The best places to live in the West Midlands have been named based on affordability, great schools and brilliant things to do.
Lifestyle magazine Muddy Stilettos has announced its annual report on the UK's best places to live.
These are the neighbourhoods in Brum offer the best value for families after exploring house prices, places to eat and shop, nearby attractions and culture and community.
It includes Solihull, Harborne, the Jewellery Quarter, Digbeth, Earlsdon and Stirchley with house prices starting from just £180,000.
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A spokeswoman for Muddy Stilettos said: "It may have been the beating heart of the industrial revolution but there’s more to the West Midlands than just factories and manufacturing.
"Think idyllic rolling countryside alongside bustling cities with some of the UK’s top bars and restaurants."
1. Jewellery Quarter
The Jewellery Quarter takes the trophy of the top place to live in Birmingham, largely thanks to the fact it is still very affordable - but definitely on the rise.
An average flat cost around £220,000 over the past year, according to Rightmove with stylish one-beds and lofts in converted factories starting from just £180,000.
A Muddy Stilettos spokeswoman said: "This historic neighbourhood is now one of the country’s most desirable places to live.
"From Michelin star restaurants to quirky museums, listed buildings and cool cocktail bars, it’s just minutes away from the city centre with its own dedicated Midlands Metro tram stop and regular buses."
2. Digbeth
Digbeth was named as one of the 'coolest neighbourhoods in Britain’ in 2025 by the Sunday Times and a Muddy Stilettos expert reckons it is the second best place to live in Birmingham
She said: "It’s official – B9 is the coolest neighbourhood in Britain, and it’s not just us saying it.
"Various regeneration schemes have seen Digbeth transformed from the city’s industrial heartland into this bohemian quarter, with a buzzy clubbing culture on its doorstep, independent businesses and bold street art."
Average house prices in Digbeth came in at around £250,199 in the past 12 months.
3. Earlsdon
The third favourite choice for the West Midlands is Earlsdon in Coventry.
Home to two top UK universities, Coventry and the University of Warwick, this is described as a 'vibrant, multicultural and youthful city'.
House prices went for an average of £266,035 over the last year, according to Rightmove, making it an affordable option that's only a half hour commute from Birmingham.
A Muddy Stilettos spokesman said: "One of the most scenic (and prestigious) tree-lined avenues – Kenilworth Road – is within walking distance to the University of Warwick campus, close to Earlsdon, with a dedicated cycle-path.
"The train station, city centre and War Memorial Park (which hosts Godiva Festival each year) are also in close proximity."
4. Edgbaston
Edgbaston is described as a leafy suburb that feels a 'world away' from busy central Birmingham despite being only a couple of miles down the road.
For this reason, you'll pay a bit more for property here. House prices went for an average of £361,488 over the past year.
A Muddy Stilettos spokesman said: "It might be home to international sporting venues Edgbaston Cricket Club and the historic Edgbaston Priory Club but there’s more to this part of Brum than its sporting heritage.
"It’s also home to some beautiful botanical gardens, multiple top-rated schools, Michelin-starred restaurants aplenty, two universities and is just a stone’s throw from the city centre."
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5. Harborne
Harborne makes it to fifth spot on the list, thanks to its thriving foodie scene, good schools and wealth of things to do here.
And it's slightly cheaper than Edgbaston if you find the right house. Property prices went for an average of £323,753 in Harborne over the past year, according to Rightmove, with most sales being terraces and flats.
A Muddy Stilettos spokesman said: "Next to green Bournville with its Quaker roots and prim and proper Edgbaston, sits Harborne.
"It’s a bit more of the cool sister, and while it might not be as pretty as its gentrified neighbours, it's up and coming and there’s no shortage of things to do here – particularly if you’re a foodie.
"Some of Brum’s best restaurants sit in this neighbourhood."
6. Kings Heath
'Brimming with café culture, independent shops and awesome markets', Kings Heath is named as the sixth best place to live.
Here, your mortgage is likely to go further than in Harborne and Edgbaston with average house prices costing £278,111 in the last 12 months.
A Muddy Stilettos spokesman said: "This up-and-coming Brummie suburb is known for its vibrant atmosphere, independent shops and restaurant, busy high street, and diverse community – what’s not to like?
"Residents heavily support local which is why most of the businesses here are great indies.
"There’s plenty of events from wine tastings to music nights. There’s annual festivals from art to street food, comedy and beer."
7. Solihull
With its popular green spaces, great amenities, outstanding schools and easy transport links, Solihull is described as 'one of the UK’s most desirable postcodes', according to the Muddy Stilettos expert.
She said: "Peace and quiet with a splash of style. Despite its polished image, Solihull feels anything but pretentious.
"With its blend of leafy suburbs, top-rated schools, and a strong sense of community, it offers the best of both town and country living, attracting everyone from families to young professionals.
"There’s a vibrant town centre, indie boutiques, and a brilliant foodie scene, and that’s before we get onto farmers’ markets, village festivals, and cracking theatre."
House prices went for an average of £326,000 in the past year in Solihull, depending on the type of property bought.
8. Stirchley
Stirchley is a small tight-knit community that's home to award-winning bars, top eateries and microbreweries.
Overall average house prices were £252,512 over the last year with most sales being terraced properties.
A Muddy Stilettos spokesman said: "This small but mighty urban high street is one of the most happening neighbourhoods in Brum.
"From the winner of the Michelin Young Chef Award for 2025 to a booming craft beer trade and one of the UK’s Top 50 cocktail bars, it’s a haven for independent businesses.
"It also has a tight knit community of just over 10,000 people hosting everything from cinema nights to fitness classes in the former Edwardian baths."
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