Is Birmingham a nice city to live in?

Question

We're moving. My wife and I are wedding photographers and are planning to set up our business in Birmingham. We'd like to live in a nice quiet, safe area with good public transport, cheap housing (if there's such a thing) and things to do/see. Interested in hiking, photography, nature, art and history.

Answer 1

I have lived in Brum all my life and it is not as bad as most of these people have tried to make it sound. Yes like any city it has it's troubles but you'll never get away from that, and the accent isn't that bad but it is very broad if you go to West Brom or Wolverhampton. I live in the Erdington area of Birmingham and most people are very friendly, not the best shopping area but it's not far from places such as Sutton Coldfield, Tamworth, Solihull and the City centre itself. If it is the countryside your looking for then Kingsbury is only 10mins drive and places such as the Belfry.
If you love your history then check out some of the castles in the region Warwick Castle, Kenilworth Castle and Tamworth Castle are just a few. I think that Birmingham would be a great location for your photography business as there are some wonderful venues for weddings such as New Hall, Aston Hall and Moxhull Hall.

Good luck With your business.

Answer 2

Birmingham To Nice

Answer 3

It's almost as bad as London. I moved from Birmingham 14 years ago,to Cornwall and I do not regret it. But there are good parts and bad parts, like any city. I would certainly not move to Mosely, as amy bob suggested, it's one of the worst area's, here are some of the better area's
longbridge,
Solihull,
Bourneville,
To be honest I have run out of options, but if you don't mind travelling a bit, there are some nicer area's just outside Birmingham,
Alvechurch,
Barnt Green,
Hopwood,
Cofton Hackett,
Lickey End,
Bromsgrove
Some parts of Redditch.
But surely, wedding photography is a buisness you could set up anywhere in England, I know there is always a need in Cornwall. Why Birmingham?

Answer 4

I've lived around Birmingham most of my life and to be honest, I can't wait for next year when my husband's job will take us far, far away. The shopping's good but I guess it's like most big cities in that there's always traffic congestion and noise.
Obviously, there are nice areas, depends on what you can afford.
Some parts of Sutton Coldfield, Solihull, Edgbaston, Harborne are very nice but can be pricey.
Sutton Park is the largest privately owned park in Europe, there's plenty of chance to indulge in your hobbies there.
To the south, you could go Bromsgrove way, maybe to the Clent Hills for some hiking and great views.
For cheaper housing, look at areas like Hall Green or Great Barr.

Answer 5

Areas near Sutton Park

Answer 6

hmmm... Moseley is probably the best area. Its quiet, as safe as your going to get in a big city (insurance costs very little there), its close to kings heath where there are lots of buses and a train station. Im not sure about the interests you have.. but I'm sure there are things related to them nearby. The only problem is.. the house prices are a little steep. But maybe there are some cheap houses as well in the area? :-)

Amy

Answer 7

1

Answer 8

Try living just outside of Birmingham, like in Bloxwich. That's where I used to live. It's really nice, and everything you could possibly need is right in the center of town. It's also a really good place for photography. I've gotten some really good nature and still life shots at the park and around town. It's nice =].

Answer 9

Try Kidderminster - approx 17 miles West of Brum - cheap housing (4-bed detached, good area, C/H, under £200,000)
The Town has excellent shopping facilities.
Good countryside - Kingsford and Kinver Edge. Staffs & Worcester canal.
Safer than Brum.

Answer 10

Dream On. A nice place to live in Birmingham is about 50 miles outside the periphery.