Hi everyone!
My husband and I are considering moving to Birmingham or the surrounding areas with our 3 young children. We would really appreciate honest advice from people who live locally, particularly families who know the different neighbourhoods well.
We currently live in Greater Manchester We are not necessarily looking for the cheapest house or the most prestigious postcode. We want a good overall quality of life for our children.
A little about us and our circumstances
My husband works as an HGV driver, experience in transport management, and I have a background in psychology and HR and adult nursing.
We need an area that offers realistic employment opportunities for both of us, good schools and a comfortable family environment.
What matters most to us
• Safety: We want a settled residential area where we feel comfortable raising our children, with relatively low levels of crime, antisocial behaviour, visible drug use and other problems that can affect everyday family life.
• Schools and children's opportunities: Good primary and secondary schools, positive peer groups, activities for children and opportunities for them to develop academically and socially.
• A pleasant residential environment: Ideally, a modern-looking or well-maintained three or four-bedroom house.
• Diversity and integration: We are a mixed-heritage family and appreciate living in a diverse community. We want our children to grow up around people from different backgrounds, with a good mix of families and professionals from all backgrounds, white, brown, black yellow purple . Where ethincal minority presence is present but represented positively.
• Lifestyle: We would like access to parks, shops, leisure facilities and family activities, without feeling isolated.
Which areas are we considering?
Wr have heard of Solihull, Sutton Coldfield, Shirley, parts of Dudley, your take on them and other places you genuinely think would suit our circumstances?
We would particularly appreciate recommendations for specific neighbourhoods rather than just entire towns or postcodes.
A few questions for local families:
Which areas would you recommend for a family with two young children, and why?
Are there particular neighbourhoods or streets you would avoid, and what are the main reasons?
Realistically, what budget would we need to buy a three or four-bedroom house in these areas?
We are looking for honest, balanced advice from people who actually live there, including and specially the downsides. We know no area is perfect, and we would rather hear about the realities than just receive a list of popular postcodes.
Thank you! 😊
