The Brum blueprint: Your full roadmap to moving to Birmingham

Want to know the perks of moving to Birmingham? It’s time to take your peaky blinders off, as this article answers why many people have been relocating to the West Midlands’ primary city. With its cultural richness, booming economy, entertainment options, and accessibility to various locations, Birmingham can offer you a holistic lifestyle and diverse experiences.

And if you would like some practical advice, this guide also details the best time to move to Birmingham, what to do on your moving day, and other relevant tips to ensure a smooth transition to the Brummie life.

Why are people moving to Birmingham?

Golden hour view of Brookvale Park Lake with vibrant autumn foliage and a quiet suburban landscape (Source: iStock)

Is Birmingham a nice place to live? With its cultural offerings, career prospects, and temperate climate, the city offers a well-rounded lifestyle that many people from across the UK seek.

Lifestyle and culture

Some reasons to move to Birmingham are the abundant options when it comes to leisure and entertainment, shopping experiences, restaurants, events, and green spaces. It boasts of several history-rich sites and museums, as well as a music scene that has made an indelible mark worldwide.

The cultural diversity in Birmingham is also noteworthy; this vibrant and dynamic city of sanctuary is a melting pot of backgrounds, languages, and customs.

Career and job opportunities

Start getting your CV ready if you’re planning to explore exciting careers in Birmingham. There are many job opportunities across different industries, especially in healthcare, education and childcare, hospitality, finance, and engineering.

Additionally, companies like Mondelez (owner of Cadbury), Lloyd Bank, Rolls Royce, and Jaguar Land Rover have their HQs in the city, while BBC, Deutsche Bank, PwC, and Amazon also have a local presence.

Weather and climate

What’s the weather like in Birmingham? Despite its cold, wet winters, the city enjoys pleasant, comfortable summers that many people gravitate toward.

You can get a picture of Birmingham’s seasonal changes through this table:

What should you research before moving to Birmingham?

Row of brick and white rendered homes on a quiet street (Source: iStock)

Here are some things to know before moving to Birmingham so you’ll know what to expect in terms of living and moving costs, your choice of neighbourhood, and your relocation date.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Birmingham, UK, for one person is around £1,751.41 per month, which is slightly higher than the national average of £1,740. Here are some of the monthly expenses that make up most of this ballpark figure:

Neighbourhood options

Still deciding on where to live in Birmingham? Here are some excellent neighbourhood options that might suit your lifestyle and needs:

City Centre

Birmingham’s city centre has everything—from shopping centres, restaurants, and bars to parks, attractions, and excellent transportation links. As a business district with several apartment blocks, it’s also the perfect place for professionals to reside.

Digbeth

Dubbed one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world in 2025 by Timeout, Digbeth is known for its bohemian restaurants and cafes, independent shops, electric nightlife, art spaces, and markets. Formerly the city’s industrial heartland, this charming area is suitable for young professionals, creatives, and students.

Harborne

With a good number of outstanding schools, accessible modes of transportation, and a community atmosphere, Harborne is a solid neighbourhood option if you’re moving with your kids to Birmingham. 

In its busy high street, you can find dining and drinking places, independent shops, grocery stores, and service-oriented establishments. The Harborne Market also makes an appearance every third Saturday of the month. According to The Sunday Times, Harborne is one of the best places to live in the UK.

Brindleyplace

Brindleyplace is a landscaped neighbourhood with an elevated vibe. Having your address in this upscale area means being close to an art gallery and theatre, fitness trails, and exceptional dining establishments and bars by the canal. 

Many young professionals and fresh graduates prefer living in this neighbourhood because it’s home to several office buildings and global businesses.

Best time to move

The best time to relocate to Birmingham depends on several factors, including demand for movers, pricing, and weather conditions. Airtasker data on UK moving activity shows that demand and prices fluctuate noticeably throughout the year, which can directly affect how easy (and affordable) it is to book a removals team.

If your priority is to avoid peak periods and keep costs down, timing your move carefully can make a real difference.

When it comes to the days of the week, the following trends have been observed:

• Sunday: Least popular and cheapest

• Friday: Most popular

• Thursday: Most expensive

If you have flexibility, opting for a midweek or Sunday move outside peak seasons can help reduce costs and make it easier to secure a reliable removals team.

Cost of moving

In Birmingham, the average price of house removals is £444 to £2,220 per bedroom. The cost range can be quite wide, as various factors can affect the total charge, including household size, distance covered, date of relocation, type of coverage purchased, and add-ons.

What should you do on your Birmingham moving day?

Couple sealing moving boxes with tape in their living room during relocation (Source: iStock)

Haven’t fully figured out how to move to Birmingham? This section discusses the steps you must take for a plain-sailing moving day experience.

Strategically coordinate movers and services

If you’re hiring a removals team with a moving van from London to Birmingham (or from another city), make sure the following details are clearly laid out and confirmed: final cost, extra charges, insurance coverage, add-ons, moving vehicle size, and plan Bs in case of accidents or unforeseen situations.

Moreover, as your relocation day approaches, don’t forget to finalise your preferred date and time. Then, disclose difficult access points (such as stairs and narrow halls), parking restrictions and permits, and any heavy appliances or pieces of furniture that require special handling.

Carefully transport your belongings

Ensure the safe transit of your possessions to your new home by packing them securely (fragile items, in particular), lifting heavy objects the right way, and asking for assistance or hiring professionals if needed.

Critically double-check everything

Say goodbye to your old abode by doing at least one comprehensive walkthrough to ensure nothing is inadvertently left behind. It’s also good etiquette to clean the place for the benefit of the next tenant or owner.

And once you arrive at your new place in Birmingham, don’t forget to double-check your belongings to confirm that they have survived the move. Make this process thorough to avoid future inconvenience. For instance, it’s useful to know whether any pieces are missing before you reassemble your furniture.

How do you get settled in Birmingham after moving?

Inside Birmingham’s Great Western Arcade, showcasing classic design and well-known shops (Source: iStock)

Establish your life in Birmingham without a hitch by taking care of these requirements and responsibilities as soon as you can:

Connect your utilities

Try to connect or update these home utilities before your scheduled move to Birmingham:

• Gas and electricity: Contact the relevant network operators (Cadent Gas and National Grid) so you can either choose your energy suppliers (if no connection exists yet) or ask for your providers’ details and update your connection. Some common gas and electricity suppliers in Birmingham are Octopus Energy, British Gas, E.ON Next, and EDF Energy. 

• Water: Create or update your Severn Trent Water account through its online portal. 

• Rubbish collection: Visit the Birmingham City Council website to determine collection schedules or request a new bin. You can also use bin bags as an alternative if your house doesn’t have a bin yet.

• Internet: If your current provider also services Birmingham, you can reach out to them to handle your account’s change of address. However, if you’re switching providers, you can directly contact your preferred broadband company to begin internet setup in your new home.

Update your licences and documents

Various licenses, documents, and accounts must be updated whenever a change of residence takes place. These include the following:

• Council tax account

• Electoral register status

• Driver’s licence

• HMRC account

You should also update your Royal Mail, insurance, bank, online shopping, and subscription accounts to avoid issues in the future.

Secure council-related permits

You may need to seek council permission if you’re planning to do particular kinds of house renovation. Some projects that require approval include doing electrical work (if you reside in a listed building), adding a basement or balcony, and changing windows (if you live in a flat or maisonette).

Ensure your family’s welfare

For your everyday convenience, it’s ideal to have these services and amenities within a short distance from your home:

• Healthcare facilities

• Access to public transportation

• Groceries and shops

• Primary and secondary schools (if you have kids)

• Entertainment options

• Green spaces

Also think of your pet

If you’re moving with your pet to your new place, don’t forget to research relevant service providers near you, such as groomers and boarding facilities, pet supply stores, vet clinics and hospitals, walking paths, and public parks.

Also, check local rules regarding pet ownership, including policies on dogs in parks.

How do you get around in Birmingham?

City centre street in Birmingham with pedestrians and a red double-decker bus in traffic (Source: iStock)

Learn how to navigate around the city easily by reading about the following options for private and public transportation in Birmingham.

By train

National Rail regularly runs regional trains connecting Birmingham’s rail nexus to nearby and distant cities, such as London, Glasgow, Manchester, Cambridge, and Edinburgh. West Midlands Railway, meanwhile, operates locally, with Birmingham New Street Station being the second-busiest stop in the country. Two of the most-used stations in the region—Moor Street and Snow Hill—are also situated within the city.

By tram (West Midlands Metro)

The West Midlands Metro tram network covers several areas across the city, stopping at bus and train interchanges, key streets, and popular neighbourhoods. It also links Birmingham to nearby boroughs (Wolverhampton, Sandwell, and Dudley) and is about to expand to Birmingham Eastside, Solihull, and Brierley Hill.

By bus

There are countless bus routes in Birmingham, with dozens plied by National Express West Midlands. The most popular ones for Brummies are routes 74 and 87 (Birmingham to Dudley), 11C/11A (Birmingham Outer Circle), 50 (Birmingham to Druids Heath), 6 (Birmingham to Solihull), and 9 (Birmingham to Stourbridge).

Single-trip adult tickets start at £3, while five-day and 10-day passes cost £25 and £42, respectively. You can choose from different payment methods, including tapping a Swift PAYG card, using the mTicket app, and buying directly on the bus using cash or contactless payment.

By bike

With various cycling infrastructure and initiatives being put up across Birmingham, using your bike to commute locally has become safer and more efficient. Some improvements include cycle lane installation and the West Midlands Cycle Hire scheme, which is available 24/7. 

For navigation, you can use apps like Google Maps or CycleStreets. You can also check out the Starley Network map for bike trails and towpaths in and near the city.

By private car

If you’re commuting in Birmingham by car, it’s essential to be aware of local traffic rules and conditions. These include the clean air charge within the A4540 Middleway Ring Road, major roadworks and events, and parking spaces. 

If you’ll be regularly driving around the city, especially during peak hours, you should also make a mental note of the busiest roads, including A34, A38, and parts of the Birmingham Ring Road.

By taxi or rideshare

If you want a convenient mode of transport that will take you directly to your destination, a taxi/black cab/hackney carriage or a rideshare service can be your best option. You can hail a black cab anywhere or pick one up at a taxi rank (like the one at Birmingham Airport). Similarly, you can book a rideshare (e.g., Veezu, Uber) wherever you are in the city.

While these rides are generally a safe way to travel at night, note that fares are usually higher during late hours.

On foot

Birmingham’s compact layout and flat topography are two factors that make it a walkable city. You can also find many pedestrian-friendly paths, including walking routes in parks, pedestrian zones, and canal walkways. 

Hence, whether you’re running errands, leaving for work, or going to a restaurant, travelling on foot can be the best mode of transport if your destination is just a short distance away.

By e-scooter

You can rent a Beryl e-scooter if you’re over 18 and have a valid UK driving licence. E-scooters can be used on roads and cycle lanes around the city, but they should only be locked and left within the trial zone. To cater to different commuter needs, both single- and multi-ride passes are available.

What are fun things to do as a new Brummie?

View of Birmingham Canal Navigations with waterside restaurants and people walking along the towpath (Source: iStock)

Experience city life the Brummie way by participating in local events, enjoying the local food scene, visiting cultural spots, and embracing other fun things to do in Birmingham.

Discover Birmingham’s history and culture

You can find an abundance of cultural and historical institutions in Brum, such as Aston Hall, Thinktank Science Museum, Midlands Arts Centre, the Library of Birmingham, and Cadbury World.

Moreover, the city has a number of spots that hark back to its Industrial Revolution heritage, including the Jewellery Quarter and Soho House.

Enjoy the city’s food and drink scene

Whether you’re looking for traditional fares or modern cuisines, dine-in establishments or food delivery places, pubs or cafes, you’ll find that there’s no shortage of excellent food and drinking spots in the city known for its thriving food scene. 

For instance, there’s the Balti Triangle for bowls of balti curry (a Brum original from the '70s), the Digbeth Dining Club’s street food events, and Broad Street’s bars, pubs, and clubs.

Birmingham also has the second-most Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK, with the likes of Opheem (two stars), Simpsons (one star), and Adam’s (one star).

Experience live music and arts

Apart from being a metallurgical mecca during the industrial revolution, Birmingham is considered the birthplace of heavy metal in the 1960s. Brummie bands like Black Sabbath and Judas Priest pioneered and popularised the genre, while the likes of Sacrilege, Godflesh, and Napalm Death drove its evolution. Other well-known music groups with Brum roots include UB40, Duran Duran, and ELO.

To see how the local music landscape has transformed, you can watch live bands and musicians at venues like the O2 Academy, XOYO Birmingham, Devil’s Dog, The Night Owl, and the Rainbow.

The city also has various music halls, theatres, museums, and art spaces, such as the Birmingham Hippodrome (home to the Birmingham Royal Ballet), Symphony Hall, Old Rep Theatre, and Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

Get outdoors in Birmingham’s parks and canals

With more parks than Paris and more miles of canals than Venice, Birmingham is the perfect place for outdoor activity enthusiasts. You can stroll around, hang out, or jog at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Cannon Hill Park, and Sutton Park. 

If you’re a fan of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, a Tolkien walking tour—which includes Moseley Bog and the Shire Country Park—will likely delight you. You can also explore the city’s historic canals by walking, cycling, or taking a boat trip through their length.

Explore local neighbourhoods and markets

Every neighbourhood in Birmingham offers distinctive experiences that suit whatever you fancy on any given day.

Digbeth is home to a host of independent shops, vintage stores, and art spaces, as well as the creative hub that is Custard Factory. Southside, meanwhile, is where the Hippodrome, the colourful Gay Village, and the Asian flavours of Chinatown are located. 

If you are in the mood to go shopping, the city centre’s Bullring and Grand Central will definitely scratch your itch for awesome finds. Other places where you can pick up some goodies and trinkets are the Jewellery Quarter, Kings Heath, and Bournville Artisan Markets.

Join local events and festivals

You can have your pick from several festivals and events regularly taking place in Brum—the Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival, Birmingham Cocktail Weekend, Moseley Folk & Arts Festival, Birmingham Pride, the annual German Christmas markets, Birmingham Film Festival, and many more.

If your interests lie in sports, you’ll be glad to find many internationally renowned sporting venues in the city. Villa Park, one of the oldest football stadiums in Europe, is the home of the storied Aston Villa FC. 

Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr, meanwhile, has hosted various events, including the British Grand Prix and Diamond League competitions. And right in the city centre is Utilita Arena, where major tournaments like the World Indoor Athletics Championships and the BMX World Championships have been held.

Make your Birmingham move a real gem with Airtasker

House removals underway as Taskers load boxes into a truck on a sunny day 

About to begin the Brummie life soon? One way to guarantee a seamless moving experience is to hire experts in house removals in Birmingham. They can assist you with packing boxes and bags, loading your van, and transporting all your belongings safely to your new abode.

If you’ve searched almost everywhere for a relocation team and found no success, look no further, for Airtasker has a roster of removal pros who can help you. Just sign up on the platform and post a task to start reaching out to reliable and skilled movers.

Helpful resources for those moving to Birmingham

Here’s a list of resources that can help solve your moving-related worries and make your transition to Birmingham life free of trouble:

Birmingham City Council - Children, young people and families page

The Birmingham City Council website has various resources for children, young people, and families, including information on schools and learning, family support, and adoption and fostering. The platform also points residents to free city services, such as youth centres and childcare for 2- to 4-year-old children.

NHS - Find a GP page

You can find a Birmingham-based GP by visiting the NHS website’s Find a GP page. By typing in your postcode or clicking the ‘Use your location’ button, you’ll have access to a list of healthcare providers with GPs near you.

National Careers Service

The National Careers Service can help you find success in work by giving tailored career advice, helping you discover skill-development courses and ways to fund them, and posting job listings on its website.

Citizens Advice Birmingham

If you’re experiencing difficulties or issues in terms of work, consumer rights, housing, disabilities, or other matters, Citizens Advice Birmingham can offer you free and confidential guidance and options on how to handle them.

Birmingham Mind

Birmingham Mind provides support to individuals with mental health needs. Some of its programmes include residential care homes, a recovery house, wellbeing hubs, and a daily helpline available from 9 am to 11 pm.