There are lots of incredible places to live in the UK; from picture-perfect villages to vibrant cities. In this article, we’ll be shining a spotlight on the Midlands and sharing 10 reasons why it’s a great place to move to.
If you’ve never considered moving to the Midlands, now may be the time to give the region a second look. A Birmingham, Leicester, or Loughborough law firm could be just what you need to get on the property ladder in the area. But why is it such a great place to live?
From vibrant cities to quaint villages, there’s plenty on offer here. In this article, we’re sharing 10 reasons why the Midlands is a great place to move to.
1. Culture
Earlier this year, Birmingham was host to the prestigious Commonwealth Games, during which visitors from across the globe flocked to the city in the West Midlands to enjoy the event. Birmingham was chosen as the host due to its reputation as one of the cultural centres of the UK.
That’s not all, though. Attractions in Birmingham include the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, the Birmingham Royal Ballet, and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
For lovers of literature, Stratford Upon Avon is the birthplace of William Shakespeare and is filled with beautiful architecture and stunning scenery.
2. Cost of living
Even within its cities, property prices in the Midlands tend to be significantly lower than in other regions such as London or Manchester. The average house price in the Midlands is around £231,300, in comparison to £523,666 in London. In addition to house prices, the Midlands also tends to enjoy a lower cost of living in general compared to other major cities within the UK.
3. Areas of outstanding beauty
While the Midlands is home to some fantastic cities, it also boasts some of the most beautiful countrysides in the UK, including the stunning Peak District National Park. Nature lovers can do no better than to move to this incredible part of the world which features charming villages such as Bakewell and Castleton, and unique scenery such as Curbar Edge and the Dragon’s Back.
4. Diversity
The Midlands is known for being one of the most diverse regions of the country and features strong Asian and Polish communities. This is particularly the case within towns and cities such as Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Coventry.
5. Employment
Employment in the Midlands, particularly the West Midlands, is plentiful, with an employment rate of 69%. The region is home to some major employers, including Boots UK Ltd (40,088 employees), the NHS (126,000 employees) and Walkers Crisps.
6. Transport
The Midlands has an excellent network of road and rail links, making travel between UK towns and cities really easy. It also boasts Birmingham International Airport, which is known to be one of the best – and cheapest – UK airports to fly from; saving you a bit of cash on your holidays.
7. Education
The Midlands has some outstanding high schools, particularly in and around Bromsgrove where Aston Fields Middle School and South Bromsgrove High are particularly sought after by parents.
The Midlands also boasts some great universities, including Loughborough University, Aston University and the University of Warwick. The Midlands also has a number of highly regarded private schools.
Loughborough and Warwick universities have produced some of the UK’s finest talents including Sting, Paula Radcliffe, Germaine Greer and Sir Clive Woodward.
8. Restaurants
The Midlands is a foodie’s paradise, as it is home to a number of Michelin-starred restaurants, including Peel’s in Hampton in Arden, Toff’s in Solihull, and Birmingham’s Purnell’s.
Diversity plays a big part in nightlife in the Midlands, meaning that there is literally something for everyone. The Midlands also boasts some outstanding bars and nightclubs, as well as arenas and venues featuring live music from some of the world’s top artists.
9. Society
The Midlands is one of the friendliest and most social regions of the UK. People in this area tend to be extremely friendly and welcoming to outsiders. All religions are also catered for in the Midlands, and there are a great number of mosques in the region, including 200 just in Birmingham.
So, whatever your culture or religion, the Midlands offers plenty of opportunities for socialising because of this.
10. Crime
As with any part of the country, you can expect a relatively high rate of crime in Midlands cities, such as Birmingham and Wolverhampton. These areas do unfortunately have fairly high rates of violent and sexual crimes, as well as burglary and drug-related crime.
However, there are also some towns in the Midlands which enjoy extremely low rates of crime, including Henley-in-Arden, Church Stretton and Brosely, making them great places for families.
Think You Want to Move to the Midlands?
Choosing to move to a different part of the country can be daunting, but newcomers have been assured a warm welcome in the Midlands.
While some films and TV programs, such as Peaky Blinders, may depict the Midlands as being somewhat bleak, this is far from the truth. The modern Midlands is a thriving part of the country with lots to offer in terms of culture, nightlife, and places of national interest.
The Midlands also offers affordable housing and excellent schools and universities, making it ideal for families. Whether you choose the dynamic city of Birmingham or an idyllic village such as Alvechurch, the Midlands is a great place to move to whatever your age, culture or background.
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