A guide to living in West Midlands

Excellent

77.3%

Very Good

16.2%

Average

4.7%

Disappointing

0.9%

Very poor

0.9%

Best places to live in West Midlands

How is ranking calculated?

HomeViews Top Rated Development ranking takes into account the Star Rating and the amount of verified reviews over the past 12 months.

Viewing 1-5 out of 216

Rental Only

Makers Place, B3

By Moda Living

4.99

4.99

(18 reviews)

Makers Place is home to 722 thoughtfully crafted apartments, designed to feel personal, considered and genuinely connected to their surroundings. Set within one of Birmingham’s most storied neighbourhoods, Makers Place puts you right in the rhythm of the Jewellery Quarter – independent cafés and bars, working studios, historic streets, and a strong local community all on your doorstep. This is a walkable, characterful part of the city where creativity and everyday life sit side by side. Life here extends beyond your front door. Residents have access to a bespoke 24-hour gym and studio, private dining room, screening room, library, curated resident lounges, considered co-working spaces and a games room and more – all designed to support how people live, work, gather, and unwind. Through local partnerships, resident events and a warm, hands-on service, Makers Place helps you settle in quickly - not just to an apartment, but to a neighbourhood that feels lived-in, welcoming, and real.
1st

Ranked 1st out of 134 in West Midlands

View development
Rental Only

The Octagon, B3

By Allsop Letting and Management

4.97

4.97

(53 reviews)

A striking architectural statement nestled in a prime location. The Octagon offers a collection of luxury 1,2- and 3-bedroom apartments over 45 floors. Blending timeless elegance with contemporary design. Featuring refined interiors, premium finishes, and exclusive amenities, it offers a sophisticated lifestyle tailored for discerning residents. Every detail reflects luxury, privacy, and comfort at its finest.
2nd

Ranked 2nd out of 134 in West Midlands

View development
Rental Only
Award Winner 2025

The Mercian, B15

By Moda Living

Award winner 2025

4.94

4.94

(751 reviews)

The Mercian offers 481 stunning apartments over 42 storeys. Located on the former site of The Click Club, it is the tallest residential tower in Birmingham. As well as great amenities and views, it offers a 200-metre rooftop running track!
3rd

Ranked 3rd out of 134 in West Midlands

View development
Rental Only
Award Winner 2025

Loudon's Yard, B16

By Moda Living

Award winner 2025

4.9

4.90

(148 reviews)

Our newest neighbourhood in Birmingham - Moda, Loudon's Yard. 398 new homes, beautifully landscaped gardens and state-of-the-art amenities. Located less than a mile from Birmingham city centre. Our neighbourhood sits adjacent to Edgbaston Village... a vibrant retail, leisure and lifestyle district.
4th

Ranked 4th out of 134 in West Midlands

View development
Rental Only
Award Winner 2025

Corkfield, B5

By Native Communities

Award winner 2025

4.85

4.85

(145 reviews)

Corkfield is the place to put down roots, grow and thrive. Designed for those who want to work, live and play all under one roof, we’ve cultivated a vibrant, close-knit community right on the edge of the city. With 375 studio 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, stunning views and a wealth of amenities right on your doorstep. Whether you need room for two, three or a mini-me (on two legs or four) – Corkfield is a community to call your own. The scheme is a stone’s throw from various schools, Queen Elizabeth Hospital and excellent transport links.
5th

Ranked 5th out of 134 in West Midlands

View development

Page 1 of 44

Featured developments in West Midlands

Loading

Latest Reviews in West Midlands

5751 total reviews

Viewing 1-5 out of 5751

Reviews marked with a green tick show tenants whose residency we have been able to verify. Those that could not be verified are marked 'unverified'.

Liu (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Makers Place, B3

Sept 2026

5
5
This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.
5

Very nice building to call home

Liu (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Makers Place, B3

Sept 2026

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Snow Hill station and other transport links are very close, which makes getting around easy. The city centre is also walkable. The area around Makers place is really convenient, with lots of shops and restaurants.

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

I’ve only just moved in, so I haven’t had any problems or issues to raise with the building management yet.

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

Overall, I’m happy with the building and the location.


HomeViews

Hamad (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Makers Place, B3

Sept 2026

5
5
This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.
5

Makers place has lived up to expectations

Hamad (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Makers Place, B3

Sept 2026

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Makers place has everything you need inside the building and just outside. Great selection of shops, quiet area, safe and good transport.

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

The management have been very good and helpful every step of the way

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

You can take a train to London just outside the building. The station is right outside which is very convenient


HomeViews

Katie (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Forum, B5

Sept 2026

Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

5
5
This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.
5

Studio living

Katie (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Forum, B5

Sept 2026

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Living in Chinatown means there’s plenty of restaurants and cafes which means you will never be bored of all the options available because there is so many. Transport links are great as you’re nearby the 45.47, 35, 16 and 80 bus routes as well as others which all take you to different areas. New street station is also a 7-10 minute walk which is a highlight and has been really helpful during my time at the forum. The only downsides are when big events happen there can be a lot of traffic.

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

They have been helpful but there have been some maintenance requests that were not responded to.

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

It would have been helpful to know about the building works that would be going on and the professional end of tenancy cleaning fees (as outlined in the contract).


Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

HomeViews

WyHard (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Hairpin House, B12

Sept 2026

Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

4
4
This is rated 4.00 out of 5.00.
4

Conveniently Located Home

WyHard (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Hairpin House, B12

Sept 2026

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Centrally located with a bus service outside the building that takes you into the city centre within a few minutes, where there are two train stations from which you have access to anywhere in the country. There is also a coach station nearby that will take you directly to Birmingham, Heathrow and Gatwick airports. While there are 2 corner shops in the area, needs a supermarket. It desperately needs visitor parking.

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

Requests are dealt with in a timely manner, especially by the Property Manager.

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

I can't think of anything at present. I really enjoyed living at Hairpin.


Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

HomeViews

Yianna (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Elliott's Yard, CV1

Sept 2026

Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

5
5
This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.
5

Friendly staff and modern apartments

Yianna (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Elliott's Yard, CV1

Sept 2026

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Close to the train station (about 15 min walk). However there can be a lot of traffic noise depending on which side of the building you are. But with closed windows the noise levels from outside are low.

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

Always responded within a few hours. Work was completed within a few working days.

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

How quickly the hot water runs out when you are in the shower.


Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

HomeViews

Page 1 of 1151

These reviews are the subjective opinion of a HomeViews user and not of HomeViews

Useful articles