How it rates
The latest Land Registry figures suggest that prices are stabilising. There are even signs of a turnaround for the new-build flats in the canalside area, with investors now buying in bulk from developers at discount prices. But regeneration is on hold in some locations. Network Rail has this month shelved plans for two 30-storey towers, part of the £600 million redevelopment of New Street station, and plans for a redevelopment of the Longbridge car plant, which would have created 2,000 homes, may take more than a decade to complete.
Architectural gems
The Bullring shopping centre, pictured, has become the city’s principal landmark. But let’s not forget Birmingham Cathedral, with stained-glass windows by the Pre-Raphaelite painter Sir Edward Burne-Jones, and Aston Hall, a Jacobean stately home.
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Two-bedroom flats at Urban Splash’s redevelopment of the iconic Rotunda building on New Street cost £278,500. (Knight Frank, 0121-200 2220)
Travel
The Gravelly Hill interchange, more famously known as Spaghetti Junction, lies to the north. Birmingham has excellent road and rail links. The M6 to Manchester takes about 1hr 40min; the M1 to London about 2hr 15min. Birmingham International airport has flights to most European holiday destinations.
Quality of life
The city’s appeal lies in its lack of pretension and easy access to green spaces. As one Brummie puts it: “You get the benefits of living in a city without the claustrophobic feel of London.”
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Smartest streets
Edgbaston, home of Warwickshire County Cricket Club, is a leafy, affluent suburb favoured by doctors and wealthy business people. Westfield Road, Farquhar Road and Richmond Hill Road are the three most expensive roads, with detached Georgian and Victorian houses hitting the £2 million mark.
Restaurants
Spoilt for choice. There are about 50 curry houses in the “Balti Triangle” — Itihaas and Lasan are both award-winning restaurants. The Mr Egg caf? is a truckers’ paradise and loved by hungry night owls. Bank Restaurant & Bar is a sophisticated joint, as is the Michelin-starred Purnell’s.
Nightlife
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Broad Street is crammed with bars and dance clubs. The Factory Club is a trendy music venue in the former Bird’s Custard factory. Snobs packs a large indie crowd. The Streets are to perform at the new O2 Academy Birmingham next weekend, and chillseekers relax at Jools Holland’s The Jam House. Harborne and Wolsey are home to a collection of independent gastro-pubs. Cultural highlights include Birmingham Royal Ballet, the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre and the Symphony Hall, while The Electric is the city’s last remaining independent cinema.
Education
There are seven grammar schools. The University of Birmingham is ranked 22nd in The Times Good University Guide 2010.
Working life
Big employers include the university, Birmingham City Council and the NHS.
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Upside
A buzzing, cosmopolitan place with a strong sense of identity.
Downside
It’s not the most beautiful of cities and the gap between the more affluent areas and the rest seems to be widening.