Kishor, Abs, and all of the team here are very friendly and really sort you out. The management side are brilliant, and any issues e.g. plumbing are sorted very quickly. The only small downside to this place is the lift, two lifts are not enough for this size of place, however that is the only short fall. This place is not cheap (£1000+ for a one bed) however given its location, how safe it is, as well as there’s a gym and wifi is included, it is very good value. Would recommend 🙂

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I wish the gym was a little bit bigger, however it’s not bad given that it comes with the building. Wish the lifts were better!

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Rapidly, I had an issue with my toilet and it was fixed the next day.

4
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
4
Value
5
Management
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Great development

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Nov 2023

great location at the city centre- safe and convenient – walking distance to new street, broad street, mailbox..

Please review your development:

great development to live in. the building contains a common room, a nice gym, and a club room which can be booked by residents. the spaces are well looked after and clean. the staff members also host regular activities for residents. staff is very friendly and helpful!

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

i was made aware of all the important things prior to moving in.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

any requests and queries raised were quickly solved.

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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Perfect living in Dandara.

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Nov 2023

Location is perfect, one side of town canals, bars, library, the other full of shops and other entertainment

Please review your development:

Everything is to a high standart, starting with managers, then with helpful concierge team, cleaners, etc. building has its own meeting room, gym facility, free internet, toilets. Dandara team always keeps us busy with weekly/monthly activities. Amazing!

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

We did have a good look at everything, you will find anything according to your needs 😉

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Quick and efficient reaction to any of our needs!!

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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Fantastic

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Nov 2023

Good place, very convenient local area. Just located near city centre. There are many local stores nearby.

Please review your development:

Friendly team. very save and comfortable place to live. The management team are very supportive, and the maintenance team are also friendly and full of empathy. Furnitures are in good quality, just like a real home. EPC rating is also good, it’s not that cold in winter.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

1. view the specific apartment before moving in;
2. professional cleaning service.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

The management team quickly respond to any problems.

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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